AF Chuck Petkovich, born October 14, 1946, in Gallup, New Mexico, passed away surrounded by the people who loved him most. Chuck grew up in Kingman, Arizona and graduated from Kingman High School in 1964. On August 24, 1966, he married Cindy Brim, and together they built a family that he cherished. They raised three children—Shannon Simmons (Mark), John Petkovich (Jodi), and Glynette Price (Don)—who love him deeply and learned from both his strengths and shortcomings.

He has nine grandchildren—Tyler (Amanda), Brooke (Barry), Rachael (Eddie), Ronnie (Katie), Taylor (ReeAnn), Spencer, Tatum, Tiffany (Josh), and Rieley—and he was a proud great-grandfather to Lincoln, Thomas, Harlow, Jackson, Hadlee, Owen, Benson, and Brooks. Each one added joy to his life in a way only grandkids can.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Frank Petkovich and Jessie Petkovich; grandparents John and Janie Taylor; in-laws Carl and Ora Brim; and brother-in-law Ted Brim.

Chuck held jobs over the years that allowed him to use his people skills—he could talk to anyone, charm anyone, and sell just about anything. He earned the prestigious Mr. Tops Award during his time with New England Life Insurance and later entered the real estate appraisal industry and earned his SRA designation.

His happiest moments were simple ones. Chuck loved his dogs, his horses, and being a healer in team roping. The arena was one of the places he came alive. One of his prized possessions was the saddle he won at a roping in northern Arizona. He enjoyed outings with his kids, even if it meant sitting through movies he didn’t understand or wandering the mall pretending he was having a good time. He had a knack for turning everyday moments into stories that the family still laughs about.

Some of the family’s favorite memories include the 2007 Caribbean cruise, full of mishaps, jokes, and “only Chuck” moments; holidays—especially Thanksgiving—which he cherished; the saga of him attempting to get scuba certified; and hunting trips in Colorado that became favorite family stories.

Chuck wasn’t perfect—and he never claimed to be. He was funny, stubborn, caring, protective, charismatic, and unforgettable. He lived life in his own unique way.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and talked about for years to come—with equal parts laughter and tears.