Charles "chuck" Kondas

Chuck Kondas passed away unexpectedly after having skied down the Taos mountain that he so loved with his friends on Thursday, February 19, 2015. He was born in 1954 to Rita Kondas McGinnis of Westfield, IN, who survives him and Charles Kondas, Sr., who passed away suddenly in 1967. After attending Central Michigan and Northern Michigan Universities, Chuck traveled the world, first with Capitol Airlines and then Pan American Airways where he was based in Honolulu and New York. It was then that he acquired a passion for airplanes. He subsequently became a private pilot, attended many fly-ins in Ouray, Colorado & elsewhere and the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in in Oshkosh where he attended and gave seminars. He also wrote a book on using automobile engines in kit aircraft and taught underprivileged children about the theory of flight. Chuck also spent every summer since he was born at the familys summer cottage on the shores of Lake Huron in Stokes Bay, Ontario, Canada where he developed his love of the water. He built several different types of boats and at one time lived on his trimarin in Ala Moana Harbor in Honolulu. Chuck built modern log cabin homes in Breckenridge, Colorado, and had just started up a sign business prior to his death. Chuck loved working with the children at the Taos Ski School. In addition to his beloved mother, Chuck is survived by his two sisters, Marcia Baker of Westfield, IN, and Kathy (Gerry) DeMont of Stuart, FL. He is also survived by his two nephews, Bob (Lisa) Baker of Snohomish, Washington, and David (Molly) Baker of Westfield, IN. He was the beloved Great Uncle of Bobby, Alex, Will, and Sarah Baker. Chuck has always loved animals starting with his beloved black and white beagle Wendy and had a way with them.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chuck to your local animal shelter. Chucks wish was to be cremated with his remains to be scattered along his favorite ski run, over his barn on his property near Taos, NM, and over Stokes Bay, Ontario. Chucks family will be planning a ceremony celebrating Chucks life for later this year.