Charles E. Sereff

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly Sereff of Westminster, CO; son, Scott Sereff (Sara) of Springfield, GA; son, Guy Sereff (Terry) of Brentwood, TN; six grandchildren - Guy, Misty, Elliot, Skylar, Seth, and Cameron; three great-granddaughters - Abby, Lucy, and Eva; and Murphy, his beloved Lhasa Apso, who laid by his side until his very last day.

He was a true Denver Native. His Dad’s name was Paul Denver Sereff and his Mom’s name Pearl Marie Nielson. He graduated from Denver West High School, but it was not easy. He was four months away from graduation, when his mom passed from Breast Cancer at the young age of 38. His grandmother made sure he graduated and this allowed him to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps (flight line electrician). His passion to serve his country. He mastered push-ups and was still doing 99 push ups until his last day.

He lived his life through his passions. He would encourage others to do the same. Some of his many passions were being with his Family, Marine, Master electrician, instructor, fisherman, cars (corvettes and the 57 Chevy), working out, traveling, listening to music, Hollywood movies, breakfast with friends, and enjoying a sundowner margarita.

Longer than TKD, he was a union member for 63 years (Local 68). Proud to be an electrician and he worked at Rocky Flats (Golden, CO) for 16 years. He was a cold war patriot.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Sereff. They were married in Maui and friends became Ohana. Aloha. They traveled to 27 states, 7 countries, and 14 marathons together. C.E. was supportive of her career, graduate school, and running. They created a home and a family; adopted a rescue dog named Murphy Sereff. They traveled throughout Colorado, opened their home to family and friends, and also appreciated the quiet moments together.

He wanted his family to know that he was there for them. He was there for the good times, difficult times, and the sad ones. The Sereff family had the gift of 4 generations. At the start of the year, he selected a special calendar and marked all the birthdays for his family. Cards were always filled with gifts from the heart. He was the most giving person. When attending celebrations, he always took the time to put together a thoughtful gift.

He saved all the family photos and never threw any of them away. They are maintained to preserve the Sereff family history. On his last birthday, December 8, 2021, he called all his grandchildren just to hear their voices and tell them how much he loved them. He had 3 great granddaughters and he cherished the visits. His sons were his pride and joy. He knew that there were times not easy but he did the best he could.

His few regrets - In the last year of his life, he had hoped to see his family together one last time. He so much wanted to make it to his 90th birthday. He was full of life until the very end.

For Taekwon-Do (TKD), he will always be A-9-1 (First American to be a 9th Dan).

No one will be able to complete his journey; he was the first. He wanted to show the full potential of power through the martial arts. He could not have done this without the love, dedication, and support from his students, instructors, and their families.

When instructing, he stood taller and his voice was stronger. He was doing what he loved to do. Each class was never the same. He could see clearly to the back row and stated that the white belts were the most important students. Whether you were at his Dojang, at his camp, instructor’s course, or in another country; his presence was known. He never had a final class since his blue patch represents teaching the spirit of TKD forever. He often shared that he was able to see the world through TKD. He embraced the people and the culture wherever he went.

In Taekwon-Do, we learn the value of respecting your seniors in the student oath. Please take care of your seniors in your family and around you. He witnessed that seniors were being treated as outsiders or being just an “afterthought” in our society. Many do not want to be a burden to their family. Seniors deserve to have a voice, this should never be taken away from them.

He appreciated those that stayed in touch with him by having a cup of coffee, a phone call, a letter/card during the Holidays. He loved the calls on his Birthday but appreciated those that remembered him on ordinary days. He appreciated the students that would let him know that TKD training made a difference in their life especially when going through difficult times.

He visited First Avenue Presbyterian church in Denver, CO as a 13 year old child. Years later, he returned to be a member and he made a difference in this community. People greatly appreciated Chuck’s commitment to the strengthening of neighborhood families by founding the ‘First Ave Saints Taekwon-Do club’ which was a unique family focused activity that welcomed everyone. On a Sunday morning you could find Chuck and his wife Kim sitting at their favorite pew. After worship, he would participate in one of the activities he loved the most, having coffee and telling stories.

Other passions included fishing. He loved fishing with his Dad and taught this to his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing in Colorado, throughout the U.S. and all over the world. Each adventure had a unique story that continued to grow just like the fish.

He believed in keeping his body fit through weight training in which he credited to making it through later health issues. He had a love for music. He favored the 50’s music when driving and was always humming an upbeat tune. He would shout out on the TKD floor, What is here to stay? The answer, “Rock n Roll Sir”. He appreciated the CD that his family made for him to be played during his services.

C.E. was one of the best public speakers ever. He always spoke from the heart. After his talk, he would ask “How did I do Coach”? The answer was always the same, “Amazing”. And then he would smile. He would talk to every single person as if they were the only one in the room. C.E. never rehearsed, never used notes - it was a true gift. His voice was so unique.

As we journey through life,

It's not about the money. The extra hours at work.

It is the unplanned moments with loved ones.

The days where you watch a sunset and just sigh - what a beautiful day.

And you hold onto that memory forever.

It’s what you hold near your heart that lasts.

~Mrs. Kimberly Aspen Sereff, Wife

When I met him at a TKD camp, he apologized for telling his stories. I told him to never apologize for telling your unique stories and later in life encourage him to write them down. His spirit will live on until the last story is told.

Each day you are remembered and asked to “Please come Home” You are missed.

When you are missed and loved by many, You Made A Difference in Life.