He was born in Moab on April 4, 1982, to Charles L. Baughman and Karil M. Kohman. His favorite childhood memories included surfing the ocean waves with his mom, playing baseball, goofing with his sister April, and exploring outside whenever he had the opportunity. Charlie was most often recognized for his authentic kindness, forgiving heart, and consistent offers to help others. His wise-ass and pun-filled sense of humor, intelligence, safety-first attitude, and ingenuity were displayed in everything he did. He had a genuine love for knowledge and enjoyed learning about history, archeology, and a wide variety of natural sciences.
The pure joy and love that Charlie had for the desert inspired many, and his adventurous spirit was happiest when playing outside with his people. He was devoted to protecting the landscape and he had an insatiable urge to explore everywhere neat that caught his eye. He had fun identifying flora and fauna, discussing natural history, and spending time listening to the beautiful sounds of desert silence. Charlie preferred solitude and was passionate about driving his truck, his lady, and his dog deep into the wilderness to hide.
Charlie made use of his love of nature in his professional life, working as a recreation guide, escorting and educating many while hiking around the desert, packing through deep backcountry, or floating down the muddy river. Charlie also worked as a derrick hand in the oil fields, mastering extremely physical and dangerous work, and was a key employee while building several custom homes. From transporting materials up miles of gnarly roads or building at a remote site at 11,600 feet of elevation, Charles was the man to “get ‘er done!”
Charlie was an accomplished boater, and proud to have kayaked the Grand Canyon during high water. While playing disc golf he achieved several impressive hole-in-ones and was an avid mountain and dirt biker who could hang with the best riders through the toughest terrain. Charlie enjoyed being strategic at his many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, canyoneering, climbing, four-wheeling, cribbage, target practice, bowling, learning new languages, wordplay, mechanics, woodworking, designing, tinkering, and fabrication. He preferred to follow rules and was an incredibly loyal and faithful man who believed in authenticity and honesty.
Charles Kenneth Baughman was preceded in death by his treasured mother, Karil; his grandparents, Alice Hampton and Bonnie and Ed Nagorski; and his uncle and cousin, Kevin and Andrew Kohman. He is survived by his cherished dog, Mariposa; his partner, Lacie Markland, who he often thanked for being his “bestest friend ever;” his sister, April Baughman, who he repeatedly proclaimed to be “the best person on the planet;” and his nieces and nephew, Eryn and Matthew Dyer and Madison Spackman, who made him proud every day. He will also be missed greatly by his beloved extended family and a community of friends that he held dear. Charlie will live on in the hearts of the many who love him.
At Charlie’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.You may send condolences to the family at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com.