CO SJM005

Charles R. Duke, former Colorado state Senator and Representative, died on January 26, 2016, at age 73

Duke served as Representative for House District 20 from 1989-1994 and as Senator for Senate District 9 from 1995-1998, focusing on initiative/referendum petitioning, highway prioritization, medical liability, mass transit, water legislation, taxes, technology, and medical care

Duke held degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Arkansas, worked as an instructor at Colorado Technical College and electrical engineer at Hewlett Packard, and was a member of Mensa and Eta Kappa Nu honor society

In 1995, Duke negotiated a peaceful surrender with the Montana Freemen over 81 days, resulting in their surrender to authorities on June 14, 1996

The General Assembly extends condolences to Duke's family and directs that copies of the memorial be sent to his son Brian Duke and cousin James Duke