Hugh Ian Cheslin

Hugh Ian Cheslin, (81), of Aurora, Colorado passed away with family members by his side on Monday, April 15, 2024.  He was born in Denver, CO.

In his younger years, Hugh played baseball, made model airplanes, and he was a gifted artist - even creating abstract expressionist paintings with unusual objects such twigs and chocolate syrup which melted when the weather got warm.  Thankfully, he later switched to oil paints and many of us have his masterpieces hanging on our walls.  Hugh owned and customized 1954 Studebaker.  After graduating from East High School in Denver, CO in 1960, he attended Youngstown State in Youngstown, OH and also Western State in Gunnison, CO - both for a bit. 

He was one of Denver's early beatniks and into the folk music scene.  He, along with his wife and children, had starring roles in several short films in the mid-70's and received critical acclaim as he portrayed Superman - saving the day!  

Hugh loved his ice cream, and an early dream was to own his very own Dairy Queen.  But instead had a long history in retail: starting his clothes buyer career at May D and F, then Conrad's Mademoiselle Shop, and later owned two businesses - Stag Shop and Amy's Fashions.  With his brother, they had a shop called Rare Wares and sold many unusual items.  Luckily for us all, the ice cream influence was a major ongoing and continuing family tradition!

Obi Wannosi was known for his dry humor.  Hugh loved playing pinball, Beta movies, collecting stamps and coins, talking politics, watching the ducks on the pond, and spending time on his computer as a flamer.  His sister is known to describe "Hughie" as a nice man, but a little quirky.  When Hugh shook your hand, he always bent his middle finger under and said, "pardon the stub". 

Survived by his three children: son Chris Cheslin (Val Crancer) of Aurora, CO; daughter Amy Cheslin (Stanley Turner) of Aurora, CO; and son David Cheslin of Denver, CO.  Three grandsons: Aiko Cheslin and Dylan Koji-Cheslin of Denver, CO, and Brennen Turner of Aurora, CO; and one granddaughter: Bradleigh Turner of Aurora, CO.  Siblings "the twins": Bonnie Steinfeld (Artie Steinfeld) of Marietta, GA and Barry Cheslin (Kathee McCormack) of Wells Beach, ME.  Long time girlfriend, Janet Russell of Aurora, CO.  Nieces and Nephew: Lisa Davis (Adam Davis; daughter Sophia Bella) of Tarzana, CA; Abby Lett (Jeff Lett; son Trey and daughter Avery) of Woodstock, GA; David Steinfeld of Los Angeles, CA; and Carra Cheslin (Sean Miller) of Wells Beach, ME.  Extended Nieces and Nephew: Brenda Petsche (Mike Petsche) of Watkins, CO; Aron Beatty (Ali Beatty; son – Aiden) of Arvada, CO; Jillian Kasowski (Matt Kasowski; 4 children – Isaiah, Marian, John, and Vivian) of Springfield, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ida (Levy) Cheslin of Atlanta, GA (originally of Denver, CO).  Also, by his ex-wife and good friend, Blythe Cheslin of Aurora, CO.  And of course, his cats Shasta and Smokie.

He will be greatly missed and remembered as a unique individual and loved by his friends and family.  Please, no flowers or donations necessary - bake a batch of a chocolate chip cookies to share with your loved ones instead (he'd insist, remember his 50^th birthday?)!!  

There will be no services held, but a family gathering this summer to scatter his ashes in the Colorado mountains - he chose a location with an iconic view.