Charles Rife Hilgartner III, beloved son of Charles Rife (Spook) Hilgartner Jr. and Anne Baetz Hilgartner, passed away on September 17 after a long hard fought battle with cancer. He was 55 years old. Rife was born and raised in Baltimore and spent a large portion of his adult life in Vail, Colorado. He graduated from Boys' Latin School, where he played Varsity Soccer and Varsity Lacrosse. The school and lacrosse program recently awarded Rife with a lifetime "Never Quit" award.
His daughters Quinn and Annie, born and raised in Vail, were his biggest love and being with them brought him the greatest joy.
Rife was an XTerra triathlete competing in the United States and internationally. He was a two-time national champion and competed in the World Championships in Maui. He loved the outdoors, biking, hiking, running, swimming, and snowboarding. He worked as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, inspiring others to reach their physical fitness potential.
Rife is survived by his parents, daughters Quinn and Annie; brother Andy, his wife Shea and their three sons, Matt, Scotty and Jake; brother Peter, his wife Kate and their three sons, Charlie, Hayes and Bennett; and a large extended family.