Charlie Tuffield laid bricks for homes, churches and firehouses, and even did stonework at the Denver Zoo.
But at night he called square dances, sometimes seven days a week.
Tuffield, who died Feb. 8 at age 89, called square dances for more than 65 years and was considered one of the longest active callers in the state, said his daughter Jackie Lewis of Denver.
Tuffield bragged that he had “raised seven children” by calling square dances, adding to his bricklaying income.
About 15 years ago, he bought each of his children bear outfits — all different Disney characters — and took them to Children’s Hospital and other care facilities to entertain patients.
Even some of the grandchildren and other family members are dancing bears, Lewis said.
Her father spent $600 on each costume — at a time when he really needed to buy a new car.
“He said he was sure the dancing bears (which he called the Square Bear) would be a lot more entertaining to more people than a new car,” Lewis said.
Tuffield started as an accordionist for the dancers, but one night the scheduled caller didn’t show up, so he stepped in, Lewis said. He had no training but seemed to be a natural, she said.
Tuffield’s wife, Jerry, also an accordionist, provided the music most of the nights he called.
Both Charlie and Jerry Tuffield liked to dance — square or round.
“They were both wonderful dancers, and my dad could make any partner look really, really good,” Lewis said.
Charlie Tuffield called dances at Elitch Gardens, Civic Center, local festivals and dozens of individual square dance clubs. “He called for about 400 dancers a week,” Lewis said.
He also helped the University of Colorado and University of Northern Colorado set up square-dance programs in the 1970s.
He called his final square dance last year.
Charles A. Tuffield was born in Denver on Dec. 12, 1921, and graduated from St. Frances de Sales High School. He served on a Navy blimp crew during World War II and was stationed at Tillamook Naval Base in Oregon.
He married Jerry Wenzinger on June 30, 1943.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Charlie Tuffield is survived by three other daughters: Barbara Kirchner of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Theresa Tuck and Jerry Walker, both of Denver; three sons: Charles Tuffield of Denver, James Tuffield of Morrison and John Tuffield of Englewood; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Virginia Culver: 303-954-1223 or vculver@denverpost.com
