Charles Blackwood III

Charles Blackwood III, known to the music world as Charles Montreal, passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. A man of deep rhythm, profound devotion, and a cornerstone of the Denver community, Charles’s life was a masterclass in harmony, both on and off the stage.

A Proud Son of Denver A lifelong resident of Denver, Charles’s journey began at Columbine Elementary School and Morey Junior High. He attended Manual High School and went on to graduate from the Emily Griffith School. Throughout his life, he carried the spirit of his community and the lifelong friendships he forged in the Denver Public Schools with him every day.

The Rhythm of Charles Montreal Music was the heartbeat of Charles’s world. As a gifted conga drummer and multi-instrumentalist, he was the rhythmic soul of the World Peace Jazz Band. He performed under the stage name Charles Montreal—a poignant homage to his mother, Vivian, using her middle name to carry her legacy onto every stage he graced. Charles believed in the power of jazz to bridge divides; his hands on the drums spoke a language of unity, peace, and soul that resonated with everyone who heard him play.

A Legacy of Devotion As an only child, Charles shared an unbreakable and sacred bond with his parents. This devotion was most clearly seen in the selfless care he provided for his mother in her later years. He stepped into the role of caregiver with unwavering love, patience, and grace. His life was a quiet, beautiful echo of the name he took on stage—a living tribute to the woman who gave him his first beat.

Family and Remembrance Charles was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dr. Charles Blackwood Jr., MD, and Vivian (Eldridge) Blackwood, RN.

While he was an only child, his memory and rhythm will be carried on by his loving cousins:
• Michael Atkins (New York, NY)
• Stanley (Atkins) Childrey (Detroit, MI)
• Melvin Atkins (Grand Rapids, MI)
• Rev. Dr. Gina Strain (Morristown, NJ)
• Jane White (Chicago, IL)

In addition to his cousins, Charles will be deeply missed by numerous other relatives, his bandmates in the World Peace Jazz Band, the Denver music community, and the many friends who were moved by his kindness and his groove.

Special Acknowledgments The family wishes to express a deep and special thank you to Dr. Terri Richardson, MD, for her unwavering friendship and support to Charles. Her kindness and professional care were a great comfort to him throughout his journey.

In accordance with Charles’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We imagine him now, congas in hand, reunited with his mother and father, leading the rhythm section in a heavenly session where the music never ends.
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Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Charles’s honor to:
The Charles J. Blackwood, MD, Memorial Scholarship Fund University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus