Charles Colgan, National Steeplechase exec, dies at 76

Charles Colgan, a longtime executive vice president of the National Steeplechase Association, died Jan. 2 following a brief illness, according to notices posted in Delaware newspapers. Colgan was 76.

Colgan was associated with the National Steeplechase Association and its predecessor, the National Steeplechase and Hunt Association, for nearly 30 years. He joined the organization in 1971, became the executive secretary in 1976, and retired from the organization in 2000, while still remaining heavily involved in the sport.

Colgan was also the executive director of the Fair Hill International Event in Maryland for 10 years. In 1989, Colgan had overseen the relocation of the NSA’s office from New York to Fair Hill.

Born in Manhattan, Colgan met his future wife, Audrey Walsh, while working at Belmont Park on Long Island. The daughter of a trainer, Walsh was working as an exercise rider at the time. They married in 1963, one year after Colgan graduated from Saint Bonaventure University.

Later, Colgen served two years in the Army before graduating from UNC Chapel Hill Law School in 1969.

Colgan is survived by his wife; his daughters Kerry and Kelly and his son Patrick; a sister, Patricia; and four grandchildren.