Ralph Christoffersen Obituary

Ralph "Chris" Christoffersen, 87, of Boulder, Colorado, passed away on September 20, 2025. Chris lived an extraordinary life as a family man, academic, university president, biotechnology CEO, and venture capitalist.

Chris was born in Elgin, IL, and grew up in Chicago with his parents, Mary and Arthur Christoffersen, and his brother Kenneth (Ken). He attended Carl Schurz High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, earning 14 varsity letters, including pole vaulting and speed skating. He was also active in the choir and theater, and was known for joking that he had to skip class because he was "playing piano in the marching band." Chris went on to Cornell College, where he graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. He later earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Nottingham and the University of Iowa.

He met his wife, Barbara, on a blind date when they were graduate students at Indiana University, and they were married on June 10, 1961. Chris and Barbara were married for 64 years and had innumerable adventures around the globe. They made lifelong friends in all the places they lived, including Indiana, Iowa, England, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

Chris held many distinguished roles throughout his career: professor and administrator at the University of Kansas, president of Colorado State University, executive at The Upjohn Company and SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, CEO of Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals, and venture capitalist with Morgenthaler Ventures, Lightstone Ventures, and Viking BioSciences Consulting. In recent years, Chris devoted himself to the arts community in Boulder, supporting organizations such as the Colorado Music Festival and the Takács Quartet. He often joked that he "failed retirement," but in truth, he was a lifelong learner who never stopped pursuing his passions.

Chris was driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation. He was a true Renaissance man, passionately engaged with the arts, music, and theater, while also a thought leader in science and business. He was a devoted family man, always making it a point to attend his children's and grandchildren's events. Chris's heart was focused on generosity and acceptance. He was a true gentleman, with a warm smile, a sense of humor, and an ability to work with others despite differences.

Chris is survived by his wife, Barbara Christoffersen; his son Kirk Christoffersen and his wife Annie; his daughter Rachel Olsen-Towlen and her husband Paul Towlen; his grandchildren Connor Christoffersen and his wife Nadia Albaiz, Bella Christoffersen and her fiance Mackenzie Zais, Emily Winkler, Brynn Olsen, Heidi Olsen, Maxwell Towlen, and Olivia Towlen. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Christoffersen; his brother, Ken Christoffersen and Ken's wife, Patricia.

Chris, Dad, Papa - your legacy will live on in us. You taught us to seek adventure, to give generously, and to leave every place better than we found it. We will think of you fondly when we are skiing down the back bowls, riding our bikes, and in the concert halls where music stirs our hearts. Yet, listening to the Colorado Musical Festival or the Takács Quartet will never be the same without watching you tear up and sway along as they play. Your encouragement will not be forgotten, and we will carry forward your generosity, curiosity, and passion for making the world a better place. Thank you for your inspiration, guidance, and love throughout the years. We were fortunate to call you ours.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 7th, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 345 Mapleton Ave, Boulder, CO 80304, at 3 PM. A reception will immediately follow in the Academy Mapleton Hill Community Hall, located at 2435 Fourth St, Boulder, CO 80304.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Colorado Musical Festival or the Takács Quartet.