Charles Lee Barth

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Lee (Chuck) Barth shares the news of his passing on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the age of 68.  He succumbed to complications after enduring a complex, nine-day battle following open-heart surgery.  He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Chuck was born on March 22, 1952, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was the youngest of five children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sol & Ruth Barth; sister, Donna; brother, Don Barth; sister-in-law, Kat Barth; and great-nephew, Brett Rodriguez.  He is survived by his sister, Linda Barth; brother, Jim Barth; niece, Cheri Warren (Kevin); great-nephew, Tyler Rodriguez (Dominique); many cousins; and, of course, Woodstock, Brandy and Pepper.

While in high school, Chuck’s first job was working for Sol’s Pizza, a family-owned business.  After graduating from Del Norte High School in 1970, Chuck attended the University of Albuquerque, and in 1974, received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.  This is where he began his pursuit of what would become an extraordinary career.

Chuck went on to Washington, DC, where he completed training in both Federal Law Enforcement Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Secret Service Executive Protective Service training. Chuck’s real adventure began in 1975, when he served in the Executive Protective Service at the White House protecting Presidents Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter.  In 1976, Chuck became a Secret Service Agent, assigned to the New York field office, where he provided protection for more than 100 dignitaries visiting the U.S.; including, Pope John Paul II, Fidel Castro, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.  Lastly, from 1979 to 1981, Chuck was assigned to former President Richard M. Nixon’s detail in New York City.

Chuck returned home and pursued his Juris Doctor degree at the University of New Mexico, School of Law; graduating in 1985.  He held several different positions until July 1989, when he began his service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney until his retirement in December 2014.  His passion for Criminal Justice was so strong that he decided to teach as well.  As a Professor, he taught “Criminal Justice” at the University of Phoenix, UNM, and CNM.  His students loved him and he was an inspiration to many.

In 2017, until the time of his death, Chuck came out of retirement and served as Bernalillo County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney in D.A. Raul Torrez’s administration.  However, the assignment he was most proud of was that as a certified handler and house-father for “Woodstock,” a Victim Assistance dog for the DAs office.

In Chuck’s personal life, he was a fun-loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  He could always be counted on by his family, including spending the last five years of his life helping with his brother, Jim, who suffered a stroke in 2015.  He enjoyed traveling domestically and abroad; and was, no doubt, the Dallas Cowboy’s number one fan!  You could always count on Chuck to lighten up any situation or circumstance with his hyperbolic humor and quick wit.  And, even though a failing heart took him from this world, his loving heart and bigger-than-life personality leaves behind an undeniable legacy that will never be forgotten.

The Barth family would like to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this most difficult time.  The family also extends their profound thanks to the Presbyterian Cardiology Department, Cardiac Surgical Team, and the Cardiac Critical Care Unit staff for the outstanding care Chuck received.

Family and friends will be invited for a celebration of life gathering at a later date once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: https://assistancedogsofthewest.org