Charles S. "Chuck" Lanier

“The Greatest Generation”, a label coined by author Tom Brokaw, refers to those who came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.  In studying this group, Brokaw began to “reflect on the wonders of these ordinary people whose lives were laced with the markings of greatness.”  We gather today to mourn the loss of Charles S. “Chuck” Lanier, a man who exemplified the attributes of the greatest generation, his generation, through service to his family, his home of Albuquerque, and his nation.

Chuck served his nation in the United States Navy from 1943 - 1946, performing tours of duty aboard four aircraft carriers in the South Pacific and serving as the Flag Secretary on a Carrier Division Admiral’s staff.  Following his military service, his support of the United States was personified through his participation as an involved citizen.  While formal accolades were present, such as receiving the title of Honorary Commander from Kirkland Air Force Base, it is his recognition for the role of the citizen that will be most remembered.  Chuck was always current with the latest issues facing our nation.  Visitors to the Lanier home will know that the seat next to Chuck was always open for a conversation, but he seemed to hold special appreciation for discussions on matters of national interest.

The nickname “Mr. Albuquerque” is by no means an overrepresentation of Chuck’s service to the city he held dear.  From managing the University of New Mexico Golf Course to being elected to the Albuquerque City Commission (future City Council), Chuck was constantly involved.  He was President, Board Member, or Chair for more than twenty local organizations or civil entities.  Amongst his numerous honors was the awarding of the State of New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award in 1973.  And yet, while the list of organizations he served is extensive, it is perhaps the timeframe of service that should generate the most notable regard.  His civic contributions to Albuquerque spanned eight decades, beginning in the late 1940’s and continuing through his most recent meeting of the Albuquerque Economic Forum in November of 2019, at the age of 98.  There can be no doubt about the place that Albuquerque held in Chuck’s life, and also no doubt that the UNM Lobos Basketball Team now have the benefit of an avid fan petitioning the Lord above on their behalf.

For all of his civic service, it is Chuck’s five children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and his wife and life-long partner Rita Lanier who will feel his loss most heavily.  Within the family, Chuck could maintain his diplomatic charm and likability, but it was also common to see him discretely raise an eye to those gathered who may have heard his characteristic wit drop an unexpected joke.  For all the natural physical declines that may have occurred with late age, a family gathering always made it clear that it was this gentleman in his 90’s who could keep everyone else slightly off balance with his combination of proper discourse and opportunistic humor.

Rita was with Chuck when he passed on December 20th, as she had been for the past 71 years.  The longevity of their marriage speaks to a love and bond that most will never know, and it sets them in rare company where mere words will not do justice to the life they shared.  After meeting at the Albuquerque Little Theatre where Rita was ushering, they were married on September 4, 1948.  Through the years, their family saw a couple, and it is their shared presence that will linger in memory.  In light of that shared bond, and in recognition that our limited experience cannot allow proper empathy for Rita’s feelings in this loss, let us all remember today to lift Rita in prayer.

We mourn today for what we’ve lost.  Yet let us also remember that each human life leaves an imprint.  Our God allowed Chuck to leave that imprint over the course of a blessed 98 years, and for that we should mourn with gratitude, with appreciation, and with attentiveness to the legacy that remains.  May our sorrow be present and heartfelt, but may we also recognize that his words and example were often a call to our best selves: a call to participate, a call to engage, a call to work with our fellow man, and a call to honor our shared ideals.

Let us join together today in our sadness, our loss, and our mourning for an individual who touched our lives over countless yesterday’s.  Yet let us also honor his memory and celebrate his life, by allowing the example of Charles Lanier to inspire our lives and our current generations towards a better tomorrow.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked any gifts go to a worthwhile community service -  El Ranchito de los Niños in Los Lunas, NM at https://elranchitonm.org/donate/

A private burial will take place on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas NE. with reception to follow.