Charles "Chuck" Morris Clark

Charles (“Chuck”) Morris Clark, 72, passed away peacefully at his home on December 8, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. His passing marked the end of his courageous battle with prostate cancer. Chuck was a likable, loyal and caring father, husband, brother, friend and businessman. He was passionate about gardening, traveling, hot air ballooning, cooking and eating delicious food (especially chile!), flying his drone, fly fishing and spending time with his family, friends and schnauzers.

Chuck was born to Bud and Jane Clark on August 9, 1946, in Denver, Colorado. The family soon relocated to Albuquerque after Bud was chosen to open a local Winter-Weiss Co. branch. In 1964, controlling interest was acquired by Bud and the business became Clark Truck Equipment Co. (CTE), which Chuck and his brother Don operated together following Bud’s death in 1973. Together they built upon their father’s legacy of running a successful homegrown business. Chuck attended the University of New Mexico, where he met his wife Patty, with whom he enjoyed 47 wonderful years of marriage before her death in 2015. Before starting a family with Patty, Chuck served in the Navy, where he rose to become a medic and instructor during the Vietnam War-era. Chuck earned his private pilot’s license, and later his hot air balloon pilot’s license. He flew his bright orange and blue “Voyager” with the help his trusty crew for nearly a decade. After hanging up his wings, he served on the Board of Directors for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for 19 years — a community and extended family with which he found great camaraderie, purpose and colorful, fun times.

Chuck is survived by his son Matt Clark; daughter Kitty Clark; and grandchildren Madison and Rowan Clark and Maya Fritz; and his brother Don Clark. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all of Chuck’s doctors and hospice staff. Special recognition goes to Hospice of New Mexico – specifically Carol, Elizabeth, Melanie and John – for the gentle, considerate and professional aid given to Chuck during the latter stage of his illness.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM at St. Chad’s Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson N.E. in Albuquerque, conducted by Father Phillip R. Strange of Wrightwood, California, a lifelong friend of Chuck’s.