Robert Wertheim

Robert Wertheim died of cancer on March 19, 2013 at the age of 80. Bob was born in Porter, New Mexico-a logging camp in the Jemez Mountains-but grew up in Ft. Sumner. His father became a cattle rancher there, and Bob remained actively involved in ranching until his death. He attended the University of New Mexico, earning a B.B.A. degree in finance in 1956. At UNM, he belonged to the Sigma Chi fraternity and was later recognized by the national organization as a Significant Sig. After graduation, he served two years as an officer in the Navy. His career in financial services spanned five decades. In 1976, after working in Minneapolis and Birmingham, he acquired a small mortgage banking company in Albuquerque, Southwest Mortgage. Over the next thirty years, he led its steady development into Charter Bank, which eventually became the largest home-owned financial services provider in New Mexico. He was proud of the unique ways in which Charter was able to serve his beloved home state and contribute to its economic development. He was also proud of, and grateful to, the fine and dedicated people who worked with him at Charter, some for many years. He served on a number of boards, including the New Mexico and Arizona Land Company, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, the UNM Anderson School Alumni Council, the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, and Accion New Mexico, a nonprofit organization that helps emerging small businesses with credit and training. He also chaired a successful capital campaign for Samaritan Counseling Center. He was recognized over the years for important contributions in the business community and for his enthusiastic support of UNM and of local arts and social service organizations. Bob loved engaging with and helping people. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; children Glenn and wife Terri, Kevin and wife Ann, and Helen; grandchildren Laura, Katherine, and Jonathan. Also surviving are two brothers, Jerry and wife Mary Carole, Bill and wife Sandy, as well as several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Silver Avenue at 4th St. SW, on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, P. O. Box 7006, Albuquerque 87194 or Accion New Mexico, 2000 Zearing Ave. NW, Albuquerque 87104.