Charles Barth

Charles A. Barth, Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado, died after a long illness in his home on October 14th 2014 at age 84. Charles is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise Barth, of Boulder, his 4 children Robert (Christine), John (Jane), Matthew (Kathleen), and Mary (Charles), and his grandchildren Samuel, Nathan, Talia, Torey, David, Darin, Trevor, Alexander, and Katherine. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eleanor. Charles grew up in Philadelphia where he attended Central High School. He received his B.S. in chemistry at Lehigh University. After serving in the Air Force, he earned his Ph.D. from UCLA. From 1958 to 1959 he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bonn, Germany, followed by six years working at the CalTech/NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. From 1965 to 1992 he was the Director of the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and until 2002 a professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. He became Professor Emeritus in 2002. Between 1962 and 2002, Charles was the investigator for numerous experiments studying the Earth and other planets, including Mariners 5, 6, 7, and 9, OGO-2, 4, 5, and 6, Atmosphere Explorer-C and D, the Solar Mesosphere Explorer, the Student Nitric Oxide Experiment, and instruments on Apollo 17, Pioneer Venus, Galileo, and Cassini. He guided the growth of LASP into its current position as the preeminent university laboratory for space and planetary exploration. He especially valued giving undergraduate students their first taste of space and planetary science by allowing them to design, build and operate spacecraft, an experience students at the University of Colorado can still receive. He mentored and inspired many students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists, producing a lasting legacy of friends, colleagues, and outstanding scientists. Charles and Louise met in Los Angeles during his graduate studies, and moved the family to Boulder in 1965. Charles had a great love for the Colorado mountains, hiking and camping with the family as often as possible. He volunteered and worked with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was a thoughtful and kind man, always fascinated by science and technology, always the organizer and leader. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Charles A. Barth Scholarship in Space Research at the University of Colorado to support and inspire future space scientists. More information can be found at http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/about/givingtolasp/ Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences at http://bit.ly/1tusV0N. Respecting Charles' wishes no formal service will be held. His ashes will be scattered in the Colorado mountains. Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.