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Charles C. Spann, one of Albuquerque's best-known and most distinguished residents, died at home on April 15, 2000, surrounded by loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Bente; daughter, Susan Latimer and son-in-law, Doug; grandchildren, Kurt and Shannon Latimer, all of Albuquerque; brother, Kenneth and sister-in-law, Jean of Montana and their family. Born in Bassett, Nebraska, in 1917, Charlie received his law degree from the University of Nebraska School of Law, and later joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a successful pursuit which eventually brought him to New Mexico in the 1940's. Here, his continued talents within the Bureau included serving as a key member of the Crime Commission under then-Governor Bruce King. After World War II, Charlie turned his attention to fulltime legal work. Following many years as a highly respected civil-law attorney, he concluded his career with the firm of Spann, Hyer, Hollowwa and Artley. In October, 1999, he was honored with the prestigious State Bar of New Mexico"Century of Achievement" Award. Early on, Charlie founded the $100 Club, a service group dedicated to aiding the families of policemen and firemen injured or killed in the line of duty. He was an enthusiastic participant in state politics and longtime County Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. As one of the original members and investors of The Bank of New Mexico, he spent 16 years as Chairman of the Board. In 1997, he joined a group which developed the New Mexico Bank and Trust Company, remaining active on the Board until his death. A 33rd-Degree Mason, he held memberships in the Scottish Rite Valley of Santa Fe and Montezuma Blue Lodge of Santa Fe. He was a past director of the Jester's Court #24, and a proud Shriner, serving as Chairman of the Legal Committee for the Ballut Abyad Temple. For all his outstanding qualities, Charlie was a modest man, with a rare ability to embrace and cherish every life-experience he encountered, whether great or small. He loved good wine, fine restaurants, visiting exotic corners of the world. But he also loved fishing, tending his garden, walking his dog, and spending precious time at home with his wife, Bente and others close to him. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19th, in the Grande Ballroom of the Ballut Abyad Temple, 6600 Zuni Rd. SE, Albuquerque. A reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Shriner's Hospital in Galveston, Texas, care of Ballut Abyad Temple, 6600 Zuni Rd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
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