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Charles Barnhart was a lawyer and engineer who inspired others with his love of community service, his friends and family said today.

"Charles Barnhart was a great Albuquerqean, and he exemplified public service in the city of Albuquerque," Mayor Martin Chavez said.

Barnhart, who served on the City Commission from 1967 to 1971 and was chairman - the equivalent of mayor - for two years, died Thursday after a short illness. He was 85.

Barnhart also served on the Mayor's Citizens Advisory Committee on the San Juan-Chama water project, the Rio Grande Water Assembly, the City Parks and Recreation Commission, the boards of the All Faiths Receiving Home, the Albuquerque Airport Advisory board and other community associations.

Barnhart was born Jan. 9, 1922, in Santa Rosa.

He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1944 and a law degree in 1959.

He met his wife, Kathleen Barnhart, at UNM in the boys and girls dining hall.

"The first time I saw him was in the doorway at the dining hall," she said. "My friend from Carlsbad, said `Oh, look at him' pointing to Charlie. I looked at him, and I was very impressed."

Barnhart had on a purple sweater from Santa Rosa High School with four stripes which meant he played football for four years, his wife remembered.

"I told my friend you can have him because it seems like he doesn't have a brain in his head.' It was later, I found out how smart he was," she said.

Barnhart served in the U.S. Navy in World War II.

He worked as an engineer on projects in Los Alamos and Albuquerque and was a member of the New Mexico Society of Professional Engineers from 1949 to 1965.

In the '70s and '80s, he was a partner and later owner in a number of law firms that bore his name.

Friends and family say it was his love for the community that really shined through in his work.

"He was always doing things for other people even if they didn't know how they were helped," said Joe Barnhart, Barnhart's youngest son. "I sure hope he passed that onto us."

Longtime friend Chuck Lanier said Barnhart's community service started in a big way when he was elected to the City Commission, where he served with Pete Domenici and Harry Kinney.

"He was quite active in community organizations, here and in Elephant Butte," Lanier said. "Charlie had many diverse interests and talents. He had an uncanny ability to use his intelligence in a unselfish manner that benefited others. He was patient and understanding and compassionate."

Charles R. Barnhart, Barnhart's oldest son, said his father was a strong community supporter and community builder because of his roots.

"I think it has to do with the Western ethic where he grew," he said. "He grew up in the ranch country of Santa Rosa. Those type of people are community builders. They try to give back to the community."

Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. N.E.

Services will be held at Friday at 10 a.m. at the mortuary.

Barnhart is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons, Charles R. Barnhart, John Barnhart and Joe Barnhart; his daughter, Amy Richardson Hatch; brother, Roger Barnhart; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mae Barnhart, and brothers Joe and Wayne Barnhart.