Charles Gordon Libby, was born on September 8th, 1937 to Leutine McPesk and Frank Libby of Kelso, Washington.

He came from a very large family. Both parents married, divorced, and remarried three times. As a result, he had many siblings. Nine Total; There was Charles, Phyllis, Linda, Susie, Gary, James, Janet, Mary Lou, and Matthew.

Charles loved nature. He loved rocks, roses, and ducks, but his greatest love that brought him the greatest joy was family. He has three children; Wendy Baker, Claire Jones, and Sandra Johnson; Six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

He held several jobs in his life. He worked in a saw mill in Washington State to help pay for college. He worked as a deputy sheriff and even a bartender at one time.

He loved music and recalls many times as a child sitting in a dark theater, listening to “Mother” playing the piano, accompanying silent movies. He enjoyed exploring the beauty of Washington; its beaches, rivers, and forests with his sister, Phyllis.

Charlie’s professional career began in the field of education. He graduated from Central Washington University in 1960 with a Bachelors, and in 1965 with a Master’s in Education, focusing on differentiated education. He worked as an elementary classroom teacher, principal, and administrator for 25 years. His favorite grade to teach was fifth grade (Yes! He was smarter than a fifth grader).

Later, Charles developed an alternative high school for incarcerated felon teenagers. The decision to become a substance abuse counselor was made during his last teaching position, when it became clear to Charlie that the children in his classroom manifested all of the same dysfunctional problems he had to deal with when he grew up. The realization led to the change he made in his choice of careers. In November of 1991, he entered a substance abuse counselor training program, specializing in family and children.

In 2004, Charlie received a license as a substance abuse counselor. He has been in private practice for 20 years, working at Hillside Treatment Center and West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, and developed the substance abuse family program and created New Beginnings, an elementary school for children with dysfunctional behaviors or learning difficulties.

He also worked at Prescott House, a residential treatment center for men, and was a primary therapist and program developer.

While the world was recovering from the 250th birthday celebration of American, Charlie went to his final home to receive his reward, quietly in his sleep. No fireworks. No Military band.

Charles, with his beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and genuine love for others, breathed his last.

A man loved by many, and a life well lived, one day at a time.

A Memorial Mass will be held on August 14th, 2026 at 11:00AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 150 Fleury St, Prescott, AZ 86301.