Charles Matthew Root

Charles Matthew Root, age 57, of Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. Charles was born June 16, 1964, in Los Angeles, California and graduated from Fallbrook High School, Fallbrook, California in 1982.

Good time Charlie aka "Chuck" was a successful entrepreneur and restaurant owner with a passion and laser-like focus on winemaking, its vinification and production. As a certified Sommelier and foodie, Charlie enjoyed winemaking, and preparing delicious meals for his family, friends and strangers alike.

He was a subject matter expert in the Food and Beverage industry and served as a consultant and mentor at George's at the Cove, La Jolla; Tra Vigne, St Helena; The Westward Look, Tucson and Four Seasons Resorts and Hotels. He was a principal and owner at Topper's, Aspen, Colorado.

Living in harmony with the outdoors, Charlie was an avid fisherman, expert Alpine skier, a competitive cyclist and a nomadic traveler, having visited nearly all continents on the planet. Perpetual motion was his friend and he never stopped; he lived his life full-on!

Charlie spent the past summer with loving family members and friends, baptizing the Pacific Ocean at State Beach San Clemente, Trail One. He loved body surfing, boogie boarding, surfing and swimming, which he learned as a toddler more than 50-years ago.

Charlie is survived by eight elder siblings, numerous nephews and nieces. He will be missed by everyone, including his friends sprinkled throughout our country and across the world.

Charles will be laid to rest in Santo Nino Catholic Cemetery, New Mexico.