Charles “Charlie” Barry, 89, of North Haverhill, New Hampshire, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Charlie was born in Warren to Everett and Sadie Barry and raised in Franconia, New Hampshire. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer. After attending Dow Academy in Franconia and Plymouth Teachers College, and serving in the New Hampshire National Guard, he began what would become a 28-year career with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

He started his career in Errol, living in a small camping trailer while patrolling northern New Hampshire. Charlie worked his way up through the department, eventually becoming Executive Director for eight years. He served during an important period of growth and change for Fish and Game and, as director, served on many different boards and commissions throughout the state. He also served as chair of the Law Enforcement Committee of the International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, where he made several lifelong friends.

But being a warden was always the part of the job he loved most. Even in his later years, Charlie loved telling stories about his time in the field and the people and situations he encountered along the way. Many of his “war stories” were captured in the book Behind Badge 32, which he wrote with help from his wife, Becky.

Charlie was also instrumental in the development of Barry Conservation Camp in Milan, NH. The camp was something he was very proud of and reflected his belief in conservation and in giving young people a chance to learn about and enjoy New Hampshire’s outdoors.

He later served for 15 years as Grafton County Sheriff. Charlie took the job seriously and expected the people who worked for him to do the same. He wanted his wardens and deputies to be professional, respectful, and prepared. He also believed that how an officer treated people and carried themselves was just as important as wearing the badge.

He served for 25 years on the Board of Trustees of Cottage Hospital and was also a board member of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire.

Charlie loved to travel. He went back to Siesta Key, Florida, for more than 40 years and made more than 15 trips to the Canadian Rockies. He also enjoyed visiting family and friends in the Midwest. In his later years, his “girls” from Comfort Keepers took him on countless road trips around Grafton County. He especially loved looking for wildlife along the way.

He was a lifelong Red Sox fan, always knowing that even when they were on a winning streak, they would eventually find a way to “blow it.” He loved Springer Spaniels, especially Maggie and Thatcher. He also had a sweet tooth and was always happy with Oreos, Hatchland milk, and a chocolate donut.

Charlie was a great dad and Grampy. He was genuinely interested in what his children and granddaughters were doing and was proud of them. He followed Robert’s law enforcement career closely, loved boat rides on Averill Lake with Amy and Paul, and looked forward to visits from his grandchildren, Katie and Suzie. He wanted to be there whenever his family needed him. He taught them to work hard, be independent and caring, and appreciate the outdoors.

Charlie was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Becky, and his sister and brother-in-law, Laura Beth & Floyd Ramsey. He is survived by his son, Robert Barry (Sandy) of Bow, NH; his granddaughters, Katie Barry Zhu (Jesse) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Suzie Barry Lofgren (John) of Pensacola, FL; his daughter, Amy Perry (Paul) of West Newbury, VT; and his sister-in-law, Sue Engebretson of Rockford, IL.

He also leaves his best friend, Henry Mock of Jackson, NH, and trusted friend, colleague, and wildlife enthusiast, Rick Tyler of Bath, NH.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Cottage Hospital, and Grafton County Nursing Home for the compassionate care they provided Charlie. Special thanks also go to the staff at Comfort Keepers, and to Joan Beecher and Kali Ellis, who became such an important part of Charlie’s life after Becky passed away.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11 AM at Elmwood Cemetery in Franconia, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Barry Camp Fund through the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. Contributions may be made online through the foundation at https://nhwildlifeheritage.org/barry-conservation-camp