Bertram Seymour Falbaum

Bertram Seymour Falbaum July 28, 1934 – July 25, 2015 Loving husband, father, and grandfather—succumbed quietly and peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, July 25, 2015, losing his long struggle in his battle against cancer. He was a man of great integrity, brilliance, decency, and gravitas with a fun-loving side. Born on July 28, 1934, in the Bronx, New York City, to the late Abraham and Shari Falbaum, Bert is survived by his devoted wife, Peggy (retired Superior Court Judge Margaret M. Houghton); his son, Vance (Tammy Calliet); his daughter, Stacy Volpe (Deanie Guy); and his grandchildren: Mason Falbaum, Barrett Falbaum, Seaman Apprentice Ryan Calliet, Tyler Calliet, and Sophia Volpe. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Royal (Herb); his niece, Lori Royal-Gordon (Jack); and nephew, Ken Royal (Dawn) and their children, Alex and Becca; as well as Peggy's children, Rick Bond (Bev Lambert) and Pamela DeMauro (John). He was predeceased by his first wife, Roberta Jesse (née Oberstone). After graduating from Tahoe Truckee High School in 1953, Bert enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as a radio technician. He served on a small Japanese island off Kyushu, where he monitored the 38th parallel during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1957. Bert graduated from the California State University at Los Angeles in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree with honors. In 1972 he received a Master of Public Administration degree from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. From 1966 to 1969 he developed and taught courses at the Treasury Law Enforcement School in Washington, DC. In 1962 he joined the U.S. Customs Department as a Port Investigator. He advanced rapidly to Customs Agent and then to Special Agent Analyst. His activities ranged from searching the holds of ships in Los Angeles to working the Mexican border at Nogales. In 1973 Bert became the Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he brought the enforcement of law by Fish and Wildlife to a level of professional excellence. In 1979 he became a criminal investigator for the Office of Special Investigations in the Department of Justice, conducting Nazi War Crimes investigations. From that time until 1986, he traveled throughout Europe, Russia and the Middle East, tracing the paths of Nazi war criminals who had become naturalized citizens of the United States. His investigations led to the denaturalization and deportation of many Nazis. Bert retired from the government in 1986 to become Vice President of the Investigative Group International in Washington, DC. He also conducted and supervised complex investigations for IGI. He founded a private company, Investigative Dynamics, in Tucson, from which he retired but retained active interest until the time of his death. He helped to found the International Intelligence Network and served on its first board. In 2006 became president of the Council of International Investigators and continued to serve that organization in various positions and offices until his death. He either wrote or rewrote the bylaws of these and other organizations in which he was a member. During his years in Washington, DC, Bert served as adjunct professor at the American University, teaching a variety of forensic subjects. He was invited to guest lecture at West Virginia University and the University of New Mexico in police science. When he relocated to Tucson in 1992, he became an instructor at Chaparral College where he taught a wide range of criminal justice subjects. He had been involved with many departments at the University of Arizona, serving on the Honors Advisory Board, the Social and Behavioral Sciences Board of Directors, as well as donating his time and expertise at the Eller Business School. In semiretirement, Bert was active at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the U of A, both as instructor and student. Recently, the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa of the University of Arizona inducted Bert as an honorary member, recognizing his "scholarly achievements, cultural interests and good character." Bert was known by all who called him friend, colleague, mentor, or kin for his wisdom, knowledge, kindness, professionalism, ethical demeanor, integrity, acumen, and his personable nature. Bert was always the first to reach out, listen, and assist. His guidance and advice were always welcome. As one friend wrote—society is a better place because of his efforts. He will be greatly missed. Many local charities benefited from Bert's time and generosity. Donations may be made to Jewish Family & Children Services, the Honors College at the U of A, the Houghton Scholarship at the U of A Rogers College of Law, SBS Magellan Circle at the U of A, or Arizona Public Media. Internment services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a future date.