C.R. Imbrecht Dies; Headed Energy Panel

Charles R. Imbrecht, former chairman of the state Energy Commission and a former assemblyman, was found dead at his Pasadena apartment Tuesday.

Imbrecht, whose battle with alcoholism led to his resignation from the commission but who rebounded as a successful attorney, apparently died of a heart attack, said his family. He was 50.

“He was a very intelligent, hard-working and dedicated guy. This is a terrible tragedy,” said former Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino (R-Ventura), a 20-year friend.

Imbrecht represented Ventura in the Assembly from 1976 to 1982.

A friend went to see Imbrecht on Tuesday and found his body on the bedroom floor shortly before noon. It appears that Imbrecht may have died several days earlier, said his mother, Hazel, of Ventura.

Relatives said Imbrecht stayed in Pasadena during the week and flew home to Sacramento on weekends.

At the time of his death, he had been trying to start a consulting business, said his wife, Alida, a schoolteacher.

Until his death, Imbrecht continued to battle alcoholism, for which he first sought treatment several years ago, she said, adding, “It’s a struggle he fought bravely.”

In 1996 Ventura County sheriff’s deputies observed his car weaving, smelled alcohol on his breath and found marijuana in his pocket.

A month later, he resigned as the head of the commission and pleaded guilty to driving drunk and possessing drugs. He served a month in jail.