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Brian Crathern Obituary
Alton, NH - Brian Charles Crathern, M.D., age 73, passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2024 after a long battle with myelofibrosis with his wife Mary, daughter Kelsey and her fiancé Marc at his bedside. Brian was born November 25, 1950 in Holden, Massachusetts to Neola (Drawbridge) Crathern and Charles Crathern III. The family moved to Contoocook, NH in the 1960s. After graduating from Hopkinton High School in 1968 he went on to McGill University in Montreal, Canada graduating in 1972. Brian went on to Dartmouth Medical School graduating with the class of 1975 and then went on to Southwestern Medical School and graduated with his MD in 1976.
Brian completed his Medical and Surgical residency in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1983. After residency, he spent a year in England as a Surgical Registrar. After he completed his term in England Brian and his wife Mary moved to New Hampshire. Brian started his surgical practice in Berlin, NH then in 1991 he relocated to the Lakes region where he had a surgical practice in Wolfeboro, Laconia and Franklin.
Brian was a compassionate physician and spent several months serving with Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria and South Sudan. He also provided surgical services to a medical mission hospital in Zimbabwe.
Brian leaves behind his best friend and wife of 46 years Mary, his beloved daughter Kelsey and her fiancé, Marc. He also leaves behind his father Charles Crathern, brother Glenn and his wife Sue, his sister-in-law Chris Crathern, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Neil (2016) and Scott (2023) and his mother, Neola (2023).
Brian will be remembered as a kind, generous and compassionate person. He supported several educational institutions and numerous charities. He was an avid hiker, hiking all 4000 footers in NH along with many hundreds of miles on the International Appalachian Trail and completing the pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago. A lover of the outdoors, Brian enjoyed skiing, hunting and fishing and was a skilled private pilot. He had a great sense of adventure and traveled around the world with his wife Mary, but truly loved his home on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he proudly tended to his garden. Brian also loved reading, history, and he was an excellent cribbage player. To know Brian was to love Brian; he will be missed dearly by all his friends and family.
A celebration of life will take place later this year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. www.doctorswithoutborders.org
To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Crathern
Donna Gagne
April 27, 2024
Dear Mary,
Glenn and I just learned of Brian's passing and offer our sincere condolences to you and Kelsey. We will always remember you and Brian and the times we shared in and out of work. He was a kind and generous surgeon and blessed many people with his skill and dedication.
May you keep Bryan close in your heart through the wonderful memories of times you shared. May God give you and your family peace.
Donna and Glenn
Barry Munholland
March 18, 2024
I knew Brian at McGill where we became good friends in a very short time. He was a good example to all of us then. Always fun-loving, but always in control. He was gentle, intelligent (in several ways) and generous. His winning personality won him a number of friends of which I am proud to say I was one.
Lisa Conant
March 11, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss, Mary and Kelsey.
I just learned today of Brian’s passing.
We had fun times at Huggins! Brian was a joy and a kind man. Brian had a true twinkle in his eyes and a wonderful smile.
Mary Crathern
March 3, 2024
My Dearest Brian, my husband. You were the smartest ,most talented, most hard working, and kind, generous, compassionate person I have ever known. I miss you everyday and I feel your presence still. I love you forever.
Mary
Stacey Trobman
March 2, 2024
I met Brian when he traveled to Israel with his cousin Lynn in 2017. Lynn wanted to see the work I was a part of for women and children in distress. She has been a great encourager, and I believed in the work for many years!
Brian was so kind to me, my Director, and one of the students that was hanging around after classes. He and Lynn even bought jewelry my students made in support of our work. And then he took me and Lynn out to lunch, which was very unexpected! He had a good heart, and, as we say in Israel, I participate in your grief.
I am praying for your comfort during this time, especially you dear Lynn.
Janice Gray
February 27, 2024
We were greatly saddened to hear of Dr. Crathern’s passing. He was a wonderful Dr. & person & we were blessed to know him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Our thoughts & prayers are w/you all at this time. God’s peace & comfort be upon you. In His Love, John & Janice Gray
Cindy Patten
February 22, 2024
Mary so sorry for your loss of Brian. A wonderful person. May he RIP. Craig and Cindy Patten
Nita Ellis
February 20, 2024
I met Brian and Mary in 1979. I was a wide-eyed surgery intern and Brian was my funny,smart, compassionate but realistic senior resident. What a great teacher he was to me! Both Brian and Mary were gracious social hosts and made those resident years such fun. It’s hard to believe the world is without that fabulous smile. Thank you Brian for being such a stellar mentor and friend. Love and hugs to Mary, Kelsey and all of Brian’s family and friends
Carol & Steve Bellinghausen
February 17, 2024
Brian, Mary and I have been friends for 45 years. We met at UMMC as Brian began his Surgical Residency and Mary and I began our Nursing careers in Pediatrics. We enjoyed traveling together and boating on the lake. Mary and Brian became part of my family. Brian was kind and generous. We will deeply miss Brian and send our heartfelt condolences to Mary, Kelsey and Marc. May you always be at peace knowing that your love and care for Brian comforted him always. With our deepest sympathy, Carol & Steve
Maureen & Larry Ramsey
February 17, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to Mary, Kelsey & Brian’s family. I worked with Brian at St. Luke Medical Center in Berlin. He was a good man & physician. May Our Good Lord help carry all of you through this difficult time. God bless.
Danelle Miller
February 16, 2024
Sending prayers, Mary, Kelsey, Marc and all family. Brian was such a truly special person who was always gracious, engaging and kind hearted. May the love of God and comfort of family and friends give you peace. Love cousins, Danelle and Rick Miller
February 16, 2024
Mary and Kelsey, we are so very sorry for your loss. Brian was such a kind and gracious man. We pray for your healing and comfort during this very difficult time. Greg and Liz McCarthy.
Jeanne Charest
February 16, 2024
The physician that saved my life and became a friend
Bruce Rose
February 16, 2024
I always appreciated Brian's help with my patients at Franklin Regional Hospital. We enjoyed many interesting conversations on topics outside of medicine. My deepest sympathy to the Crathern family.
Belle
February 16, 2024
Mary and family, my condolences to you all. I am sure he will be greatly missed. RIP Brian. Hugs...
Belle Ash
Hubert Ormieres
February 15, 2024
Dear Mary, dear family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Brian Crathern. In his career with MSF, Brian was a general surgeon starting in Port Harcourt, Nigeria in March of 2009 and then completing another surgical assignment in Aweil, South Sudan in Jan. 2011. On behalf of MSF USA International HR, please accept our deepest condolences, Hubert Ormieres.
Ben Creighton
February 15, 2024
So sorry for your loss Charley, you have had more losses than you deserve
Christine Crathern
February 15, 2024
Thank you for everything you have done for me, the phone calls on Neil Birthday and the day he died you never forgot to let me know you cared and missed him as much as I do. You, Mary and Kelsey have always treated as family. To hear you are not in pain anymore , helps a little I truly will miss you and your kindness
Glenn
February 15, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Diane Arsenault
February 15, 2024
Pete and I are heartbroken to hear of Brian's passing. We have so many fond and funny memories of him during our 2012 medical mission trip to Mt Selinda Zimbabwe. He was an amazing surgeon who was not afraid to research and do procedures there, at the edge of his comfort zone, for those who needed his help. May the memories of your life and adventures together give you comfort in this time of loss. You and Kelsey are in our prayers. Diane Arsenault and Peter Pirnie
Susan Lessard
February 14, 2024
My deepest sympathies to Dr Crathern family
Sandy Tanguay
February 14, 2024
My sincere sympathies to Mary and Kelsey and family. I worked with Brian in the OR, at AVH in the late 80’s til he left. It was a pleasure to work with Brian. I retired after 40 yrs in the OR 2022. I remember Dr Rodger Wood hosting a gathering at his house so we, the OR, could meet Kelsey. A proud Dad and Mom moment showing their little girl. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
MARCIA ARSNOW
February 14, 2024
Brian was a supportive colleague and the "right kind" of cynic. He engaged in real conversation and didn't take himself too seriously. I was thinking of him this past week in fact. We had reconnected a few years ago in Cardiac Rehab when we could relate to the "old days" of medicine.
My love to Mary and Kelsey. He will be greatly missed.
Bob Tilney
February 14, 2024
I was privileged to work with Brian in the early years of my practice in North Conway. He was most gracious in assisting me and covering for me during those years. He couldn’t have been more helpful to me when I was the only surgeon in town.
I lost touch after he left Berlin, but well remember the wonderful cases we had together while he was there.
Lorraine and I extend our sympathy to Mary.
Jim Yeager
February 14, 2024
Brian and I were good friends and neighbors in high school and had many skiing and outdoor adventures together....very sorry to hear of his passing.
Don Brown
February 13, 2024
So sorry to hear about Brian, he was a great friend and a great person.
February 13, 2024
Mary, Kelsey and Marc-- As a nurse at LRGH I often cared for Brian's surgical patients; he was always very kind and compassionate. I am sorry for your family's loss. Debbie
David Lowell & Debbie DeCato
February 13, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Taciana Pelletier
February 13, 2024
Kelsey, I am so sorry. I only met your Dad once but I feel like I know a lot from your stories. He was surely loved and will be missed. Dave and I send our condolences to you and your mom.
Lynn Drawbridge
February 12, 2024
I have so many awesome memories of my cousin Brian, that go all the way back to our childhood. When we were kids he included me like I was one of the guys. He challenged me. I will never forget our wonderful trip to Israel. Two cousins who were crazy history nuts!
Ken Wasson
February 12, 2024
Brian was a true gentleman. Always a joy to be around and always willing to lend a helping hand. Brian will be missed.
Laurie Dube
February 12, 2024
I have such fond memories of boat rides and bbqs and I am so grateful that you were there for me when I needed you and Mary the most. You were such an amazing and kind man and we will miss you so much. Love you much Uncle Brian and to Mary and Kelsey, words cannot express how sorry I feel for what you’re going through and know I am here if you need anything.
Brett Crathern
February 12, 2024
You will be missed more then you know. Fly high.
Pat Karakashian
February 12, 2024
So very sorry to hear Kelsey
February 12, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Cousin Brian was a great man. Love and prayers, abby and jon
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