Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
57
Gary Crane Obituary
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Robert W. and Jeannette M. (Rowell) Crane of Washington. He is survived by his sisters, Teresa D. (Crane) Hunt and husband, Charles of Hillsboro, Cindy (Crane) Eaton and husband, Guy of Washington and Dorothy L. (Crane) Olds and husband, Robert of Lempster; and brother, Robert W. Crane and his wife, Tammy of Windsor; two aunts, Jean (Crane) Kenny of Palo Alto, Calif. and Ethel (Norcross) Crane of Washington; 10 nephews and nieces; one is Gary's goddaughter, Jennifer (Hunt) Walker of Alexandria; 10 great-nephews and nieces and one great-great niece.
Gary spent his entire life in Washington, with the exceptional trip to Iowa, California, Maryland and the greater part of New England. He grew up on the Crane Farm and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1977. Gary worked for the Washington Highway Department for many years along with being a self-employed farmer, he also worked for the Eccardt Farm, East Washington, for the summer seasons. Gary was on the Washington Volunteer Fire Department for 39 years and was a member of the Grafton / Sullivan Forest Fire Wardens Association. He loved going to fairs and tractor pulls. Our Gentle Giant – he was a man committed to family and community. When the Alarm goes out for this, your last tone, know that you have served us well.
The Crane Family, the Town of Washington and all the lives you touched, will always love you.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, from 12 to 5 p.m. at Camp Morgan Lodge, Washington, all are welcome to attend.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to "Washington Volunteer Fire Squad Inc.", Post Office Box 155, Washington, NH 03280.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Crane
Chris Fors
September 28, 2023
Still think of Gary often and all the help he gave us in Washington. A decent gentle giant of a man.
Donna Lee Welch
September 28, 2020
Miss you Gary. The farm is not the same without you.
Alan Jay and Suzanne H. Rom
September 28, 2019
Gary was a good neighbor and friend. He helped us out and we always stopped by to say hello. One memory that stands out is when, after taking two small loads of brazilian rosewood for our friend, the sculptor, Nathaniel Burwash, in a borrowed pick-up truck from where it was stored in a barn in Antrim, to get what maybe amounted to half of the wood, Gary picked up the balance in his truck in one load and brought it to our property. He refused to take any money for that. It is but one example of his friendship and kindness.
John Simpson
October 17, 2016
So sorry for your loss to the entire Crane family. John and myself Wendy were very fortunate enough to have some good chats with Gary at the Cullen Pig Roast and the following morning at the General Store. Coming from a farm family we had good conversation about farming. This past summer we got a tour of the Crane farm. It was really nice listening to Gary about how the family farm used to be. He relished in reminiscing of days gone by. He was a sweetheart. Only known him for a short time but made a big impression on me. John knew him longer and had deep respect for him.
John and I also visited Eccardt farm and Gary was there and commented to us "dont you get enough milking in at home and your here in the parlor?" I laughed.
John Simpson and Wendy Rogers- Massachusetts
Chris Fors and family
October 17, 2016
Gary was a great friend to us over the years. His visits were always a bright spot over the past several months as we tried to clean up and repair our house next door to his. I watched him spend many hours rebuilding his tractor motor over the summer. A few weeks ago we got to the house and saw that the hay was down and knew he had the tractor running. A little while later we heard a loud roar and saw Gary come into the driveway on the tractor. I will never forget the beaming smile on his face as he towed the rake into the field. The day before he died he stopped by and we walked down and looked at the field, admiring how great it looked.
Mavis MacNeil Godley
October 16, 2016
Last summer in Washington we were fortunate to spend time with Gary as he was haying our fields. We were planning our outdoor wedding and he stepped in, using his tractor to move an enormous pile of mulch dumped in our front yard. He offered to place hay bales around the house for wedding decorations. The maple syrup honor box system, his energy and spirit, this world needs more men like him. I will miss him. Thank you again Gary.
October 13, 2016
I always loved chatting with Gary-
He had a real interest in life. He will be missed in Washington for sure. I send condolences to his family and to all in the town.
Carolyn
Andy & Katie Lafferty
October 12, 2016
We were devastated to hear about Gary. Our family has known him for a very long time. Memories of the Lafferty boys following him around on the farm when they were kids, up until recently when he stopped by and filled us in on the latest Washington news over coffee. We have so many wonderful memories of him and we will think of him often.
Gary is Washington, NH to us and we will miss him immensely.
Our prayers and love to all his family.
Mike & Laurie Gordon
October 10, 2016
We were shocked to hear of Gary's untimely passing. He was a good neighbor and we are grateful for his service to our town. Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to the Crane family. RIP Gary.
October 8, 2016
My condolence for your loss. May the GOD of peace grant you peace as you adjust in the day's ahead. 2nd Thessalonians 3 : 16.
Alan Jay Rom
October 8, 2016
To Gary's family: We are shocked and saddened to learn of Gary's death. He and I (Alan) have known each other since we were very young and for many years we got our supply of maple syrup to send to family and friends all over the country and elsewhere. He was lucky to be able to breathe that wonderful Washington, NH air every day while we try to do everything we can to get a day or weekend up there. He was always happy with a smile on his face, as the picture shows, and we shall miss seeing him. Rest in Peace, Alan and Suzanne
Bernadette Burke
October 5, 2016
We are very sadened by Gary's passing, he always had a big smile for us, new comers in Washington.
Luke Burke and family
Nancy Lucas Caruso
October 5, 2016
You will be missed my friend. As I drive by the fields you loved to hay I will always think of you. You have made a positive friendly impression on everyone who has ever met you with your gentle friendly way. Let the heavens and stars be your guide through the next chapter and we wait to meet with you again!
Shawn, Alley, Krista, Shawn Jr and Janice Rowell
October 5, 2016
We just want you to know that are thoughts and prayers are with all of the Crane family
Shawn Rowell
October 5, 2016
I am sorry to hear that gary is gone I remember visiting the farm as a kid with my farther and gary would always be doing something on the farm you could tell it was what he enjoyed doing. I would always find gary at the Bradford 4th of July parade driving the Washington fire truck you couldn't miss his proud smile and wave I will greatly miss seeing him there
Holly
October 5, 2016
You were the sweetest, kindest person I knew. I enjoyed your company daily at the Washington general store where I saw you nearly every day for breakfast or lunch and sometimes dinner. You always had a story to tell, and it was one of the best parts of my day. Rest in peace Gary, you will be missed.
Donna Lee Welch
October 5, 2016
Coming back to visit family will never be the same without you at the farm. With all your loving cousins, we'll miss you.
October 4, 2016
Rest in Peace my friend. It was always funny running into Gary at the strangest places. I will never forget you. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Mark and Sandra (Dalphond) Purington
October 4, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crane family.
Trish Pellegrino
October 4, 2016
So sorry for your loss and prayers for the entire family.
Denyse Blanchard
October 4, 2016
Gary was the gentle giant. He will be missed. Prayers for the Crane family.
Marlene Grendell
October 4, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of Gary. Prayers to you all.
Kevin & Pamela Spalding
October 4, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
October 3, 2016
To the family of Gary Crane: Our sincere sympathies to you all. Gone too soon.Hugs and love to all. Betty & Tom Charland Claremont,N.H.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Crane's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Crane
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Crane's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
