Gary Timothy Dane

1941 - 2022

Gary Timothy Dane

Concord, NH — Gary Timothy Dane passed away very peacefully at his home with his loving wife of 58 years holding his hand. Having endured a prolonged period of declining health, he took his last soft breath at 12:50pm on Thursday March 3, 2022 and started his final journey to his beloved hunting camp. As his son, Gary, says "Dad's at camp now".

He was born February 22, 1941, in Concord, NH to parents Harry T. Dane (from Ireland) and Maryanne (Marquis) Dane (from New Brunswick, Canada). Known equally as "Gary" or "Tim", he was an "East Concord" boy and a true New England Yankee his entire life. He was also known as "Cooner" amongst a certain circle of friends and affectionally called "Freddie" by his loving wife.

Having pre-enlisted in the US Marines, he reported for boot-camp right after his Concord High School Class of 1959 graduation. He very proudly served a four-year tour of duty ~ Iwakuni, Japan being his favorite duty station. Thanks to a mutual friend ~ a fellow Marine and high school friend of his future wife, Elisabeth (Liz) Green ~ they were made known to each other – but never met in person until "fate" brought them together (at the A&W Root Beer drive-in) shortly after his return home to Concord, in July, 1963.

Having learned the refrigeration trade while in the Marines - he worked for Desmarais Refrigeration for a couple of years before transitioning into electric motor, rewinding and power tool repair, going to work for Sanborn Electric. His next venture was establishing – Dane's Electric Motor Service and Sales – in 1974. It developed into a highly successful business – simply by word of mouth for over 46 years. Declining health over the past couple of years necessitated his giving up doing physical repairs but was still able to give his customers verbal advice.

His Yankee roots run deep as he could not bring himself to throw anything away. Always saved things that he figured would come in handy someday. His ability to create unique things never ceased to amaze his family. Several of his ideas should have been patented!

He was the perfect example of a D-I-Y guy – as he nearly single-handedly, built the home his family was raised in.

Misfortune struck his business on December, 29, 1979 ~ when a devastating fire reduced the big building that contained his shop to rubble. Thanks to his helping so many in the past, his cadre of friends, family, customers, and associates was limitless as proven by an old-fashioned barn raising. Just before dusk on Sunday, January 6, 1980, the building was back up and the last sheet of metal roofing was in place. Thanks to the generosity of many and donations from area businesses and other electric motor shops, Dane's Electric Motor Service and Sales was back in business three months later.

Gary/Tim was a Founding Member of the Turtletown Sno-Snappers Snowmobile Club, Life Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the North American Hunting Club, the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and a Millennium Member of the National Rifle Association. For many years, when September came around – all other activities stopped as it was the beginning of hunting season. Every weekend possible was spent at his favorite place – our hunting camp in northern NH where he harvested many a white tail deer – some even being recognized by the NH Trophy Deer Program (whitetail bucks over 200 lbs). He also trapped NH fur bearers; harvested bear, bobcat and coon in the northern New England States; deer in PA; moose in NH and Newfoundland; elk in CO and MT. He seldom came home empty handed.

He also enjoyed various horseback, tenting, and fishing trips in the wilderness areas of Montana and Wyoming along with his wife, Liz. Another passion they both had was Harley Davidson's and touring throughout the USA and Canada ~ attending Bike Weeks in Laconia, Sturgis and Daytona as well as the 95th and 100th Birthday of the Harley Davidson Motor Company, in Milwaukee.

Gary/Tim leaves behind the love of his life, Liz; sons, Gary Thomas Dane [Stephanie] and Michael Dane [Michelle]; granddaughter, Aja (Dane) Yianakopolos [Rob]; grandsons, Cody Dane and Michael Timothy Dane; and his newest pride and joy – great grandson, Landen Yianakopolos. He also leaves behind Mike Welch, who was like a son to him; a sister-in-law, Ann Green; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Jerritt (Dane) Hafford; and a very dear friend since childhood – Charlie Jaworski.

A celebration of life will be held on May 17th at Alan's of Boscawen (from 10:30 to 1:30pm).

His cremains will be interred in the NH Veteran's Cemetery afterward (at 2:30pm).

The family would like to give thanks to the Granite VNA and special recognition to the wonderful caregivers that assisted Liz with caring for Gary.

Donations, in his memory, may be made to Granite VNA ~ Concord Branch ~ 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of NH and Phaneuf Funeral Homes.