Terry Crane

Terry was born February 15, 1933 in Fredonia, New York. The Crane Family moved to Nevada County in 1945. He was Class of 1951 at Nevada City High School. He worked at various jobs in Nevada County (including setting chokers on timber operations for Robinson Timber) until 1953.

In 1953, Terry was drafted into the US Army and assigned to the 7th Infantry Division. He served over one year in Korea. Upon discharge from the Army he returned to Nevada County and worked at Litton Engineering as a machinist.

Prior to being drafted, Terry met the love of his life- Mary Hales. They married on December 8, 1957, celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries and raised four sons. Terry worked at Grass Valley Group as a machinist and mechanical engineer for 28 years retiring in 1993. Because of his work with GVG he earned two patents.

Terry loved music and sang in the Cornish Carol Choir and Music in the Mountains for 28 years. He loved vehicles. He restored, with his sons, a 1958 Chevrolet Apache truck that had been been in the family since it was purchased new in Grass Valley in 1958. He joined a local car club, the Roamin' Angels, and was a member for 25 years. He loved to travel and Terry and Mary traveled the world including trips to Ireland, Scotland and England.

Terry was a gentle giant who had a kind word and smile for everyone. He loved being around people and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He was perpetually upbeat and positive. Terry was a devoted family man who always put his family first.

Terry passed peacefully on his 92nd birthday at home with his wife, son Bruce, and family friends at his side. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Bruce, Brian, Carl, and Dennis; grandchildren, Desiree and David; and great grandchildren, Greyson and Parker.

A Celebration of Terry's Life will be held on March 8, 12-5 PM at Seaman's Lodge, 423 Nimrod Street, Nevada City.