Charles Frank Hill Crathern III

1929 - 2025

Charles Crathern III

Contoocook, NH - Charles Frank Hill Crathern III, known affectionately as Terry to his family and Charlie to the world, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in 1929, he was lovingly nicknamed Tersous-after a mythical king of Athens-by his mother, a name that reflected the quiet strength and noble spirit he carried throughout his life.

Charlie married Neola Mae Drawbridge in 1950, and together they raised four sons. After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1952, he settled in Contoocook, New Hampshire in 1954, where he lived for the remainder of his life. A devoted father and adventurer at heart, Charlie introduced his family to the wonders of nature, leading them on hikes that earned them membership in the New Hampshire 4000 Footer Club in 1967. His love of travel and exploration was immortalized in two epic family road trips-first across Canada to Banff and Glacier National Park in 1966, and then to Alaska in 1968-both of which became cherished milestones in family lore.

Charlie's professional journey began at Kingsbury and Davis in the box-making division, followed by a brief tenure at Hosmer Machine Co. In 1964, he founded his own manufacturing business, which grew from a garage operation into a thriving enterprise. With his partner Richard C. Smith, he acquired the FMC box-making division, including Kingsbury and Davis, and established Crathern and Smith Corp, which he ran until 1999. His ventures expanded internationally with CSI in Belgium, a sales office in Singapore, and the acquisition of Perondi Corp in Milan, Italy-forming the Crathern Machine Group, renowned for its high-quality machinery and Charlie's unwavering business integrity.

Charlie was also a passionate aviator, flying across North and South America, Africa, and Australia. He owned and piloted several aircraft, including a Mooney Bravo and a Cessna 185 amphibious plane, which allowed him to explore remote regions of Canada and Alaska. His love of flight was matched only by his enthusiasm for antique automobiles, which he lovingly restored and drove in parades and around town.

A man of many talents and interests, Charlie was a Boy Scout leader, firefighter, and home builder, personally constructing his home on Gould Hill and designing another on Putney Hill after reclaiming an overgrown apple orchard. In 1956, he operated the ski tow at Diamond K Ski Hill, sparking a lifelong family passion for skiing.

Charlie is survived by his son Glenn, and was predeceased by his three sons, Brian, Neil, and Scott, whose lives and spirits remained close to his heart. He is survived by eight grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the machines he built, the skies he flew, and the trails he blazed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday October 4, from 1-4 at the lake house in Hopkinton NH.

To view Charles' online tribute, or send flowers or condolences to the family, visit https://www.CSNH.com