Christopher M. Prahl

CANAAN, N.H. - Christopher M. Prahl, 66, died peacefully at home on Jan. 16, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born in Morrisville, Vermont, on Feb. 8, 1951, to Kathleen L. Prahl and Anthony J. Prahl. He graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida, Vermont College and Middlebury College, where he earned a master's degree in Spanish, which he later taught before exploring other career paths in banking and municipal service.
Chris married Brenda Leonard in May of 1982 while living in North Carolina before the couple moved back to the North Country where they ran a bed & breakfast in Henniker, New Hampshire. After moving to Canaan, Chris became a lab technician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center where he enjoyed working with patients and fellow DHMC staffers for many years.
Chris's keen interest in WWI and II led him to own and rebuild a WWII CCKW Deuce and a Half, the 2½-ton Army cargo truck that kept allied troops moving eastward after the Normandy invasion, as well as a WWII Army Jeep. These vehicles were frequently exhibited at weekend events. Chris was also an expert in guns, as an owner and a collector of historical firearms. For many years, he participated in cowboy shoots, competitions where he made lifelong friends.
Chris leaves his wife, Brenda, and extended family members Jared Chadbourne and Danielle Mendum, of Canaan; and beer camp buddies James Powers, of Montpelier, Vermont, Bill Crangle, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, and Scott Helman, of Barre Town, Vermont. He was predeceased by his parents and stepbrother.
A home funeral was handled entirely by family and friends. Donations may be sent to Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03478.