Christopher M. Crane, 78
DALTON, Mass. — Christopher Murray Crane, 78, of Dalton died peacefully at home after a long illness on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, surrounded by family.
A papermaker for life, Mr. Crane spent his career at Crane & Co. Inc., a tenure that spanned five decades until his retirement as vice president of the Currency Papers Division in 2001 after 44 years. He embodied the values and passions learned from his forebears that made the company great for more than 200 years, with a dedication to employees, the community, customers and suppliers.
His contributions to the advancements in modern currency papers, including security, was recognized in 2015 by his induction into the Currency Hall of Fame of the International Association of Currency Affairs, one of only 11 to be so honored.
Born in Dalton on Jan. 21, 1938, son of Arthur Eaton and Cooley Graves Crane, the eldest of their five children, he attended schools in Dalton before going to Eaglebrook School and graduating, in 1956, from The Hotchkiss School and later from Syracuse University.
Mr. Crane loved manufacturing, and more importantly the people and families who made the finest paper and security products in the world. He viewed his long relationship with the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving with great pride and as a responsibility to work together to produce the nation's currency, truly a world currency. Among his favorite sayings was that anywhere in the world you go, you can take a piece of Dalton from your pocket that will be gladly accepted for payment.
Throughout his life, he loved machines of almost every variety, and spent many happy years in his shop, on his tractor, flying his plane, riding his motorcycle, and driving cars.
He was a longstanding member of the Dalton Fire Department and was one of the first emergency medical technicians in Berkshire County, helping to train others and volunteering for the ambulance service. In retirement, he took up scuba diving, photography, woodworking and boating, among other hobbies. He loved working outdoors and had every tool imaginable, including some he made himself.
He believed that relationships, whether business or social, are the foundation and joy of life. He was a member of The Lenox Club and Golf Club, where he had many friends. Chris was well known for his bowties, smile and the constant question "anything I can do for you?"
He especially enjoyed spending time with his three children and seven grandchildren, whether helping build a barn, splitting wood, making maple syrup or apple cider, or simply watching games and concerts and acting as chauffeur. His grandchildren were a great source of pride and happiness for him; "We are truly blessed" was one of his most frequent sayings.
He and his wife, the former Gale Stanton of Clarks Summit, Pa., whom he met while students at Syracuse, were married on May 10, 1958.
Besides his wife of 57 years, he leaves a daughter, Allison Crane of Pittsfield and her son, Charles Guyer; two sons, Douglas Crane and his wife, Becky, of Dalton and their children, Elizabeth, Andrew and Charlotte, and David Crane and his wife, Ruth Blodgett, of Dalton, and their children, Christopher, Alice and Katherine; two brothers, Lansing Crane and Jonathan Crane, and a sister, Barbara Crane.
His dear sister Sandra Crane Whitman died May 20, 2014.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Per Mr. Crane's wishes, there will be no calling hours or formal services, and burial will be private at a future date. A celebration of his life, open to all his many friends, is being planned for a date to be determined by the family.
Memorial donations may be made to The Dalton Ambulance Fund or Berkshire Medical Center, through Bartlett Wellington Funeral Home, 525 Main St., Dalton, MA 01226.
Mr. Crane's family wishes to thank the many friends who have sent cards, notes, emails, calls and other messages of support. They are also very grateful for the wonderful care he received at Berkshire Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical, and Hospice Care of the Berkshires.