Mr. Christopher Murray Crane

Christopher Murray Crane passed away peacefully at home on Friday, 19 February, surrounded with family following a long illness. A native of Dalton, he was born on 21 January, 1938, the son of Arthur and Cooley (Graves) Crane, also of Dalton, both deceased. Throughout his life, Chris 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 EMT’s in Berkshire County, helping to train others and volunteering for the Ambulance crew. 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 especially enjoyed spending time with his 3 children and 7 grandchildren, whether helping build a barn, splitting wood, making maple syrup or apple cider, or simply watching games and concerts and acting as chauffeur. A “Papermaker” for life, his career at Crane & Co, Inc. spanned 5 decades, from 1957 – 2001. He embodied the values and passions learned from his forebears that made the company great for over 200 years, with a dedication to employees, the community, customers and suppliers. He 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 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! In 2015, in recognition of his contributions to the currency industry, he was inducted into the Currency Hall of Fame by the International Association of Currency Affairs. He is the first American so honored. Chris was the eldest of 5 and is survived by siblings Lansing, Barbara, and Jonathan Crane. His dear sister Sandra Crane Whitman passed away on 20 May, 2014. Chris attended schools in Dalton before going off to Eaglebrook School, The Hotchkiss School (Class of 1956), and Syracuse University. He and his wife of 57 years, the former Gale Stanton of Clarks Summit, PA, met while students at Syracuse and were married on 10 May, 1958. In addition to Gale, Chris is survived by daughter Allison Crane of Pittsfield and her son Charles Guyer; son Douglas and his wife Becky Crane of Dalton and their children Elizabeth, Andrew and Charlotte; and son David and his wife Ruth Blodgett of Dalton and their children Christopher, Alice and Katherine. His 7 grandchildren were all a great source of pride and happiness for Chris: “We are truly blessed” was one of his most frequent sayings. 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”? Chris’ family wishes to thank the many friends who have sent cards, notes, emails, calls and other messages of support. We are also very grateful for the wonderful care he received at Berkshire Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical, and Hospice Care of the Berkshires. Per Chris’ wishes, there will be no calling hours or formal services, and burial will be private at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to The Dalton Ambulance Fund or Berkshire Medical Center, through the Bartlett Wellington Funeral Home, 525 Main Street in Dalton, MA 01226. A Celebration of Chris’ life, open to all his many friends, is being planned for a date to be determined by the family.

Mr. Christopher Murray Crane

January 21, 1938 - February 19, 2016