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