McIndoe Falls , VT - Henry J Crane, 85, died on Thursday, June 28, 2018, knowing that he was dearly loved.

Henry was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Hugh and Anna (Callahan) Crane. He spent his younger years in Connecticut and then travelled throughout New England. In the mid '80's, he made his home in the North Country. His last year was spent in McIndoe Falls at the home of Norman and Samantha Lamothe, where he was lovingly cared for until the day of his passing.

Henry began his life of hard work at an early age with farming.  He later worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant, and at a hospital doing laundry and janitorial work.  He also worked at Camp St. James in Connecticut and at Camp Leo in New Hampshire before working as a janitor for many years for the State of New Hampshire at the Glencliff Home for the Elderly.  He retired in 1994 and spent his retirement years in the Woodsville area.

Henry was well known in the community as the guy who sits outside the Opera Block smoking his pipe every day. He was a regular at the Horsemeadow Senior Center where he was waited on hand and foot by the wonderful staff there and was sent home with a little extra food every day, because everyone knew that Henry loved to eat.  He loved coffee, smoking his pipe,  hot dogs, sweets, Cadillac's, collecting clocks  and thoroughly enjoyed ordering people around.  The people who knew Henry well had a soft spot for him and were always willing to be at his beck and call.

Everyone who knew Henry has a different story to tell.  Much of his life is still a mystery to those who knew him, but we do know that his life was not an easy one.  Much of what we know has been pieced together from stories that he told to the many people who spent time with him later in his life.  Spending time with Henry usually meant you came away with a story from his life, and a Henry story of your own to share.  His sense of humor was legendary, and time spent with him was usually memorable.

Henry has been helped by many good Samaritans along the way, and he has touched many hearts in return.  Those blessed to know him will remember him lovingly in their hearts.

A service will be held at a later date and donations can be made to Horsemeadow Senior Center, 91 Horse Meadow Road, North Haverhill, NH or Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.