Charles F. Crane Obituary

Charles (Charlie) F Crane, Gilbert, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 19, 2021. Charlie was born in Jordan, Montana to Robert S. and Ruth Crane on July 30, 1949. Bob and Ruth subsequently had five more sons (James, David, Richard, Jeffrey and John) that they raised predominantly in Lewistown, MT. For a short period, they lived in Libby, MT where Charlie completed his high school education.

Charlie then joined the US Army and served for three years, completing two tours in the Vietnam War campaign. Charlie was a decorated veteran, having been awarded two Bronze Star medals, an Army Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Purple Heart.

After his military service, Charlie returned to Montana to continue his education at the University of Montana where he ultimately received his degree in economics. There he found his future family and married K Rene Crane in Flathead County on September 3, 1978.

Charlie, Rene and their daughters, Jackie and Bridgett, resided in Montana until they moved to Arvada, CO in 1982. He was employed by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association in Thornton, CO for 27 years. His last position was Senior Vice President of Operations and Generation. He retired in 2006.

Charlie and Rene lived in Longmont, CO for a number of years, subsequently moving to Fountain Hills, AZ in 2014. Charlie was a member of the Fountain Hills Elks Lodge #2846 and was a Past Exalted Ruler.  He and Rene moved to Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert, AZ in 2019.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Rene and two daughters, Jackie of San Tan Valley, AZ with grandchildren Savannah and Isaiah Robinson (preceded in death by grandson Ethan); daughter, Bridgett Crane Fanatia of Longmont, CO with grandchildren Emma and Isaac Fanatia; granddaughter Sabra Crane Mitchell with husband, Kenneth, and great-grandson, Kane of Frisco, CO. He has two brothers remaining – James Crane of Clinton, UT and David Crane of Great Falls, MT.  There are also several nieces and nephews.