Obituary of Charles E. Crowningshield

Charles E. Crowningshield Port Kent – Charles E. Crowningshield, 71, of North Street, Port Kent, died Friday, February 19, 2016 at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, with his loving wife and close friends by his side. He was born in Plattsburgh, June 17, 1944, the son of the late, Ernest and Blanche (Stranahan) Crowningshield. Charlie will be remembered for his loyalty, dedication, sense of humor, and deep faith. He loved meeting people especially over coffee or through the ticket booth window at the Port Kent or Cumberland Head ferry dock for the Lake Champlain Transportation Company where he was the dock master for 44 years. On October 2, 1992, Charlie sold his millionth ferry ticket and was well on the way to reaching his 2 millionth ticket when he retired. Civic minded, Charlie devoted many years to helping others through his active service with the Au Sable River Masonic Lodge #149, Keeseville Kiwanis, Keeseville Elks Lodge, Town of Chesterfield Zoning Board of Appeals, and the North Star Underground Railroad Museum where he served as visitor liaison. Charlie served as the chair of the Town of Chesterfield Republican Committee and was a member of the Essex County Republican Committee. A lifetime member of the Keeseville United Methodist Church, Charlie served in many roles, most recently as chair of the finance committee. Examples of Charlie's dedication to causes in which he was committed, are as follows: he was a 32nd degree Mason and served as Worshipful Master of the Au Sable River Lodge. In this position he supervised the renovation of the lodge rooms. On April 23, 1995, Charlie was honored as Kiwanian of the Year. The Essex County Republican Committee recognized Charlie in 2014 by awarding him the Harry M. MacDougal award for dedication, loyalty and service and in 2015 they dedicated the annual year book to Charlie for his 50 years of service as their ambassador and "Mr. Republican." Like his family before him, Charlie lived his entire life in Port Kent – a place he dearly loved. It was not unusual to hear him referred to as the "Mayor of Port Kent." Charlie was a devoted and avid Yankees fan whether they were winning or losing. Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Sue, whom he married in 1995, brother Carlton (Eileen); nephew Carl (Deanna) and their children Cami, Mac, and Karli; nephew Brian; and niece Angela (Dean) Parmentier and daughter Kalee; and numerous cousins and friends. Charlie was pre-deceased by his parents, aunts, uncles and many cousins, and his beloved dog Spitfire. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 5 to 8 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. Members of the Masonic Lodge will meet at the Funeral Home for a 7:30 PM service. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 1 PM at the Keeseville United Methodist Church with Rev. Edie A. Poland, officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the Port Kent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie's memory may be made to the Keeseville United Methodist Church, 1691 #A Front Street, Keeseville, NY 12944, or the Keeseville Rescue Squad, 8 Pleasant Street, Keeseville, NY 12944. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.