ANCHORAGE, Ala. – Charles “Chuck” Draper, 62, died May 12, 2008, at home, with his loving family by his side, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. Chuck was born May 26, 1945, in Attleboro, Mass. He graduated from Calais Memorial High School, Calais, in 1963. He joined the U.S. Army 1st Calvary Division and completed engineering school, where he learned to be a crane operator. He served in Korea on the river border between North and South Korea maintaining a pontoon bridge, which the North Koreans attempted to blow up regularly. When he was discharged, he went to work as a crane operator for HB Fleming, Portland. He also worked for Taillon Crane, Berlin, N.H., before moving to Alaska in 1996. For the last 12 years, he worked for Alaska Crane Inc., owned by Jim St. George. Chuck’s dedication and generosity to family, friends and the community were unsurpassed. His hard work and devotion were an example to all who knew him. His character and honesty were beyond reproach. He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Coleen Currier of Anchorage, Ala.; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Debbie Draper of San Antonio; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Dana Hinkley of Berlin, N.H., Gayle and Dennis Theberge of Milan, N.H., Terrie and Scott Gagne of Anchorage, Ala., Jennifer and Shawn Sullivan of Berlin, N.H., and Elizabeth Cloutier of Berlin, N.H.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Al Sarjeant of Bangor, Carol and Peter Rosenberg of Brewer and Hope and Will Richards of Winterport; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Barbara Draper of Notting-ham, N.H.; 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Florence Beach Wallace of Bre-wer; stepfather, Donald Wallace of Brewer; and father, Oscar Draper of Attleboro, Mass. A celebration of his life was held at one of his and Coleen’s favorite places in Anchorage, Ala., Judy’s Cafe, and was attended by many of his friends and family in Alaska. A funeral in Berlin, N.H., and memorial service in Grand Lake Stream will be held at a later date.
CHARLES ‘CHUCK’ DRAPER
