Charles E. Claflin

Charles Eaton Claflin died on Thursday night, June 5, 2003. He was born May 1st, 1916 in Rochester, VT. He attended high school in Acton, MA. He excelled in football, hockey, basketball and baseball. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served in both European and Pacific Theaters. After WW II he worked at the American Optical plant in Brattleboro, VT. In 1960 he moved to Rhinebeck, NY and worked as a horticulturist. Following his retirement, he lived in Keene, NH from 1983 until 1992, Seven Lakes, NC from 1993 until 1999 and Peterborough, NH from 2000 until 2003. He was married 3 times: to Helen Hakala of Maynard, MA; Charlotte Tasker of Brattleboro, VT; and Gladys Paulson of Seven Lakes, NC. He was noted for his social charm and athletic ability. He was an expert fly-fisherman, successful big-game hunter, trophy-winning bowler, avid naturalist, and committed conservationist. Golf was a lifelong passion. At the age of 86 he shot a hole-in-one and had 9-hole scores of 37 and 38. His brother Leon of Vernon, VT; two sons, Robert of West Chesterfield, NH and Kernan of Hancock, NH; 3 grandchildren and many loving friends survive him.