Chadwick Funeral Service
Charles Caswell - entrepreneur, outdoorsman, problem solver and leader.
Charles (Charlie) Caswell of Sunapee NH and Holmes Beach FL passed January 2, 2022 in New London, NH of natural causes. He was 88 years old.
Charles was born November 3, 1933 in Montreal, Quebec to Elsa and Howard Caswell. The family originated in Sand Hill Quebec, where a homestead farm was granted generations earlier to the Caswell family as Crown Loyalists emigrating from revolutionary USA in the late 1700s. Before this, the Caswell family reached back as early founders of Littleton, NH and first arrived in Taunton MA from England in 1640.
Charlie spent his childhood split between an urban life in Montreal, and a rural life at the family retreat in Warden, Quebec. This diversity developed his unique skills and life outlook, combining both the culture of an international city with the independence and practicality of farm-life. These skills served him throughout life as he embraced entrepreneurship and pursued success in America. Charles matriculated into McGill University and earned his Masters Degree in Physics, launching his career in the Defense and Computer Industries. During this time, he also developed a keen interest in Skiing and Sailing, serving on Ski Patrol in the Laurentians and winning many races at the Point Clair Yacht Club.
Charles met and married Janet in 1961, moving to Stow, MA and beginning their family and his career in the Boston area tech industry. In the mid-1970s, Charles and Janet began their own company providing first-ever computer automation to stock-exchanges in the US and Canada. Charles also provided technical consulting throughout his career to numerous industries. During this period, they raised their sons Douglas and Stuart and summered in Sunapee, NH.
They retired in 1992 and began life between Sunapee NH and Anna Maria Island, FL. Charles developed a renewed joy of sailing and passion for cycling, including numerous century rides and competing in the Florida Senior Olympics. Charlie also led a productive building team in the Kearsarge Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and was an active member of the Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church.
Charlie's early life on the farm fueled his lifelong passion for hands-on projects, which spanned all the trades but had particular focus on construction and woodworking. Over his lifetime, he built numerous family homes and additions, sailboats, cabinetry, furniture, and the bell tower at KCPC. He also never hesitated to lend a helping hand to others in the community, and whether it be a building project or charity involvement, Charlie always gave his full effort and attention.
Charles always had a strong sense of leadership, keen analytical mind and creative streak that could not resist solving problems and making the world a better place. Many will miss his sage advice and companionship.
Charles was preceded in death by Janet, his spouse of 55 years, and his parents and Sister Clara. He is survived by his sons Douglas of Portsmouth NH, and Stuart of Sunapee NH; nephew David Pilmer and his wife Ann of Nova Scotia; nephew Brian Pilmer of Nova Scotia; nephew Colin Pilmer and his wife Fumico of Toronto, ON; nephew Michael Pilmer and his wife Heather of Toronto, ON; and niece Lorraine Hohloff of Sacramento CA.
A memorial service will be held at the Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church in New London, NH on January 29 at 1pm, with a small reception to be held afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following organizations: Kearsarge/Sunapee Area Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/us-nh/new-london/kearsargesunapee-area-hfh, the McGill Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) https://www.mcgill.ca/neuro/giving-draft/how-make-gift, and the Kearsarge Presbyterian Community Church https://www.kcpcnlnh.com/.
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