Bruce L. Crary was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 23, 1921 to James and Mercy Lloyd Crary. The Crary family, including Bruce and his older brother James, moved to Westport, New York in 1929. Bruce was tutored at home and later attended The Gunnery School and The Choate School, both in Connecticut. After working as a sales apprentice at Crocker-Wheeler Electric Manufacturing Company in Ampere, New Jersey, he returned to Westport and graduated from Westport High School in June of 1940.
In September of that year, Bruce entered Parks Air College, East St. Louis, Illinois, where in 1942 he obtained a degree in Aviation and Business Administration as well as his Commercial Pilot’s License. While at Parks he earned various credentials that enabled him to become a flight instructor. From 1942-44, he served in the Enlisted Reserve, teaching Army Primary Cadets at the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics, Jackson. He then graduated from Army Flight Training in June of 1944 and served as a flight officer in the 1328th Army Air Force Base Unit in Burma, India and China, flying transports “over the Hump” of the Himalayas. While serving, he received an official commendation for his "spontaneous and enthusiastic effort" in support of a record-breaking transport operation in December of 1944. In March of 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "for participating in more than 300 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult Assam-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected."
After World War II, Bruce returned to the Westport area and in 1946 helped establish the Westport Marine and Seaplane Base, where the Westport Marina is presently located. He was involved in several local businesses in addition to managing investments. He built and raced boats on Lake Champlain, owned an extensive fleet of automobiles, and traveled widely for business and pleasure.
When his older brother died in a plane crash in the 1941, Bruce was his family’s sole heir. He structured his will to reflect his interest in the youth of the North Country. He often expressed concern for the difficulty that bright, promising students had in securing funds for higher education. After providing generous legacies to many friends and relations, the bulk of his estate was left in trust to benefit young people of the Adirondack area and the community organizations that serve this region.
In September of that year, Bruce entered Parks Air College, East St. Louis, Illinois, where in 1942 he obtained a degree in Aviation and Business Administration as well as his Commercial Pilot’s License. While at Parks he earned various credentials that enabled him to become a flight instructor. From 1942-44, he served in the Enlisted Reserve, teaching Army Primary Cadets at the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics, Jackson. He then graduated from Army Flight Training in June of 1944 and served as a flight officer in the 1328th Army Air Force Base Unit in Burma, India and China, flying transports “over the Hump” of the Himalayas. While serving, he received an official commendation for his "spontaneous and enthusiastic effort" in support of a record-breaking transport operation in December of 1944. In March of 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "for participating in more than 300 hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult Assam-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected."
After World War II, Bruce returned to the Westport area and in 1946 helped establish the Westport Marine and Seaplane Base, where the Westport Marina is presently located. He was involved in several local businesses in addition to managing investments. He built and raced boats on Lake Champlain, owned an extensive fleet of automobiles, and traveled widely for business and pleasure.
When his older brother died in a plane crash in the 1941, Bruce was his family’s sole heir. He structured his will to reflect his interest in the youth of the North Country. He often expressed concern for the difficulty that bright, promising students had in securing funds for higher education. After providing generous legacies to many friends and relations, the bulk of his estate was left in trust to benefit young people of the Adirondack area and the community organizations that serve this region.
Bruce L. Crary
on Lake Champlain
July, 1944
On October 27, 1962, Bruce Crary was killed in a car accident in Cannes, France.
His legacy to date has supported nearly 7,600 North Country students with the
costs of their college educations. Approximately 315 students are currently receiving Crary Awards.
"Try to plan your day, week or year so there may be systematic,
constructive development of needs and ideas."
~Bruce L. Crary
His legacy to date has supported nearly 7,600 North Country students with the
costs of their college educations. Approximately 315 students are currently receiving Crary Awards.
"Try to plan your day, week or year so there may be systematic,
constructive development of needs and ideas."
~Bruce L. Crary