The Strawberry office is sorry to share the sad news that we lost one of our founding fathers, mentor, and dear friend Charlie Cran earlier this week. Charlie died of heart failure at his home in Sonora, CA on November 18th. The impact of this loss is being felt deeply within the Strawberry community and beyond.
Charlie was born in Traverse City, MI on December 21, 1945. When he was 10, the family moved to Modesto, CA, where he made many of his lifelong connections playing baseball and basketball at Thomas Downey High School (go Knights!), as well as later while attending Chico State. He always felt a meaningful connection to Northern Michigan, greatly enjoyed visiting his many relatives in and around Mancelona, MI, and staying at the family cabin on Lake 27. He also loved to fish and take road trips, especially with his dear friend Dennis May.
Charlie started the Strawberry Bluegrass Festival (which later changed to Strawberry Music Festival) along with his three original partners Dan Dewayne, John Melrose, and Bill Perry, in 1982. He opened the door for many collaborators, participants, and partners to make their own mark along the way but remained a singular force for good throughout the festival’s history. He was well respected in this business for being a straight shooter and is known for helping to launch countless careers in the industry. His keen sensibility, strong sense of ethics, and innovative spirit will always be deeply ingrained into the fiber of Strawberry’s being.
Among his friends, Charlie was known to be hardheaded and soft-hearted. He was a particularly insightful judge of character and incredibly generous with his wisdom to those who earned his trust. He never backed down from a challenge, and those who dared to take him on found a willing adversary in debate. His quick tongue and finely-tuned ear for wit and banter were often a sign of mutual admiration. So many people have walked away from a well-played argument with Charlie having felt heard, knowing exactly where they stood, and with a greater sense of friendship.
Charlie is survived by his brother Bill Cran, brother-in-law Leonard Ignacio, nieces Margie Ignacio-Witcher (Michael) and Hazel Cran, nephew Stuart Cran, great-nephew Theo Witcher, as well as his many cousins in Michigan and beyond. Charlie is preceded in death by his life partner Minako Matsumoto, sister Becky Ignacio, and parents Marge and George Cran.
In further remembrance, the Strawberry office welcomes you to tell your own stories about the man, the myth, and the legend by commenting on our social media posts or sending your recollections to info@strawberrymusic.com. Additional information will be shared when it is available.
