Frank Judson Crary

Frank was born to Mildred Rodgers Crary and Albert Paddock Crary on May 2nd, 1969, in Washington, D.C. He lived most of his young life in D.C. before moving to Bethesda Maryland. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1987.

His mother and father were both scientists and he inherited their brilliance and dedication. His father, a geophysicist and glaciologist, was the first man to set foot on both the North Pole and South Pole. His mother was a science writer and editor and worked for the National Science Foundation. It follows that Frank would also achieve great heights in the scientific community.

He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Astrophysics and Physics in 1991. He went to the University of Colorado Boulder for graduate studies and received his Ph.D. in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences.

His post-doctoral work included work on Cassini at the University of Michigan and at the Southwest Research Institute. Eventually he returned to CU Boulder where he worked at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. Here he chaired the Cassini Magnetosphere Target Working Team.

His colleagues remember him “as a kind scientist who was always willing to discuss difficult concepts in detail with colleagues and graduate students, never condescending and always with respect.”

His family’s memories of him are mostly from a younger age and the sweetness of his smile, his wit, and awe of his intelligence and curiosity.

Frank lived close to and had many adventures with his cousins Paul and Reade Bush. He spent time at NC beaches with the Rodgers side of the family where he built and launched rockets into the air from the dunes to our great delight. He also spent cherished time with his Crary cousins and their children (who were closer in age) at family reunions in upstate New York.

Albert and Mildred adored Frank and were so grateful to have him to share. His mother’s last words to him were “I love you. Remember always what a wonderful child you were and how happy you made Albert and me.”

Frank leaves behind 23 first cousins and many 2nd cousins in 14 states and 2 countries, who will remember and cherish the far too few years we had him in our lives.

Frank will be interred at Pierrepont Hill Cemetery in Pierrepont, NY beside his father.