John Weeks, Dan Plummer and Cal Cramer all made their mark in the Granite State

Late 2023 saw some significant losses to the state, with the passing of many prominent people who contributed greatly to the progress and fabric of New Hampshire. Three of them are worthy of note here.

John F. Weeks Jr. died in his native Laconia on Dec. 7, his 91st birthday. Jack Weeks was a farmer, raised on his family dairy farm, and developed the business started by his father selling milk products that eventually became a string of restaurants featuring ice cream. He was a UNH graduate, who was tremendously loyal to his alma mater, serving on the founding board of the UNH Foundation.

As the business developed statewide, it became an institution in many communities. Eventually, after merging with Concord Creamery, the business was sold in the late 1980s to Crowley Foods, and Jack, now living in Concord, retired from business.

In his next stage of life, Jack Weeks became a state legislator, representing Concord in the House of Representatives as a moderate Republican. He also served on many boards, such as the NH Charitable Foundation, UNH Board of Trustees, UNH Alumni Association and business boards.

Jack was known as a friendly, intelligent and kind man, who contributed to the community, state and institutions for the right reasons, because it was the right thing to do. When he returned to Laconia, to live at the Taylor Community, he became a light in that fine community.

Daniel Plummer also died on Dec. 7 at his home in Portsmouth. A major developer in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, Dan Plummer and his wife, Renee, along with associates, were largely responsible for the redevelopment of Pease Air Force Base, which became a major commercial center and business hub. In fact, as previously reported in this publication, his company developed over a million square feet of space at Pease, as well as other major real estate projects in the Seacoast area.

Having been a member of the Air Force Reserve at Pease, Dan had a special place in his heart for the military and for veterans. It was his and Renee’s involvement with Easterseals NH’s Veterans Count that first brought Dan to my attention, and working with him on projects after that made me appreciate his calm, practical way of getting things done, and his friendly demeanor in doing so. They were instrumental in the remarkable success of Veterans Count in raising funds to directly support veterans. His modest approach and friendly manner were refreshing and helped in his success. He and Renee also contributed generously to many other charitable activities, and were active in GOP politics as well.

Dan’s battle with cancer was brave and impressive, and it was a great loss when it took him at age 74. The turnout at his memorial service and gathering was a testament to all those he touched and the warm stories to his friendship and caring manner.

Calvin Cramer was fixture in Manchester for decades, as he advised his clients at Merrill Lynch, and served the community in many ways. He died at his retirement home in Florida on Dec. 1, at age 81.

Cal Cramer helped thousands of people manage their investments, and did so wisely and with good humor and a host of varied anecdotes about life. He was a role model to generations of financial advisors who came after him and considered him a friend and mentor.

Originally from Medford, Mass., Cramer went to Hebron Academy and Cornell University, to both of which he remained loyal his whole life. He served on the Hebron board of directors. In Manchester, he was active in Republican politics, and served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Police Commission, two often thankless jobs. He served on many charitable institutions’ boards, including Easterseals NH.

Cal Cramer remained active advising clients until illness forced him to retire a couple of years ago, and it was touching to see the reaction of colleagues and clients when they learned of his passing, and realized what a loss it was.

Jack Weeks, Dan Plummer and Cal Cramer were three very different people and contributed to New Hampshire in different regions of the state. However, what they had in common was the ability to connect with others in a kind and genuine way; to contribute their talents to their businesses, colleagues, charities and state; and to make a difference.

Their contributions to the civic and political life of the state were positive. Their dedication and hard work were clear. They left fine families that continue their work and contribute to their communities, as the three exceptional men taught them to do by example.

Most tellingly, when you ended a conversation with Jack, Dan or Cal, you felt better than you had before it started!

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.