Obituary of Fred Crook

No visitation Fred Crook Fred Crook was born in Spokane to J. Oliver & Leora Belle Crook, on February 21, 1923. He passed away August 29, 2007 in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 84. His passing was made easier by the staff of Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice, and Magnolia Woods Adult Family Home. In particular, our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Joanne and Sarah, for all that you have done and all the lives that you touch. You made a world of difference. Growing up in Spokane, Fred spent many happy summers at the family cottage on Liberty Lake. His father and uncles worked for the Great Northern Railroad, and so did Fred & his twin brother, Jim, during their high school years. Graduating from John Rogers HS in Spokane in 1940, Fred attended WSU for a year and a half before joining the U.S. Navy. In the Naval Air Corps, he served as a flight engineer on an anti-submarine PBY flying boat. He left the Navy with the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate, First Class. He completed his education at the University of Kansas in 1950 with a degree in architecture. Fred was married in 1949 to Norma Jeanne Thomas of Portis, Kansas, whom he met as a student while she was enrolled at the University of Kansas’ School of Nursing. Fred spent several years working for private architectural firms before joining the Boeing Company. He worked on missile sites for the Minuteman defense system in several western states. To return to the Pacific Northwest, he accepted an offer with the State of Washington in 1964 and brought the family to Olympia. He worked in architectural project management for the Department of General Administration until his retirement due to health issues. Fred was active in church, was involved with Scouting and model railroading with his son and raising birds and tropical fish with his daughters, and enjoyed oil painting. He loved to sail his sloop, a passion he followed until disabled by a stroke. He was active in the Olympia art community for many years. He and Norma developed many friendships during their retirement years. Fred is survived by his wife, Norma; son Doug (Kathy, & grandson Scott); daughters Anne Crook and Julie Woods; his brother Jim (Margaret) of Scottsdale, AZ, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service to honor Fred’s life will be held at The United Churches in Olympia, on Saturday September 8, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. ( 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia). At a later date, his ashes will be inurned at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Details will be available through Funeral Alternatives of Washington (360) 753-1065. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to contribute memorials in Fred’s name to either The United Churches of Olympia, or to the American Heart Association.