He would be 83 today, but died at 63. He served our country in WWII in the US Navy in the Pacific Ocean joining in 1943 just before turning eighteen. Dropping out of school like many peers his age, weighing about 120 lbs. but excited to see the world, he was one of four brothers to serve in the military. His job was a gunner’s mate & kitchen helper. Honorably released in 1948, he met Grandma and married a year later at the age of 24.
Jobs were sporadic at first, since he had no high school diploma. Exciting was the day when he was hired at Kennecott working on the track gang repairing the rails. Eventually he worked up to be a train engineer. He preferred the 3-11 pm shift, to allow more time for working the land. He enjoyed farming and going to the coffee shop to chum with and tease friends. As a loud laugher, chronic optimist, early riser, 24/7 worker and many a close call from farm & vehicle accidents, he had a full life. He was my dad, Gale Crane.
Just six months after retiring, he passed away with heart failure possibly due to body size or previous injuries. I loved the things he taught me through example. Often I would test my jokes on him at the dinner table, getting a positive response and bringing joy to my heart. I have his nose, work ethic and gift of tease. May you also think of him this day and remember how he influenced your life, too.
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