CRARY
Phillip Madison
Phillip Madison Crary -Born December, 8, 1936, passed this life on Saturday, November 10, 2012, surrounded by family.
Phillip was born to the late Norman and Florence Crary of Sylvania, Ohio. He graduated from Sylvania Burnham High School in 1954, and served 4 years in the United States Navy until 1961. On May 12, 1958, Phillip married Ruth Elaine Eby, and they had two children.
Phillip followed his father's path, and pursued a career in pharmacy at the University of Toledo. The family owned Crary Drug in Temperance, Michigan from 1953 until he sold the business and "semi-retired" in 1995. He continued to work part-time at Crary Drug, and later the Medicine Shoppe until medical retirement in 2012. Phil's favorite part of his job was the enjoyment he received by his many discussions with his customers. True midnight blue and gold blood ran through Phil's veins as he was a great supporter of sports at his alma mater, being a season ticket holder for football, as well as both men's and ladies' Rocket basketball teams. He also enjoyed going on many of their away-game excursions.
Phil was a very active community member who believed in charitable giving and community service. He spent many years as a 3B Baseball Commissioner, and sponsored many little league teams and the Bedford all-star teams at the Monroe County Fair. Phil served on the Bedford Township Board from 1968 through 1980, when he decided to "retire" from politics. To nearly his last breath, however, he could still give one an earful on today's political world! He also was an past member of the Bedford Lions Club. Having had a cornea transplant himself in 1974 to restore his eyesight, he firmly believed in the mission of the Lions.
Traveling was a major passion of Phil's, which he loved to share with his family. Together, they took many trips throughout the United States as well as Jamaica, Honduras, and Canada. He was an avid sportsman, and loved fishing in many Michigan lakes and the waters in Canada. He always had an entertaining "fish story" to share. In 1989, he embarked on his first safari to Africa, where he fell in love with the continent, and later took family members to East Africa and then South Africa (August 2011 his last foreign adventure). His other travels included many of Europe's great cities (London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence) and the Bahamas, Peru, Machu Picchu, an Amazon River houseboat excursion, and the Galapagos Islands. Along the way, he made many friends, and kept in contact with them until his illness.
In the early 1960's through 1970, the Crary family owned a cabin on Tea Lake in Lewiston, Michigan. Many friends and relatives enjoyed time up there as well, fishing, playing cards, bullfrogging, sledding behind cars - you name it! The little ones always made sure there were wild flowers placed in a brown empty beer bottle in the middle of the kitchen table. Many stories came from these trips up north - most of them were actually true! In 1990, he purchased a family cottage on Posey Lake, where additional memories were created with his family, his grandchildren, and many new friends.
Even though Phil spent many hours at his business and with his community activities, he always made sure he spent quality time with his children. Pool parties were a neighborhood favorite. Family vacations were always on the road - out east, down to Florida, west to California, including a 3-week road trip out to the Yellowstone National Park and opal mining in Idaho, with many wonderful stops along the way.
One day later in life, Phil came home from work and declared "I want to paint flowers." He was self-taught in oil painting, and became a skilled artist, capturing many floral arrangements on his canvasses. He also became an avid gardener at his home in Temperance, and created lush gardens to the enjoyment of the neighborhood. His hobby became a passion, particularly focused on roses, lilies, and orchids. He spent many happy hours shopping at Black Diamond Nursery.
He enjoyed driving to Detroit and Windsor to spend time in the casinos. He was a skilled gamesman, and particularly enjoyed playing black jack and Texas Hold 'Em. Many of the dealers in Windsor became friends and knew him by name. Phil always knew "when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em."
Phil and Ruth sponsored many underprivileged children in Africa through World Vision for over 25 years. Phil traveled to some of the villages and met some of those sponsored children.
Phillip is survived by Ruth, his wife of 54 years, as well as their children, Elizabeth (Robert) Titus and Bradd (Jill) Crary. Also surviving are his 3 grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Crary and their soon-to-be born daughter, Brooklyn Rose (Toledo), Madison Titus, and Tyler Crary (both of Temperance).
Family and friends may visit on Thursday, November 15, 2012, in Urbanski's Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI from 2 until the time of the Funeral Service at 7 p.m., officiated by Rev. Dr. Frank Paine. Cremation will follow.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the many friends who helped care for Phil during his illness, as well as Hospice for their loving care and concern. To make a financial donation to World Vision as a memorial tribute to Phil, you may either send a check to World Vision - Memorial Donation Team, PO Box 78481, Tacoma, WA 98541-8481. Please indicate CODE # 105429563 for Phil's memorial account; or Call 1-888-511-6519 to donate using debit or credit card, using CODE # 105429563 for Phil's memorial account.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ruthie and family:
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. The world will not be the same without Petunia. He was a truly remarkable man. Funny, kind, caring and extremely intelligent. I will miss him deeply and cherish my fond memories. May God Bless you and watch over you during the coming days.
Lori Gillespie
November 19, 2012
Sorry to hear about Phil. He was a great guy. I remember many a fun time at Cousin Florance and Normans house when we were kids.
Sherry Postlewait Fanning
Sherry Fanning
November 17, 2012
Bradd, Having gone through the loss of my own father just last year, Barb and I were saddened to hear of your own loss. Please know that we (your friends) are thinking of you during this difficult time. Go UT! Win one for your dad!
Dan and Barb Frebes
November 15, 2012
To the entire Crary family, Phil was one of the nicest "brother-in-laws" in the world. He welcomed me, accepted me, and included me in everything we did as a family. It does make you realize how important your family is. Phil will always hold a very special spot in my heart and Ray's, as will all your family. God Bless!
Lonna Balduf
November 15, 2012
Thank you to all of you remembering Dad in this manner - he was a good man, and your thoughts and prayers are comforting. Liz, Bob, and Maddie Titus
November 15, 2012
I remember meeting Phil when I was in high school and he was wrestling on the T.U. team with my cousin Dick Tavtigian.Just an all-around good guy and so strong !! You and the others from that team that have gone before you can chat and re-live those times together. R.I.P. Phil.
Ken Najarian
Ken Najarian
November 15, 2012
Growing up in Temperance we all knew Mr. Crary and Phil as friends of everyone who shopped at the drug store.
The Bramans
Barb Poland
November 15, 2012
We were very sorry to hear of Phil's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe and Sue Kennelly
November 14, 2012
We have many wonderful memories of Phil. It won't be the same watching a UT football game, dealing a game of Texas hold-em, or playing 18 holes of golf without him. He was a wonderful friend and will be dearly missed.
George and Ellen Bacon
November 14, 2012
Ruth and Family - We were saddened to hear of Phil's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Dale & Mary Lou Henry
November 14, 2012
Our hearts go out to you and your family, Liz.
JoAnne and Jim Conn
November 13, 2012
Ryan
So sorry to hear of your grandpa's passing. Knowing your daughters guardian angel by their first name is a real gift by the Holy Spirit. Love him, miss him and know he will always be there for you and your family.
Ted and Sheila Powers-RCIA
November 13, 2012
The obituary speaks volumns of the humor, heart and integrity of this fine humanitarian. I hold many good memories of him from childhood and later as he and Ruth were favored customers at HJ's Prime Cut. Deepest condolences to your entire family.
Kimberly McAfee-Glenn
November 13, 2012
Deeply sadden by the news.We love you and will miss you Uncle Phil. All our love and support to Ruth, Brad, Liz and family.
Jonathan Balduf
November 13, 2012
To the Crary Family, Phill was a great man he will be missed by all that knew him. Stay strong prayers to all of you and know he is on the greatest safari of them all love Kim VanAlstine
kim vanalstine
November 13, 2012
Thanks to all of you for your kind words and prayers for my beloved Father-in-Law. We know he will live forever in our hearts.
Jill(Bradd) Crary
November 13, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. Heaven has opened their doors for another angel to watch over your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Johns-Davis
November 13, 2012
Ruth, Family and Bedford Township:
I am saddened to learn of Phillip's passing. His significant contributions to the Bedford Community will live on. His skill, supportiveness and kindness as a pharmacist in our small community brought comfort to many families. Through all his adventures I believe Phillip really believed "It's a Wonderful World". My heart goes out to you all as you grieve the loss of this dear man.
Barbara Bert
November 13, 2012
Even though I only knew Phil for a short time I know he was a kind loving man that loved his family. Thoughts and prayers to his family. I will always smile and think of him when I see a Morrell mushroom!
Julie Neidhardt
November 13, 2012
Although I have not seen Phil in years, I will never forget the generosity he showed toward my seeking a career in music. God bless Phil's family. I'm certain his memory will live on.
Don Malin
November 13, 2012
Liz, Bob and family. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Phillip. The obituary showed the kind of wonderful memories you will share as a family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Buzene
November 13, 2012
Very sorry to hear of your loss. He was an amazing man and a part of him will always be with you. Thinking of you.
Stephen Roth
November 13, 2012
Rest in God's love, Mr. Crary..
Connie Kakuska
November 13, 2012
Sending sympathy & prayers to Phil's family.
Joan (Reuland/Guy) Arguien
November 13, 2012
Jill and The Crary family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Jennifer Skiver-Perry
November 13, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ron & Laura Denniss
November 13, 2012
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Funeral services provided by:
Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel - Temperance8300 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI 48182
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more