Search by Name
Search by Name
7
ANDREW JACKSON
CREW, JR., 77
TALLAHASSEE - Andrew J. (Jack) Crew, 77, of Tallahassee passed away Friday, March 21 at the Margaret Dozier Big Bend Hospice House, Tallahassee from cancer. Born in Whigham, GA, Mr. Crew was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Jackson Crew, Sr. and Lucy Hull Crew, and son Andrew J. Crew, III. He is survived by wife, Shirley W. Crew, of the home; three daughters: Mrs. Sharon Metcalf and husband Daniel of Summerland Key, Florida; Mrs. Sheryl Copeland and husband Mark of Thomasville, Georgia, and Mrs. Shelly Jackson and husband Jay, of Boone, North Carolina. He is also survived by grandsons Andy Gorman, Koda Copeland, Mark Jackson, granddaughters Andréa Gorman, Tasina Copeland, Megan Jackson, and step-grandsons Matthew
Copeland and David Jackson.
Jack enjoyed an illustrious career as a music educator in the public schools of Florida, serving as band director at Plant City High School, Riverview High School, Sarasota; Mosley High School, Panama City; Lakeland High School, and Lincoln High School, Tallahassee. Throughout his career, his bands performed at the highest level and were showcased in concerts and outdoor performances at the local, regional, and national levels. Highly sought as a conductor/clinician, Mr. Crew was very active throughout Florida and the Southeast, providing critique and assistance to students and fellow band directors.
He held membership in the Florida Bandmasters Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu, and the American Bandmasters Association.
Throughout his affiliation with these organizations he was selected by his peers to hold various leadership positions. His individual honors were many, represented by such awards as the Teacher of the Year (Riverview HS/1975 and Lakeland HS/1992); "Man of the Year (VFW-Sarasota/1980); Outstanding Bandmaster (Phi Beta Mu/1986), and Outstanding Music Educator of the year (FMEA/1991). In 1990, Crew was chosen as a recipient of the "Legion of Honor" award by the John Philip Sousa Foundation; recognizing him as one of the "Ten Best Band Directors" throughout the United States. Mr. Crew was elected to the Florida Bandmasters Association "Hall of Fame" in 1994.
A memorial service for Andrew (Jack) Crew is scheduled for Saturday, April 5 at Trinity United Methodist Church at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to establish an endowed scholarship in his memory and for the benefit of future instrumental music educators. Contributions may be made to The Florida State University Foundation in memory of Andrew (Jack) Crew.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was proud to be under the tutelage of Mr Crew when I was a member of the Riverview High School Kilties in 1978 and 1979. I played the bagpipes and Tenor sax. I have such fond memories of Mr Crew and his commitment to excellence. We were one of the best high school bands in Florida thanks to him. My condolences to the family, especially, Sharon with whom I played the pipes.
Douglas Noto
Student
April 11, 2021
Mark Copeland
Family
March 17, 2021
Mark Copeland
Family
March 17, 2021
Jack, I was thinking of you when I was restoring your old trusty rusty Ithaca model 37 16 gauge shotgun. It was covered with rust and pretty well worn. It lay for years on your dresser covered with 70 years of age and dust.
Shirley gave it to me. I stripped it down to bare wood and metal. I was thinking about you out hunting with it when you bought it in 1950. What it must have seen, the times you had. I re-blued the metal and refinished the wood, steamed out the dents, and removed the impurities in the wood, but left the fine age to the stock as it was, taking care to only sand the coating but not the wood itself.
Again, I thought about you and decided that the age really needs to show though.
It was being reworked to serve future generations to come.
I applied multiple coats of Tru-oil to give it a nice glossy sheen. As I looked at it I thought God has done the same for you Jack.
He removed the age but kept the wisdom and stripped away the impurities and refinished you to make you renewed and a thing of beauty Just like this gun.
This old shotty looks new again, but it is still what it always was. Just like you Jack. I hope that one day you will share the story behind it when we meet again. Maybe you can give me a tennis lesson as well.
Make sure those angels give you that sound your looking for up there!
Happy Birthday Jack.
Mark Copeland
Family
March 17, 2021
UPDATE. On January 27, 2017 the Andrew J. Crew Band Shell was dedicated in the Riverview Performing Arts Center at Riverview High School in Sarasota, FL. Most of the Crew family were there along with some special guests that had been close to Jack while he was at RHS. It was a three year process to get the funding and other logistics in place, but with the help of a great many people we accomplished the installation of the acoustical shell. If you are ever in Sarasota, I would encourage you to attend a band concert or other musical event in the RPAC, as it is used now by many outside groups, and experience the improved acoustics in the space. There is a plaque in the RPAC foyer memorializing Jack and the band shell. BTW, the Kilties have a new band director, Andrew Dubbert, who is doing a great job in keeping the Kiltie sound and traditions alive after Mark Spreen retired. Once a Kiltie, Always a Kiltie!
Vince Vance, Kiltie Class of '75
Student
March 17, 2020
My mother called me to tell me about the new Andrew J Crew band shell, and noted it said "late". So, I did a search and then was surprised to find out he'd passed last year. I was in the drum section from '77 to '79 at Riverview and most of my fondest memories of high school are from being a "Kiltie". RIP, Jack.
Mary Perhai-Martin
June 1, 2015
RIP I was not in the band but new the man from my friends, he always seemed like a very nice person.
Dave Edleman
May 6, 2015
We all miss Jack. Please go to the Riverview Performing Arts Center website to see how the Kiltie Band will be honoring his contributions and memory. I was a Kiltie from 1972-1975 and Jack has influenced my entire life.
Vince A. Vance
RHS Class of '75.
Vince Vance
May 5, 2015
This morning I decided to Google "Andrew J. Crew", and the first entry is this notice of his passing just over one year ago. Along with Candace Kinsman, I was a flautist at Riverview High School in Mr. Crew's first year there. Our journey over three years was truly epic - Mr. Crew took the band to it's first ever state contest. Our first trombonist - thinking of you R.E.;~)- came in too high on the opening note of "Tulsa", our final symphonic competition piece, and things went down hill from there. We got "4s" I remember. Two years later we were seniors in our third state contest, and "Masque" was our performance final. We got straight "Ones" that year.
Now, 45 years later, I can look up from where I sit and see the albums we made. I had CDs made of them years ago. The great music we played!: Scheherazade! 1812! Reinzi! Incantation & Dance! First Suite in Eb! Brahms' Finale to the Fourth Symphony! A Korean Folk Song! Overture to Candide! Brighton Beach March! And Masque and Tulsa! and more. I was too timid to belt out the obbligato piccolo solo at the end of Stars & Stripes during marching season one year, and I've reflected with remorse about that.
Band sustained me through high school. Jack Crew was a gift, and it seemed that all of us in the band knew we were on a special journey that was wonderful. What a life well lived!
I loved Jack Crew, but never had that thought until now. Reading the notes here, I see he touched many, many lives like he touched mine.
Kindest regards and condolences to the Crew family.
Hal Kuhns / '71
April 3, 2015
Thank You Mr. Crew. RIP
John Merklein
March 15, 2015
Being a part of the Kiltie Bank at RHS was one the highlights of my high school experience. My daughter entered high school this week and is part of the marching band - although I know that they will never be at the level we were under Jack crew. How proud we were marching into the football stadium on Friday nights to the beat of the drums, wearing those uniforms on hot parade days, being a part of such a great band with great friends. I remember one practice Thursday night when we were practicing on the actual football field. He was up in the press box and made us start from the beginning if he saw one mistake. We were there most of the night, as I recall. Remember his saying 'ah, that was fair to middlin'. So many great memories and Jack Crew was the inspiration behind it all. RIP, Jack.
Vickie Smith
August 21, 2014
So very sad to hear about the passing of Jack Crew...not many men could have gotten a group of young people to go out in Florida in the heat and march in mud up over the feet to practice and then put on wool uniforms and march on hot fall nights and be so excited to do it...but he was such an inspiration we were excited to be out there playing our hearts out! Some of the best memories of my life....god bless his family and all the wonderful memories I am sure they have!
Deb Stokes McConaghy
April 23, 2014
Many memories of Mr.Crews at Lakeland High. Much respect for the man and his love of music. He will be missed on earth, but welcomed with open arms by the Lord. My love of music has never left me.
Lynn MCormick (Lee)
April 17, 2014
All though I was never in the band at RHS many of my friends were and they all loved and respected this man. He has touched so many lives and his influence will be felt for many years to come! RIP Mr. Crew.
Dave Edleman
April 6, 2014
May God continue to bless your soul, Mr. Crew, for He truely lived in you everywhere that you made a presence and in all of the lives you touched! Rest in peace... Thank you for having been a part of my life at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, FL c/o '97!!
Robin Akin
April 4, 2014
Mr. Crew, may God Bless you and your family. Your daughter Sheryl is such a great friend. May God help her in her moment of grief.
Maria Seto
March 31, 2014
Dear Mrs. Crew, Shelley, Sharon, and Sheryl, I feel so fortunate to have been part of the Kiltie Band. Your dad/husband was more than just a band director, he was an inspiration to all of us. So many of us chose careers in music because of his inspiration. His music lives on in all of us and his legacy will continue. May you all find comfort and support in all the words and thoughts being sent to you. RHS '80
Laurie Louis deVilla
March 31, 2014
I am so thankful to know the Crew family. I thank God for healing and comfort for all of you. It was such an honor and a privelege to have been in the Kiltie band and also to have been friends with all the Crews! What a legacy he leaves. I love you all, and I pray for peace for the whole family. Thank you all for being so instrumental in my life, and in the lives of all the Reinstroms. We love you!
Janet Duke
March 31, 2014
Jocelyn Cargile
March 30, 2014
March 27, 2014
Thank you Mr. Crew. I owe my professional music career to you. Your insistence on perfection from both the individual and ensemble carried with my all these years, not to mention some practice techniques I still use. I'm only sorry I didn't get a chance to play when you occasionally conducted the Tallahassee Community Band in later life while I lived there. I'll always treasure the personal growth your taught as a member of the Kiltie Band.
RHS '77.
March 27, 2014
Thank you Mr. Crew. I owe my professional music career to you. Your insistence on perfection from both the individual and ensemble carried with my all these years, not to mention some practice techniques I still use. I'm only sorry I didn't get a chance to play when you occasionally conducted the Tallahassee Community Band in later life when I lived in Tally. I'll always remember the growth I experienced being a Kiltie.
RHS '77.
Dan Peterson
March 27, 2014
We'll miss you, Jack! Love you, Shirley!
Pat Gilleland
March 27, 2014
Shirley, Sharon, Sheryl, Shelly, and families;
I am sure you have some inkling of the number of lives that Jack (I still have a hard time not calling him Mr. Crew) impacted. His drive for excellence and the ability to pull that out of his students is carried with each and every one of us to this day. I got a brief chance to chat with Jack at his last visit to the Kilties and he met my son who is now a freshman trumpet player in the band. It was such an honor and a priviledge to know and serve under Jack and he will be with me for the rest of my days. I am so pleased that the legacy Jack left at Riverview for the Kiltie Band is still being carried on today by Mark Spreen. I still occasionaly catch my breath when I see Mark in his uniform from behind as the resemblance to how I remember Jack when I was in the band is remarkable. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope you get some consolation knowing that Jack will live on in the memories of the many persons he touched throughout his life. Kiltie '75.
Vince Vance
March 26, 2014
March 26, 2014
Dear Aunt Shirley and my dear cousins....I am so sorry for your loss! I love you all and wish I could be closer so that I could attend Uncle Jack's memorial service. Just know that I am praying for you all and hope that you are comforted by close friends and family around you at this time. Love, Diane (Chavvah) Wallace Fagan
Diane Fagan
March 26, 2014
Thank-you, Mr. Crew. Thank you for your encouragement, your knowledge, your musical passion, your humor and your patience. We are all better people for having known you, and, because we are better people, the world is better. You changed the world. Bravo, Mr. Crew, Bravo!
Riverview High School Class of '75.
Robin Burden-Kessler
March 26, 2014
One of the top ten band directors? In my book he will always be number one. My love and appreciation of music was strengthened under his direction. I will never forget the trip to Chicago for the Midwest Band Clinic. So many great times I will always cherish!
I have often used his quote, "I have a good memory, it's just not very long".
We love you Mr. Crew!
Jim Slabach
March 25, 2014
The true test of our worth shows itself when we leave this world. Jack Crew had a huge impact on the lives of so many. All of us who had him as a band director learned to love music with a depth few ever know. Those of us who became band directors because of his inspiration know that he was an extraordinary teacher. The pain of this loss will be eclipsed by the wonderful memories that we all have of Jack. To Shirley and the rest of his family, stay strong and dwell on the good memories. Time is a great healer.
Barry and Carol Green
March 25, 2014
Shirley, My sympathy to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Tom McIntire
March 25, 2014
I met Jack while still in elementary school when my sister Dawn Burnell joined the Kilties. From that point I knew I wanted to be a Kiltie too. A few years later while I was in Junior High he visited as a guest conductor and invited us to join him for open band nights. I lived close enough to ride my bike up to Riverview and went every night. Mr.Crew encouraged me to keep coming year after year. Unfortunately, I was only a Sophomore when he left Riverview and it broke my heart. As a result of his investment in me I was awarded a full scholarship to attend college which would not have been possible without the award. My favorite memories of HS all involve being in the band. Mr Crew was far and away the single most influential teacher I ever had. I am so blessed to have know him.
Jay Burnell
March 25, 2014
There isn't a day that goes by that I haven't been incredibly thankful to have been a "Kiltie," with Mr. Crew as our incomparable director! I always loved Jack's sense of humor, and admired his dedication and endless passion for teaching. Additionally, he introduced us to some of the finest band literature on the planet! After many years of teaching music myself, I still have situations when I think, "What would Jack do?" I am so grateful for his influence in my life.
Julie Allison
March 25, 2014
A great role model for many. He will be tremendously missed.
Steven Cline
March 24, 2014
I had the honor and privilege of attending Riverview High School at the time that Mr. Crew came back to guest conduct. From this experience, and from all that I've heard from numerous friends that had him as a teacher, I can tell that we have lost someone of true greatness. Thank you, Mr. Crew, for all that you have contributed to the music world of today. You shall not be forgotten.
Nick Bruno
March 24, 2014
Shirley and family, I am very saddened by your loss. He was such a great inspiration and role model. Mr. Crew and the Kiltie Band are my fondest memories of Riverview H.S. One semester, we had clarinet sectional early in the morning. I had no way to get to school early to be there for sectional. Jack would drive out to my house on Siesta Key one morning every week for the entire semester to give me a ride. About 10 miles out of his way. I don't know if my family ever offered him gasoline money. Probably not. I have never forgotten this kind act even after 43 years. My two daughters were also Kilties. They still talk about his bands and the first 'straight superiors' received by the Kilties.
Larry Magill
March 24, 2014
Many fond memories are flooding my mind as I think of my years as a Kiltie Band member (1967-1970). I remember our first trip to the Rose Parade (1969), a trip to the Orange Bowl Parade (1970), District and State Band Festivals...so many things. But one of my favorites was Mr. Crew's first halftime show with the Kilties. He asked the pipe corps, "do y'all really have to play those bagpipes at every game?" But the best is when we reminded him that there was a kilt for the Band Director. He really didn't want to wear it, but he did! BTW - yes he allowed the pipes to play in every halftime show!
Many great memories of a man who influenced so many people. My prayers are with his family.
Paul Moller
March 24, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
March 24, 2014
I remember shaking this man's hand last year during my senior year at Lakeland High School. For all the good he has done there and everywhere else, his respect and honorability should be remembered for a lifetime.
Thank you Jack Crew for everything. Your legacy will live on forever.
Ron Berry
March 24, 2014
Mr. Crew will be missed by so many of us at Riverview High School. Prayers for the family.
Linda Ebersole
March 24, 2014
Thank you Mr. Crew! We should all strive for the personal and professional legacy that you are leaving.
Today I shared with my bands the performance video of Mr.Crew conducting the 1987-88 Lakeland High School Wind Ensemble. His passion continues to be a source of inspiration and those who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher will continue to share this with future generations. We will miss you.
Brad Feigles
March 24, 2014
The world has lost a legend and I a father. But your legacy will live on. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be a part of your family, and for reminding us that none of us are polished. Jesus, is a refiner of silver and through his blood we may become polished and shall sing with perfect voices. In heaven they are all polished, every one! Now Jack, you will truly hear that sound you were looking for all the while you were prepping your students for glory here on earth. Till we meet again, travel well dad. Love, Mark
Mark Copeland
March 24, 2014
My daughter, Cara Ready Rogers, had the privilege of being taught by Mrs. Crew in Jr. High and spent her sophomore year at LHS under Mr. Crew. What an influence they were on Cara's decision to be a music educator. I will never forget hearing the LHS band at state competition playing, Pictures of an Exhibition. Praying for Mrs. Crew and the entire family. Rita Ready former LHS band parent.
March 24, 2014
Mr. Crew was that ONE teacher for me, the one who influenced my high school years and created a love for music within me. I still have vivid memories of being a "Kiltie" and marching in the Rose Bowl Parade and the Macy's Parade. Thank you, Mr. Crew, for creating the legacy that is the Kiltie Band and for all that you taught me about life. I look forward to performing with you again in heaven some day.
Terri Seymour
March 24, 2014
May God's peace, mercy, and grace sustain you Shirley, family & friends. We will miss him so much; a great library has closed, but memories abound.
Bill Thompson
March 24, 2014
I am praying for you and your family to feel the comfort of God's loving arms. God has both our daddy's up there in heaven now. We will see them again soon when we get to go to heaven. Our job now is to love our mom's and family and be thankful for everyday we have together.
Sheryl Francavilla
March 24, 2014
To Shirley and Family,
This is the saddest day for me to learn that my friend, mentor and beloved band director passed away! My love and admiration for Jack will be forever! His love and knowledge of music will live in the hearts and soul of his many students. I was blessed to have him as my band director at Riverview High School and I was never forget the inspiration I gleaned from him! My prayers are with you Shirley and your family at this difficult time. Jack is still loved by all of us and he will remain alive in our hearts!
With love to you all!
Terri Cole
March 24, 2014
To the father of a wonderful woman of God, Sheryl Copeland, my good friend and the grandfather of my children's BEST friends! Thank God for you, Mr. Crew.
March 24, 2014
Jack and I had a special relationship while I was a Kiltie. More special to me. More of a pain to him. He treated me like a friend in need of guidance. Thanks Jack
Ken Reinstrom
March 24, 2014
Mr Crew was THE most influential teacher of my entire academic career. I was blessed to be a "Kiltie" and will be forever grateful to him for his inspiration. My condolences to all of his family, and may God richly bless and comfort you all. Thank you for sharing this man with so many of us who have been enriched by knowing him.
Stacey Bellows Anderson
March 24, 2014
We only knew Jack for a relatively short time, but he was a super fine man, and we are proud to have known him. Our prayers and condolences to the Family and friends.
Ron & Sandra Lay
March 24, 2014
Although I did not know Jack well, we did spend a bit of time together that was special to me. He was a kind generous soul who was obviously infatuated with music. He will be missed here on earth but not in the hearts of those who loved him dearly. My condolences to his lovely wife Shirley who will find each day a little duller without his gleaming smile to propel her along, however I hope she finds comfort in knowing that she was part of Jack's grand mission to make an impact on music and he did just that. Rest in peace good sir.
Jim Hall
March 24, 2014
Deepest condolences to the entire family. I am just one of many students changed by Mr. Crew's dedication to music and the band. An amazing impact and influential man, for so many.
Cody Fusilier
March 24, 2014
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. I was lucky enough to go to Riverview when Mr. Crew was the director. He was a wonderful educator, driven to excellence and yet could give you some slack when you messed up. This past week the Kilties were in the St. Patrick Day's Parade in NYC and when I heard it, it brought back those great memories of band trips to NYC and L.A.. These are memories that last a lifetime and we wouldn't have them if not for Mr. Crew and his dedication to excellence. Thanks Mr. Crew. You'll be missed and never forgotten.
Bill Stockstill
March 24, 2014
My heart if heavy with the loss of Jack Crew. He was an incredible musician, band director, mentor, and friend. The outpouring of love and admiration for him speaks to the positive impact he had on the thousands of students, band parents, colleagues, fellow musicians and friends who were lucky enough to have been a part of his life. I was honored to have him serve as band director at Lincoln High School during my tenure as principal. He was so loved by our students, faculty and staff, and band parents. And what beautiful music he made with his students! There was nothing to compare with the "Jack Crew sound" that he was able to teach and inspire his students to produce. I had goosebumps at every one of his concerts. His love of music will live on through the many people he touched during his life. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with Jack's family.
Martha Bunch
March 24, 2014
You were the best! I will always remember your dedication, perseverance and demand for excellence; in your memory I will pass these on to my own students. Rest In Peace, Jack.
Peter Hegwein
March 23, 2014
I got my first teaching job because of Jack. After I interned with him at Mosley HS in Panama City a middle school band director job came open. Jack was good friends with the principal and convinced him to hire me. Jack put his well earned reputation on the line for a young college grad with no experience. I am eternally grateful for his favor. I pray God's blessings on Shirley and his girls.
Jeff Tinch
March 23, 2014
What a wonderful man of inspiration. Even to a brand new teacher like me just getting started in my career as a first year band director in VA.
Mike Beverly
March 23, 2014
I miss my Grandaddy so much! I love you!
Megan Jackson
March 23, 2014
I can't express how sad I am that the world lost this good man. Kilties forever. RIP Jack.
Rod Raney
March 23, 2014
My prayers are with Shirley and the rest of the family. Mr. Crew was a big influence in my life during my high school years. And I have so many wonderful memories of my Kiltie Band years. Thanks Mr. Crew!
Maribeth Hamel
March 23, 2014
I already miss my daddy! God is loving on him though!
Sheryl Copeland
March 23, 2014
Shirley,
You know how much I loved Jack. The same amount I love you.We will all be together in Heaven. I am looking forward to it. I will continue to pray for you and your girls and their families.
Jean and I will see you there,
Johnny Creel
Johnny Creel
March 23, 2014
A great loss for the world. A truly remarkable man, who positively impacted soooo many lives. I am proud to have known him. My prayers to the family and friends who grieve.
James Tapia
March 23, 2014
I am terribly saddened to learn of Mr. Crew's passing. He was instrumental in the very best years of my life. There is a new horn in Heaven's band! Rest in Peace Mr. Crew.
Linda M Morrow
March 23, 2014
What an awesome man Mr Crew was to many students. Many stayed in school because of his influence. I am praying for your family in the days ahead.
Gwen Houston Farmer
March 23, 2014
Very thankful for his contribution to the band program at Lakeland High School. It takes a special teacher to mentor high school kids and as a band parent my husband and I were always grateful to him.
Joan and Wayne Musser
March 23, 2014
Mr. Crew was so inspirational as our bandleader at Riverview, when annoyed at our marching he would call us a "bunch of camels", we'd all laugh and work harder. He taught me to appreciate all types of music and we all have many fond memories of our times in the Riverview Kiltie Band.
March 23, 2014
A Great Band Director, My prayers are with the family.
Benny Boswell
March 23, 2014
What a great man, I was his pipe major in 1976 at RHS, What charisma and leadership! I loved him.
Kathy Wheeler
March 23, 2014
Many great memories of Mr. Crew. From the first time I met him as a young kid after he had a kitchen fire at his house, to my first time watching him conducting the Kiltie Band in the parking lot of Gulf Gate mall then being proud that I was good enough to make the cut. The VW on the second floor as someone else mentioned, the occasional ride on his checkmate in Sarasota bay, the many band trips when we thought we had gotten away with some shenanigans which of course we hadn't. Always a stern lecture but always forgiven. He made me love music so much I am sure that was the only reason I stayed in school. Thanks for the memories Jack. May you rest in peace. RHS Class of '74
Dennis Hoover
March 23, 2014
I remember Mr. Crew from my high school days. He was incredibly passionate about what he did and expected only the best- which was a great influence on us high school kids. He will be missed. My condolences go out to the family.
Tammy Miller
March 23, 2014
My heart mourns.
Friends and Family: I've just learned that my high school band director, Andrew J Crew, passed away last night while in hospice care. Please keep his wife, Shirley (who was my junior high school band director) and his children and grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.
His mentorship and passion for high school band and music was truly a shaping force of my life. He is one of the biggest reasons why I've devoted my life to the arts.
He showed us the beauty of music whether it be the preparation and climax of a performance on an international stage in Chicago or the youthful thrill and dogged precision under Friday night's lights at Bryant.
I'm absolutely positive I'm not the only one who feels that, at least a little, the Music has died.
Virgil Bates III
March 23, 2014
To one of the best band directors my condolences to the whole family
March 23, 2014
Deepest condolences to the extended family of Jack Crew. Great musician, great teacher, great smile.
david Irwin
March 23, 2014
All ways on key with everything best band director in riverview high school my condolences to the whole family
Leslie Hollingsworth Bown
March 23, 2014
????Long before the FCAT, merit based standardized testing, legislation based education, there were teachers, those who taught integrity, that practice made as close to perfect as you could get because perfect isn't attainable, that wearing a uniform even if it was just your schools band uniform meant you represented something more than yourself. Mr. Crew was a legendary music teacher in the State of Florida and around the globe I know he is directing God's Symphony Band and greeting all his favorite composers, and while he will be missed his legacy lives in us all. Anchors Aweigh, Mr. Crew.????
Jennifer (Roark/Lakeland HS '93) Williamson
March 23, 2014
It was my privilege to get to know Jack during my years as band director of North Florida Christian School in Tallahasse. Since I came from out of state as a director, I needed a mentor for part of the certification process. He was most helpful in that role. I was always in awe of his expertise and musicianship as well as his ability to call forth the very best from his musicians. Florida music education has lost a legend. His impact on his students who became educators will last a very long time in the influence they will, in turn, have on their students. God bless and grant him rest.
Wayne Hunter
March 23, 2014
Jack Crew was, without a doubt, the most influential person on my career as a band director. He was a consummate musician, conductor and educator. There are so many examples of his unselfish willingness to share his expertise with other band directors. He just wanted to make our profession better and for that he deserves all the honors and all the praise that his remarkable life has earned. Jack, you were my mentor, my musical barometer, my friend, my brother and in so many many ways my hero. I will miss you terribly but I will never forget you. You are a part of who I am and I thank you for your guidance throughout my career. You were the best of the best. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Shirley, Sharon, Sheryl, Shelly and the entire family. May our loving Lord hold you in the center of his care. God bless each of you and thank you for sharing Jack with the rest of us.
Rob Roadman
March 23, 2014
The greatest Kiltie Band memories include Mr. Crew. Always wanted to make him proud. RIP.
Sally Hathcock Francisco
March 23, 2014
Having Jack Crew as a teacher was one of the greatest memories I hold! Being a part of the Riverview High School Kiltie Band (1973-75) was the highlight of my high school experience. I remember how he'd get upset at us if we weren't playing to his level of his satisfaction....and then that smile would appear and he'd swipe off the goose bumps we gave him when we were right on target. My thoughts and prayers are with his family....know how much he meant to so many of us! Thanks for sharing him with us!
Gail Gilliland
March 23, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Crew. I have such great memories of my years in the Kiltie Band (69-71), and also
listening to him and Shirley playing
in the Sarasota city band. It was
such a joy to see him when my
daughter was in the Kiltie Band
years later and we played Lakeland
and there he was. I know Heaven is sounding beautiful with his addition
to their orchestra. My prayers are
with Shirley and the family. He will always be in our hearts and will be missed.
Candy Kinsman Buchanan
March 23, 2014
Uncle Jack, I remember going to hear your band in Sarasota. It was awesome. Thank you to you and Aunt Shirley during for being there during the Hurricane. We Love You and wish we could be there.
Don and Helene Wildish
March 23, 2014
My condolences to Shirley and the family. One of our friends sent me the FBA video which I had not seen before: GREAT INTERVIEW AND FANTASTIC LEGACY!
Jim Pace
March 23, 2014
Jack was not only a great teacher and band director, but a great friend as well. I will always remember our days fishing that Jack would spend studying scores while I fished, racing our boats, and traveling with bands in Europe. He will be missed.
Jim Parker
March 23, 2014
My condolences are extended to all Jack's family. To Margaret, Jack's sister, my thoughts, prayers and love are with you. May the sorrow you feel in your heart be lightened by the love that surrounds you. Hold on to all the good memories. May Jack rest in peace.
Isabelle "Izzy" Lockhart
March 23, 2014
One man who will be greatly missed. I am very happy to have been part of the Kiltie Band (1969-1971)and know Mr Crew. Many great memories.
Melinda Bowers
March 23, 2014
One man who will be greatly missed. I am very happy to have been part of the Kiltie Band (1969-1971)and know Mr Crew. Thank you for many great memories.
Melinda Bowers
March 23, 2014
Mr. Crew took a chance on me and let me join the Riverview HS band as a beginner player. I was not very good but he saw something in me and gave me a lifetime love of music. I blossomed as a musician and still play to this day, 30 years later. Thanks Mr. Crew for believing in me and giving so many the gift of music!!!!
Peggy Johnson-Rotstein
March 23, 2014
I'm saddened to hear about the worlds loss of a true outstanding music educator and inspiration to many. I had the fortune of being one of his students at Riverview High School between 1980-1984. I absolutely had the utmost respect for him and enjoyed every minute I had from his teaching us. I'm glad many others received education from this musical genius. God Bless the family and God Bless you Jack Crew...you will be sorely missed by many....Thankyou
Diane Williams-Desormier
March 23, 2014
May God's arms be around you all in this time. Mr. Crew's was my band director at LHS. We will miss him. God bless you all.
Susan Gray
March 23, 2014
My condolences to the entire family. Jack will be sorely missed. He was an inspiration friend and mentor to so many. God bless Jack and all of the family.
Jim Devine
March 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jack Crew was an incredible mentor, loved his attitude and his smile when we hit the notes, the way he envisioned....few shouts if we didnt....RHS, my brother was in the band and I followed a few years later. The Kilties was the band to be in...and under Jack, he took it to new levels. I want to thank his family for the sacrifice that they made, to allow Jack to be there for hundreds of us...no one he did not touch...will never forget his face when he found his VW bug on the 2nd floor...boy, was he hot under the collar, but we got it back down and all was well....some great memories, thank you to Jack and family. Prayers shared....and I did the cancer thing. He is in a far, far better place now, (borrowing from someone) and Ms Kimball is showing him around Heaven.
Scott Lewis
March 23, 2014
Thank you Jack for the many glorious musical memories of so many superb concerts. We will miss you at our ABA conventions...you were a very special friend for so many years. Ed & Dorie Lisk, Oswego, NY
Edward Lisk
March 23, 2014
Jack was a great friend and mentor, we'll miss you Coach!
Dr. William J. Hinkle and family
March 23, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Crew family. He inspired so many people, including myself, by doing what he loved. I can only hope that one day I will be half the teacher that he was to me.
Hannah Carlson
March 23, 2014
Jack was an outstanding music educator and a wonderful model to fellow musicians. He will be sorely missed.
Roger Duncan
March 23, 2014
The world of music, teaching, and a great human being has lost a true GIANT!!Shirley and I were fortunate to have been living in Lakeland during Jack's tenure as Director of Bands at Lakeland Senior High School. Both of our sons were the benefactors of his leadership and guidance. The world of MUSIC and HUMANITY has lost a major contributor. We were very fortunate to have been able to be Jack's friend. Jim & Shirley Slutz
March 23, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Crew. He was our band director at Riverview and the best one I ever had. Such great memories of a great man. Rest in peace Jack. Our memories of you will live forever.
Lisa Norman
March 23, 2014
Mr. Crew you were a Awesome Band Director. I enjoyed band cause you were my band director for three years. You will be missed.
Kimberly Johnston-Trim
March 23, 2014
Ellen(Dees) Zeller
March 23, 2014
My thoughts & prayers are with Jack's family! He will be greatly missed by many. What a wonderful career he had!!
Charlotte Rudy
March 23, 2014
Showing 1 - 100 of 101 results
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