S. Denis Crapo

S. Denis Crapo

Denis returned home to be with his Lord on May 24, 2011, with his beloved wife of 49 years, Virginia, at his side. He was 71 years old. He was born August 12, 1939 to Cecil Chalmers and Mary Ethel (Green) Crapo in Olympia, WA. He graduated from Tacoma's Stadium High School in 1957. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a radar operator in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1962.
Denis married Virginia, the love of his life, on October 7, 1962. He adopted his wife's 5 children, they had 2 more together, and adopted 2 of their great-grandchildren. Denis worked in the insurance field and was promoted through management positions to eventually become an independent agent. After a brief retirement, he resumed work at State Farm until full retirement in 2007.
Denis was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held many positions, and loved genealogical work. Denis also loved all forms of dancing, and spent much time sharing that love with hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the Puget Sound area. He received numerous awards and recognitions for both his dancing and choreography. He most recently contributed to online forums for dance instructors and choreographers worldwide.
Denis is survived by his wife; eight children, Charles, Julia, Martin, Michelle, James, Matthew, Julia Rose, and Zachariah; two brothers, Gordon and Monte; a sister, Bonnie; 23 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Frederick and his son Robert. He will also be deeply missed by the countless members of his church family and his dance family.
Viewing will be on Friday, June 3, 2011, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Funeral Alternatives, 2830 Willamette Drive NE, Lacey, WA 98516. The memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at the LDS Stake Center, 1602 Ruddell Road SE, Lacey, WA. Following the service, the family and close friends will attend the burial in Tumwater, and a reception at the Stake Center in Lacey. Please leave condolences at denis-crapo.forevermissed.com. Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.