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Richard H. "Dick" Crook Jr.

1921 - 2016

Richard H. "Dick" Crook Jr. obituary, 1921-2016, Escondido, CA

BORN

1921

DIED

2016

Richard Crook Obituary

CROOK
Richard “Dick” H. Jr.
Richard “Dick” H. Crook Jr., age 94, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on Feb 16, 2016, of natural causes in Escondido, CA. Born April 21, 1921, in Philadelphia, PA to Richard H. Crook Sr. and Catherine Carey Crook, Dick graduated from Princeton University (History, 1942) and Harvard Law School (1948).
During his senior year at Princeton, after hearing about the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enrolled in the US Navy. He attended officer training at Notre Dame & Northwestern, and his naval career included serving as Executive Officer on the anti-submarine ship USS PC 553 as part of the US invasion of Normandy on D-Day at Omaha Beach. He retired with the rank of Captain after serving in the Naval Reserve thru 1973.
Dick's legal career was devoted to corporate law. His last position was as Corporate Secretary of Champion Spark Plug in Toledo, Ohio (retiring in 1983).
At Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo (Ottawa Hills), he was the chairman of many different committees. He also volunteered with, and was on the Board of, the Toledo Symphony, the Toledo Opera, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo (formerly the Toledo Society for the Handicapped), and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Toledo. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Toledo and the Inverness Club.
He was on the tennis team at Wayne High School (Philadelphia) and Princeton University and won the Senior Singles Trophy at Princeton by beating George Shultz (future US Secretary of State, '82-'89).
Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret-Ann (Peggy) Hunter Crook; his son, Richard (Rick) H. Crook III (Wanda); his sister, Jeanne Crook-Classen (Charles). Dick was preceded in death by his youngest son, Hunter David Crook (2009) and his sister, Virginia Crook-Laskey (Bill). Dick served as little league baseball coach for both of his sons and instilled in them an appreciation of classical music and education. Dick and Peggy have been living in San Diego County since 2013 to be near Rick and Wanda.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (www.ToledoSymphony.com)
As published in The Blade

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Feb. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Crook

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Mary E Riddle

March 9, 2016

Dear Peggy and Ric. How sad I felt when I heard of Dick's passing. He was always so hospitable to me whenever I visited your home in Toledo. We sure did have some nice evenings and delicious food lovingly prepared by Peggy. David was always there as well and was a blessing to us all. I will miss Dick and his smile. He worked so hard for the community of Toledo.
Lovingly, Mary E Riddle

peter classen

March 7, 2016

Peggy, so very sorry about Dick's passing. Tremendous tribute to his life. Hope that all the great memories will help you get through this very difficult time. Pete and Diane Classen

February 29, 2016

Hi Peggy,
I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I hope you know that we all miss you and wish you were able to live close to us in Ohio. I think of you often. Fondly, Cindy Niggemyer

Barbara Craig

February 24, 2016

My sincere sympathy to you, Peggy, and family.
I heard the following quote soon after my dad, Bill Neff, passed away in 1987. "There is no death, there is only change. And the only think that does not change is God."

Prayers and thoughts to you,
Barbara Neff Craig

Marlene Uhler

February 23, 2016

So sorry Peggy & family, miss you Peggy.

Rev. Dr. Douglas Damron

February 23, 2016

On behalf of the members and friends of Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo let me extend our sympathy and promise of prayer during this difficult season. We thank God for the years Dick spent with us as a member. His life, faith, and service has made an eternal difference in the life of our congregation and in the greater Toledo community.

February 22, 2016

Dear Peggy and Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Margaret Doresco

February 22, 2016

Dear Peggy & family, so sorry for your loss. You have both given so much to this community. Carol Sizemore

February 22, 2016

Thinking of you Peggy. I know this is a hard time. All our love. Bob and Barbara bettinger

Judy Dye

February 22, 2016

I have fond memories of Dick and Peggy through our Toledo symphony association. he was a lovely, interesting man.

Judy Hauman Dye

February 22, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Yvonne
Heminger

February 22, 2016

Dear Peggy,
We were sorry to learn of Dick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. Steve and I are still members of the Chancel Choir. When you have a still, quiet moment. listen really hard and imagine that you hear the Chancel Choir singing Amazing Grace in remembrance.
Sincerely,
Janet Foster

Kurt Hisey

February 22, 2016

Mrs. Crook & Rick,
I'm very sorry for your loss. He obviously touched so many throughout his life. I have fond memories of all of us at the Jersey shore whether at the house on 15th or the Windrift Hotel and Mr. Crook making sure we were having a good time. I remember the Sunday evening dinners and conversations of football as we ate. I have a lot of great memories of him going back through the years but most of all I will remember him as being the most kind and gentle man. Please know that my family will be thinking of yours during this difficult time.

Jeffrey Hunter

February 22, 2016

From Jeffrey Hunter (Dick and Peggy's nephew).-- We share out fondest memories of summers in Avalon with Uncle Dick, Aunt Peggy, Rick, David and the whole family. It was a magic place for all of us for many years and we were very lucky to be together in the sunshine for so many years. God Bless Uncle Dick, Aunt Peggy, David and dear cousin Rick who kept the ship afloat and got them both to San Diego for a wonderful time in the sun by the sea.

Kimberly Hunter

February 22, 2016

Uncle Dick. The times our family spent together he always had a smile and a kind thing to say. Such a kind man. As An adult what I liked and noticed from Dick was how much he reminded me of dear David. I will always love you both.

February 22, 2016

To the Richard H. Crook Family,

On behalf of the musicians of the Toledo Symphony we honor and acknopwledge the leadership of Dick Crook during the time he was a trustee from 1979 to 1985. Long before that time, he was a generous patron and friend. His lasting contribution to NW Ohio is the quality and community service of the orchestra. We are grateful. Our thoughts are with Mrs. Crook and family at this time of sadness mixed with celebration of a life well lived in service to others.

Kathleen Carroll, President and CEO of the Toledo Symhony

Debbie Keller

February 22, 2016

So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Both of your names are so well known at Epworth and I know you were friends of my parents, Don and Ginny Mewhort. Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and one of those pillars of Epworth. Take care

Dina Shaffer

February 22, 2016

My sincerest condolences

John & Martha Ingersoll

February 22, 2016

Margaret-Ann & Family - We both regret learning of Dick's passing. The Crook family's many contributions to Epworth have been appreciated and will be long remembered. May God Bless and keep the entire Crook family.

Tim Harrington

February 22, 2016

The Ability Center family sends our deepest sympathy. We were blessed to have both Dick and Peggy as loyal supporters.

Barbara Baumgartner

February 22, 2016

Dear Peggy and family.....so sorry to hear of Dick' s passing. A wonderful man. Love and sincere sympathy....God Bless. Love, Barbara Baumgartner

Traci Schwann

February 22, 2016

So very sorry for your loss, Peggy. May you find peace in beautiful memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. You are thought of often and missed by so many!!! Toledo Opera Guild especially misses you!!!

Eric Schwalbe

February 22, 2016

Mrs. Crook and Rick,
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Crook. I have many fond memories of visiting with he and you Mrs. Crook. He was a very special man. I only wish I had been able talk to him more about his service during the war. The same goes for my father as well. He is now with Jesus and there is no better place . . . period. I pray for you two and Wanda as you all deal with this loss, may the Lord give you peace and understanding. Miss seeing you guys. Take care and lots of love from my family to yours.

February 21, 2016

Dick touched so many lives during his journey. He exemplifies the best in using his talents to benefit his fellow man. I loved the time he, Peggy, and I spent together talking and visiting. Memory Eternal, Dick.
Thank you for your many kindnesses.
Barbara Brown

Debra Roidl

February 21, 2016

Peggy, many hearts are with you and your family now and always. We will always remember his love of chocolates and his book collection, but most if all his hearty welcoming smile. Dick was a gentleman whose presence will be missed.

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