William Crookham

I am so glad that we were able to meet Bill Crookham. He came to our Crookham Family Reunion’s in Oregon, Ohio, and Leon, West Virginia, and made several trips to Ohio to work on Family History. He was descended from George Lennox Crookham who settled Jackson, Ohio, and we descend from his brother Elijah Crookham who settled in Calvin’s Corners, Fairfield Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

As a young man in college and shared many a beers with Bill in his backyard. He is one of the most entertaining and energetic man I have ever met. He gave me many life lessons.

A favorite memory was when Bill got the idea to expand his backyard swimming pool to a 20-yard lap pool so he could cover it and run Swim Team practices in the Winter. The next day I dropped by to see Bill and he had a backhoe busy digging up the yard. The key was that the project had to be completed before...

My heart is heavy at the loss of Bill from our lives. He was a very special person in all aspects of his life, but I especially appreciated his involvement in preserving the history of Caldwell, Canyon County, and Owyhee County. My parents, Al & Marge Walradt, cherished him and all his family. I am sure they stand with George & Bernice to welcome him into the joyful arms of heaven. The loss is greatest for Berit, Kristi, Mary Ann & George William. My heart goes out to you. May you be...

My heart is truly aching tonight as I've heard that Bill has left the planet. He was so many things to me; mentor, teacher and friend. Bill saw the music in the heart of a shy little 9 year old girl and helped shape it. He gave me the confidence to let it fly. Bill put my fingers on the strings of ukes, guitars and banjos, and taught me to play the autoharp caveman style. Berit was always there, with her twinkling eyes and warm smile. Bill encouraged my obsession with horses and nudged...