SIDNEY CRANDALL

Sidney (Sid) Crandall The Hero of Elgin Avenue Sid Crandall, the hero of Elgin Avenue, ended an extraordinary life of love, service and compassion when he passed peacefully on May 12after a brief battle with cancer. He lived 87 memorable years. By appearance an ordinary man, Sid's unique reach into the lives of many has left a hole impossible to fill. He wore out his life serving others, whether picking up widows for hair or medical appointments, shopping errands or leaving a gift; helping the sons of single mothers build pinewood derby cars (he coached the building of over 50 cars); repair/construction projects for young homeowners, using his machinist skills to build parts to salvage outdated equipment, and much more. Family visits were interrupted by neighborhood children, who would come to his door to show a new toy, Sid kneeling with them. He adopted a young family, the husband overwhelmed by the demands of medical school, becoming a surrogate uncle. Years ago, while attending a youth baseball tournament, he met a Mississippi family visiting here for the first time. He helped them with directions, lunch, etc., starting a bond lasting to this day. Sitting with the sick, car pools, neighborhood projects, coaching, and attending the games/honors/concerts of family; nothing needing done escaped Sid's notice. Sid skills included easy laughter, kind eyes, a listening ear. He was a great puller of your arm hair, loved a joke, a clown for the camera, enthusiastic during games, complementary of a new dress or haircut. A grown man who would run with the kids to the next ride at Lagoon. Generous and detailed, he was stubborn in the completion of a project. An early riser, Sid was up at 4:15 a.m., taking his walk, planning his day. "I can't get everything done if I sleep in," he stated simply, keeping this pattern until February of this year. He had this singular way with everyone-you felt like you were someone very special to him. And you were right. Born July 8, 1923 in Salt Lake City, the fourth of five children, Sid attended Salt Lake area schools, graduating from South High. In 1943 he was drafted into the Army and served in Europe and North Africa. He was an MP securing and transporting prisoners from the front lines to holding detention. Honorably discharged in 1945, Sid trained as a machinist, beginning a career at Chicago Bridge and Iron. A life-long member of the LDS church, he had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, enjoying service in many callings. His favorite was scouting, where his love and skills in the outdoors fit well. In recent years, Sid filled a service mission in the LDS operated soap factory. After the war, Sid met Gloria Watts, the love of his life. They married in Elko, Nevada May 14, 1945, later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Gloria, known to the family as "Aunt Butch," received that affectionate nickname from Sid while fishing together. To Sid's surprise, Gloria baited her own hook, and he called her "Butch" from then on. They bought a home on Elgin in 1954, where they made their life. They forged lifelong friendships in that neighborhood where Butch's cooking and Sid's clowning were staples. In this house, Aunt Butch died on October 31, 1995. And there Sid, attended sweetly by nieces Vickie Sohl and Sharon McGeer, left us for the loving arms of his darling Butch and Heavenly Father. In this knowledge we take comfort. Sid Crandall led an authentic life. There was just one. We knew him; he was ours. He was a loving friend. A favorite uncle. A mentor. A listener. A reliable helper. A leader. An example. We are honored we ever knew him and so grateful that his life was long, his suffering short. A young niece posted, "RIP Sidney Crandall, the image of Christ on this earth, the shining example of service, compassion and putting yourself before others. I love you Uncle Sid, and I already miss you." Our prayer is that what he will go on, in a measure, in each of us privileged to know him. As with the death of Moses, "His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." May the wonderful natural force that was Sid Crandall go on in us, forever. Sid is survived by brother Keith (Betty) Crandall, many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by parents Estelle Woods (Mock), Thomas Mock, Horace Crandall; Brothers Burt Crandall, George Crandall, and sister Peggy (Mock) Mower. The family thanks Vickie Sohl, Ron Crandall, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for recent tireless service to Sid. Services are as follows: Viewing Saturday May 21 at 9:30 a.m. Funeral May 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Salt Lake Grant Stake Center, 3153 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah.