Edward Crabtree

Former Alaska resident Edward "Eddie" Peter Crabtree, 61, died Jan. 27, 2011, at home in Renton, Wash., after a brief bout with cancer.

A celebration of life will take place in Monroe, Tenn., at a later date, to be determined.

He was born Jan. 30, 1949, in Detroit, Mich., to Ruth Barnard Crabtree and H.L. Crabtree.

He spent his youth in Alpena, Mich., and moved to Alaska in the early 1970s and married Jennie Sakeagak in Barrow. In 2009, he married Angelita Estrada in Manilla, Philippines.

Ed served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, from April 1966 through February 1969. He was honorably discharged.

Ed's love for cooking began early in childhood watching his mother prepare meals for the family. His dream of attending culinary school in New York became a reality. Most recently employed by the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit and the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage.

Ed loved music, and blues and jazz were his favorites. He played a mean guitar and had the privilege of sitting in with a few of his favorite groups on occasion.

He is survived by his wife, Angelita Estrada Crabtree; children, Ramona Ruth Sakeagak, Sarah Grasse Crabtree; stepchildren, Ruth Grace E. Castillo, Jeremae Esther E. Castillo, Shekinah E Castillo; grandchildren, Darlene Sakeagak, Brandon Sakeagak, Christopher Masanque, Jennie Sierer, and Laura Ashley Sierer; brothers, Howard L. Crabtree (Billie Ann) of Lennon, Mich.; and Philip A. Crabtree of Fairbanks; sister, Sandra K. Thompson (Arthur) of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, Jennie Sakeagak-Crabtree in 1987; and daughter, Laurie Beth Crabtree in 2001.

For information call Sandra Thompson 313-331-1481

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of your choice.

The family offers a special thank you to the Washington State Veterans Administration, Providence Hospice, and caregivers Denise, Lara and Chad.