William Crookham Obituary

William L. (Wild Bill) Crookham
March 4, 1933 - January 20, 2020
I was born March 4, 1933 in Caldwell, Idaho to George Lenox Crookham III (a native of Nebraska) and Bernice Robinson Crookham (a native of Missouri). Some two years later, on May 8, 1935, my sister was born, Judith Lynn Crookham.
I graduated from Caldwell High School in 1951 and spent two years as a Vandal in Moscow, Idaho. After two years of military service, I used the GI bill to attend schools in Utah, Colorado and the University of Oslo in Norway. It was in Norway where I met Berit Guthus of Stange Norway. I did some sports reporting in Colorado until I was called home by my father. I served in the Idaho Legislature for four years in mid-century.
I have had four great joys in my life: the first being my marriage to Berit Guthus on April 10, 1958.
The second joy, with the help of Berit, was the blessing of raising three stalwart children: Kristi Bernice, Mary Ann and George William, and the joy of nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The third joy was stewarding Crookham Company for some 35 years and providing good paying jobs for good people and, eventually, comfortable retirements.
And the fourth joy, was the honor of having a close cadre of friends - John Shoun and Harvey Hoff from high school and college, Arne Sampe, Dick Dorsey, Rich Myers and Dick Killgore from the military, Don Farlinger, Dick Jones, Ron Rosencrantz and Ward Stone from the work years and from the prevailing years, Paul Kaye, Barbi Robison, Jim Thomas, Dick Symms and especially, Bob Collins. So Precious.
-written by Bill Crookham in April of 2017
It was Bill's wish to have a sweet corn feast to celebrate those around him. Please join us on August 8, 2020 in Caldwell Idaho. Details to follow or visit Bill Crookham's Sweet Corn Feast Facebook page.
Please consider donating to the Caldwell YMCA in lieu of flowers.

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

Published by Idaho Press Tribune from Jan. 23 to Jan. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William Crookham

5 Entries

Susan C Burkholder

December 16, 2020

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.

Steve and Leslie Eyton

February 1, 2020

What a wonderful legacy your dad created, and what a privilege it is to see it carried forward by his family. Hugs to you and yours, George.

Scott Adams

January 31, 2020

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 Berit returned from a vacation with the kids. I tried to get out of there before she showed up, but did not quite escape in time. As a result, I also was subjected to her wrath. She complained that they did not need a pool longer than the house. As usual, Bill took all in stride. Eventually Berit accepted the pool and we did indeed put a plastic roof on the pool and and swam all Winter.

Glenda Walradt-Janssen

January 30, 2020

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 comforted by all those who shared a special love for Bill.

Marthetta Blakley

January 27, 2020

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 my dad when it came time to buy Sunny, my first one. Bill made me feel special, like I was the only kid in the Universe. He had a knack for making people feel special. He gave me self esteem. Tonight, I am bursting with gratitude for the many gifts he gave, most importantly, the gift of himself. He was a remarkable human being. Berit and family, I'm sending love to you all. I'm so very sorry for your loss. XO Muffie

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