Harry Bertram Crossfield III

Harry Bertram Crossfield III

Harry Crossfield Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 24 to Apr. 27, 2005.
CROSSFIELD, MR. HARRY BERTRAM, III, age 51, succumbed to a fierce yet gracious battle with cancer on April 21, 2005 at UAB Hospital. Harry was in the company of his loving family at the time of his death. Harry was born in Birmingham, AL in 1953. He later moved to Atlanta, GA, Summit, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Cleveland, OH. He graduated from North Allegheny High School in 1971 and received a B.A. from Duquesne University in 1977. In 1993, Harry earned an M.B.A. from Cleveland State University. Harry was employed by United States Steel in 1977. He held various front line operating positions before being named Department Manager - No. 3 Seamless Pipe Mill in 1986. His advancement in U. S. Steel included positions as Process Engineer - Operations Planning and Development, Total Quality Systems Coordinator, Business Process Leader Production/Planning and Lead MRP Controller. In 1999, Harry was a member of the Merger Integration Team of USS/KOBE Steel Co. and Republic Technologies International. In 2000, Harry joined U. S. Pipe as SAP Implementation, Production Planning Team Leader. He was later promoted to Director of Operations Planning with additional responsibility of directing logistics, stockyards, and purchasing functions. Harry was known as an effective communicator at all levels of the organization and served on several executive level teams and search committees. U. S. Pipes current Inventory and Planning Models reflect his influence and experience. Harry was a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church. He was the devoted husband of Dory and the proud father of Jessica. He was the son of Harry B. Crossfield, Jr. (deceased) and Jane G. Andrae of Ft. Myers, FL and the brother of Rebecca L. Crossfield of Philadelphia, PA and J. Richard Crossfield of Jacksonville, FL. Harry enjoyed fishing, yard work and family time. He was known to be a kind and gentle person with a warm sense of humor. He demonstrated incredible spirit and faith in the Lord during his short, intense battle with cancer. Harrys faith and determination were, and continue to be, a source of inspiration for those fortunate enough to have known and loved him. Heaven is a richer place now that Harry is there. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 28, 2005, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Hwy. 150, Hoover. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Anton Fourier officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of condolence be directed to the UAB Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, 619 19th St. S, Birmingham, AL 35294. The family is so grateful for the expertise and compassion shown in Harry's final hours. The money you donate will provide training for nurses in End of Life Care. Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home directing.

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Sign Harry Crossfield's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 19, 2005

John Clark posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2005

Kelly Meeks posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2005

Jane Andrae posted to the memorial.

John Clark

May 19, 2005

Dory,I was at a lost for words when I first heard of Harry's passing and didn't share any thoughts. However, I wish to make a brief comment now. I just want to say, and I am sure you know, Harry was one of the must respected and admired individuals that ever worked at Lorain. From my first encounter with Harry I knew I would enjoy working with him , getting to know him and become a friend. My heart goes out to you and Jessica for your lost. There will be no filling of that void, but with the wonderful memories of your times together they will fall back into that void and make a sad moment a little more pleasent. He was one fine gentleman. My best to you and Jessica and thank you for your thoughts in my time of pain and lost.

God's Blessing upon you.

Kelly Meeks

May 17, 2005

I am so sad to see you go, but i am so excited about where you are!!

I will always remember that smile and will miss you!!

Jane Andrae

May 8, 2005

I have the profound privilege of being Harry's mother.

May he rest in peace.

Debra Miller

May 1, 2005

Harry Crossfield was, quite simply, one of the finest men I have ever known. His integrity was unwavering. He bore the strain of his illness with the same grace, dignity, and sense of humor that were the hallmark of his life. It was a privilege to be his friend. He will be sorely missed, but I have no doubt that he is now near the throne of the Father. Psalm 116.15

Rich Crossfield

April 29, 2005

I have had the incredible honor of being Harry's brother. For 44 years I was fortunate enough to experience the power of his personality and the virtues of his spirit.



Harry was a wonderful role-model, mentor, coach, confidante, cheerleader, fishing buddy, friend, and most of all, inspiration to me. As brothers, we naturally fought and aggravated each other at times - but Harry was quite patient with a little brother who always wanted to tag along with him. He was always interested in my life, and eager to share the proud moments of his own.



I had the opportunity to be involved in Harry's care at times during his final illness. As hard as it was to see his health decline, it was impressive to see the strength of his determination and resolve. Harry would initially get frustrated and angry with each setback only to then rally his will and redouble his efforts. As strong as I believed my brother to be, his grit and spirit amazed me.



During his battle, Harry was mindful of the effect that his illness was having on those around him. When I was alone with him he would ask, "how's Dory doing?", "is Jess OK?", "have you talked to Mom?", "is Becky alright?". He expressed his concern for me, being away from my wife and my career when I was with him in Birmingham. As things became more ominous, he spent several hours talking to me about his "list" of things to finish in order for Dory and Jessica to be secure after his death.



Harry was very proud of his girls. No conversation was complete without him talking about the latest happenings in Dory and Jessica's lives. In fact, Harry would often deflect my questions about work to more important issues like Jessie's gymnastics or his worries about her growing up so fast.



Harry grew to have a deep and comforting belief in God and God's will. I observed how much this sustained him throughout his illness. I know that Dory and Jessica's faith in the Lord have carried them through such a painful time. That faith will guide all of us through our grief.



I couldn't be prouder of my brother. I couldn't be prouder to be his brother. He'll be in my heart forever.

Phil Goodwin

April 28, 2005

I have only known Harry for 3 1/2 years, but he became a trusted freind and mentor here at US Pipe. I remember when I was hired to work with the team on the SAP project. My role with Sales was similar to Harry's existing role with Production. As I was being introduced around the company, I was said to be "Harry's equivalent" in Sales. I was many times referred to as "SD's Harry". As I grew to know and love Harry, I realized what an honor it was to be mentioned in such a way. I can only hope that I can touch half as many lives and have a thumbnail of the influence and compassion that he did. There is no doubt that he helped me to get me to where I am today, and I will always be grateful. His spirit and calming influence were unsurpassed and we can all learn from his model. We are all better people because we knew Harry Crossfield.



I am going to miss you Harry, but I find comfort in the fact that I will see you again one day!



Your "Buddy / Coach" -

Richard Rowell

April 28, 2005

Harry's gentle nature is an inspiration. It was a privilege to know him and to work with him.

Jennifer Scott-Wasilk

April 28, 2005

My most sincere condolences to Dory. Both of them were a pleasure to know and work with at USS/KOBE.

Jessica Crossfield

April 28, 2005

Harry was a wonderful Dad and person all around. He was patient and loving! He never thought about himself. He always wanted to help other people before himself. I know that everyone will miss him. In Loving Memory of Harry B. Crossfield

Sincerly, Jessica Crossfield

Dory & Jessica Crossfield

April 28, 2005

Jessica and I are finding great comfort in reading the entries you have all written. It has been a grueling 8 months which has helped us with accepting his passing on to God. He was a fighter till the end. Thank you especially for your prayers which is making this event bearable.

In Christ's love to you all, Dory

Sheryl Patterson

April 28, 2005

I believe there are angels among us. There is no doubt that Harry was one of them. Heaven has been truely blessed with his presence.

David Gross

April 28, 2005

Having known Harry for quite a few years at USS/Kobe, I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a pleasure to work with, and was one of the most capable people I ever met.

Christopher Marty

April 27, 2005

I worked with Harry for many years before I retired from USS/KOBE Steel in mid-1998. He was a great man who never had anything bad to say about anyone. He was an excellent leader on our SAP project and all who knew him will miss him.

Deb Aldridge

April 26, 2005

How can you possibly put in a few words what Harry meant to so many people and to me? I feel honored to have been his friend. He was such an inspiration to me with his calm manner, giving spirit, friendly smile, wonderful sense of humor, open heart, warmth, thoughtfulness, patience, faith and friendship. You didn't have to ask if he were a Christian - you could feel that he was a Godly man and not ashamed to admit loving his Lord. I met him not long after he began to work for U. S. Pipe - when he was working on SAP. I also was working on it some and had the wonderful opportunity to get to know him. He was always quick with a smile and a willingness to help in any way he could. I know I drove him crazy asking questions but he always helped (and never lost his patience)me until he knew that I understood what he was teaching me. Yes Harry, I do understand and use MD04. He had a way of getting to know you and knowing what was important to you and always asking about things that were special to you. The first weekend I lived in Birmingham after transferring from another town, He and Dory so graciously had me out to dinner at their home. When my father was ill he told me that he was praying for him and one time when my father was very ill even offered at one time to drive me to the hospital when he was afraid I was too upset to drive. His department was the envy of the building - they work so well together and are all so close knit. He told me numerous times about how proud he was of each of them and how much they meant to him. Harry and his team are people that I am proud to call my friends. I was constantly asking him if I could come to work for him. Harry gave me grief about the wild socks I wear so I on 2 different occassions gave him some wild socks. He was such a good sport - he laughed as long and hard when the joke was on him. Before he got so sick he would come through the department I work in and speak to everyone in the department and call them by name. I can honestly say that I have never heard a word spoken against him. Everyone here loved Harry and one of the reasons was because you knew he was always there to help you and wanted to get to know you. He was always the same day in and day out.



One very precious memory to me is Harry's concern for my health when I had to have a tumor removed right before Christmas. He called me the day after the surgery to see if the results had come back. When I told him that it came back benign he was so glad and relieved for me. After I hung up the phone I cried because he genuinely was glad for me.



I'll miss you my friend and my buddy but every day I thank God that I had to opportunity to know you and also to be your friend. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven one day and rejoice in knowing that there is no doubt that is where you are.

Nancy Oates

April 26, 2005

I wish everyone could have the opportunity to have a friend, mentor, and boss like Harry in their life. Harry brought everything good to the table and brought that out in you. His love of people and family showed in his conversations. Having Dory and Jessica just added a bigger smile to his face. Thank you for your humor and grace.

Carolyn Simmer

April 26, 2005

We had the pleasure of knowing Harry at USS in Lorain. He was a fine young man and will be missed.

Carol Ducar,Jeanne Farrow

Howard Grigsby

April 26, 2005

Many of the memories I have of Harry are private moments when we talked about very personal things in his life and mine. Those things will remain in my heart and will not be shared. One of the most outstanding things about Harry was his patience and compassion for others. He took the time to know each of us personally. How our goals and dreams could be aligned with our daily work lives. Harry had a good sense of where each of us wanted to be five to ten years down the road and took steps to help us get there through education, experiences, exposure and salary assistance. He shared our joys when we had good things happen in our life and cried with us through the bad.



Harry’s sense of humor was another of his strengths. He enjoyed a joke or two on a few of our co-workers, and laughed just as hard when the joke was on him. However, he was always sensitive to the feelings of others. Harry could be tough when it was necessary. But he would always try using logic first. If he could logically convince you that you might be wrong, that was good enough for him. Very rarely did he use his forceful personality to make a point.



The Harry that I will miss most will be my friend. Harry was a man that put the person first and everything else second. Harry was a Christian example of how a friend and man should be.

Gary Gajdzik

April 26, 2005

I had the honor of working with Harry, studying with him in graduate school and enjoying his friendship. I always found him to be very professional and very respectful of his fellow workers and he was a warm and caring human being to all and not just his friends. I am deeply saddened by his passing. I found the way he handled his struggle to be very courageous and inspiring. I will miss him as a person and a friend.

Monte Burnham

April 25, 2005

Harry will be truly missed by the people who had the privilege of being associated with him. His charming nature was very special. Harry provided many of us inspiration with his winning spirited attitude during his recent battle.

Don DeFosset

April 25, 2005

Harry was an inspiration to all of us at US Pipe and Walter Industries. We will miss his contributions and warm personal traits that endeared him to everyone he interacted with.

Jennifer Whittier

April 24, 2005

My sympathies to Dory and Jessica,They stood by Harry the entire time.Harry was a kind,gentle man that enjoyed life.I am so fortunate to know this family.I will remember you in my prayers

Melody Eckert

April 24, 2005

My heartfelt condolences go out to Harry's family and the entire Crossfield family. I will hold all of you close in my thoughts and prayers.

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Sign Harry Crossfield's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 19, 2005

John Clark posted to the memorial.

May 17, 2005

Kelly Meeks posted to the memorial.

May 8, 2005

Jane Andrae posted to the memorial.