Richard Earle Crane

I am so sorry to read the lost of a great doctor. I worked with Dr. Crane at St. Joe's 35 years ago. He was a great Doctor. He was also my OB/GYN until the day he retired. He delivered my son. I was due in Oct. so he made my due date his birthday. I always remember his birthday every year (my son was not born on his birthday though, about 3 weeks earlier on Oct. 8th). He always seem to have time for you and would listen and cared. He was a very caring doctor. I remember when I worked at St. Joe's(I worked in surgery and did all the bookings) he called me one day and was very concerned about a pt. She had a bad pap smear and when he told her she left the office. She was not returning his phone calls. He wanted me to keep a look out for her to see if she had gotten another opinion and maybe was scheduled for surgery. He would ask me for months after if she ever was scheduled. He was truly caring and loving doctor.
He was also a friend, always asking about my husband by name and my son. When my son got married and my daughter-in-law was expecting their first baby he would of been their doctor but he has already given up OB.

My prayers are with you and your family. We will all meet again in heaven.

Lynda, Kelly and Brian,
Words can not express my deep pain and saddness at the loss of Dr. Crane. Dr. Crane was most unique in so many ways. So professional, yet sincerely compassionate and caring. He has been a dear friend for over 29 years and close confidant for the last 13 years. He had many loves, his family, his work, his country, travel, photography, history, but the great of all was the arrival of his grandsons. He could not believe how wonderful it was to be a grandfather!! He said to me, Gosh, people used to show me pictures of their grandchildren all the time, and I thought, yea, just another kid, but you know, it's not.
Now that he was a grandfather, words could not express his joy. His smile and face lit up like never before.
We shared many trials and tribulations during the past 7 years, closing the practice, losses of our loved ones, yet, he could not wait for the arrival of his two new grandbabies, Will's little sister and Alex's little brother. He was amazed at how wonderful life had become.

I can close my eyes and see him and Dr. Phillips, sitting with their feet on a desk in heaven, with the doors closed, listening to Paul Harvey, in person now, and smiling at what a wonderful life they had. As soon as Paul said, "And now you have the rest of the story", Dr. Crane would put on his shoes and announce to us all, that is is time to "Lock and Load", which meant I'm ready to work, get busy..

Thank you Dr. Crane for your friendship, your smiles, sharing your journey during our open heart surgeries in 1997, but my greatest appreciation is to Lynda, Kelly and Brian for sharing the most incredible man in their lives with the rest of the world. The world is certainly a better place because of Richard Earle Crane, M.D., father and friend. He will always be missed but forever loved in our hearts until we meet again.
Gail Costello Colton (Boss Lady)

My thoughts and prayers are with the family for the days to come. Dr. Crane was a really great guy, always joking around and always had a smile on his face. He'd come over to Dr. Lunseth's (where I worked) we'd talk about diving, the BUC's etc. I so sad to hear of his passing, he will be truly missed by many.My deepest sympathy to you.

our prayers are with all of you. We were so sad to hear about Dick and will always remember the wonderful, fun times in Tampa. We are thinking of you.

Our thoughts and prayers from all the Gowdy family. We are so sad to hear of your lost and so remember all the wonderful, fun times in Tampa. Our love to each of you.

I was so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family Lynda. Having recently lost my Sherwin in 2006, I can certainly emphathisize with you all. Our paths crossed way back when our children were at Berkely together, we both lived on Samara Drive; and, we were in the Tampa Symphony Guild together. I will be happy to do anything I can to help during this tough time.

I was saddened to hear of Dick's death. I always enjoyed our conversations in the doctor's lounge. I will remember him for his professionalism, sense of humor, and deep patriotism.

Dear Lynda,

I will always remember my Uncle Dick, and have photos of his wild youth with my father to help me: holding me, as a baby, on his lap and pretending to feed me a giant bone of some sort, or posing with my little brother, both wearing my mother's wigs that they rooted out of the closet. May he rest in peace.

from Harry Stone's eldest,

Dear Crane Family
Dr Crane was so kind to this RN,just out of school,this kindness was not only shown to all the families he worked with,but the staff as well!
Thank you!

Our thought and prayers are with all the Crane family. He will be misssed by the many people's lives he touched.Thank you for your service to your country, DR Crane. You will always be a Marine.-Joel Hickman, Melba Hickman Bruce, and Clifton Hickman, M.D.

Kelly and family:

What a blessing his life was, and how much you all must miss him.

I remember the first time I met him--at Will's 1st birthday party. I thought it was so clever of Kelly and Doug to hire a professional photographer--cameraman's vest and all--for the event, and was even more impressed by how caring and interested the photographer seemed in Will and his friends and family...of course later I learned that photographer was Kelly's father! What a passion he had--for photography, and for life.

It was a blessing to be able to honor his memory and to learn more about his outstanding life at Sunday's service in Tampa. We know his spirit lives on in all of the lives he touched--family, friends, and patients. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days and months.

Love and Support to you all,
Joffre, Kristen & Sawyer LeFevre

Kelly and family, I'm thinking about you and the fun times we had in middle school with Dr Crane. My favorite memory is chasing him around the house because he was threatening to put a Berkeley sticker on your car. May the laughs sustain you in this difficult time.

Lynda, Brian and Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a positive influence on my life and I will always be grateful to have known him. His patriotism and support have been a tremendous help to me while I am here in Iraq, and will help me until I am home. I know that a doctor's life is hard at times on his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. You will be in my thoughts.

Dear Crane Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Crane's passing. He was a wonderful man and doctor. I was very young when he delivered my first baby and he made me feel very comfortable and secured through my pregnacy. He truly was a blessing to me.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and know that God will comfort you through this time.

God bless you and your family.

To the Crane Family,

This world has lost one of its best. Dr. Crane was my Gyn from 1972 until his retirement, except during my 4 year ordeal of pregnancies beginning in 1986.

Dr. Crane was no longer doing obstetics in 1986; however, throught three losses and two different OB-GYNs, Dr. Crane was there for me, never hesitating to take my calls, giving advice and encouragement eventhough he wasn't officially my ob-gyn durnig that time. And, because he was such a caring man and perhaps because I also considered him a friend, giving much needed hugs and consolation. Because of him I had the courage to try one more time, with a new OB-GYN who specialized in difficult, high-risk cases. As a result I have a beautiful son (now 19) who also wants to help people. He's currently enrolled in the EMT/Paramedic program at HCC.

I was happy for Dr. Crane when he announced his retirement, yet sorry that I would be losing one of the best Dr.'s I'd ever had. I was priviledged to have been one of his patients.

I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. This world has lost one of its best doctors and a truly wonderful, caring man. But his memory will live on through you, his family, and the many patients who's lives he touched.

April 18, 2009

Dear Linda, My heart and prayers are with you and your family. I have so many wonderful memories of days gone by when we both were so involved with the symphony and had such great times with the educational activities, as well as some of the strictly social times. You and Dick were such a striking couple, and heads turned when you walked into a room. Your happiness and gracious manners were obvious to all. May God bless you and keep you and yours in the palm of His hand.

Reba F. Cook, Temple Terace, Florida

Dear Kelly and family,
My thoughts are with you during these difficult times. I have very fond memories of Dr. Crane.

Dear Lynda and Children,

We returned from an extended trip to Atlanta just the other day to learn the news of Dick's untimely passing. That a wonderful human being he was. When did he not have a smile or a funny to relate, but there were those serious sides when he was discussing local and global events, well thought out. As a fellow physician, I heard of the love that his patients had for him, and he for them. He will be missed and we hope that you will somehow be sustained by the memories of a great husband and father. Know that your sadness is felt by those around you. We surely would have been with you had we been in town.

Dear Lynda, Kelly and Brian,
We were so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. He was the patriach of a most wonderful family as well as a very fine doctor. You folks were always special to us and are in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong and remember you have legions of friends supporting you.
Ann and Jay Ross

Dear Kelly, Brian & Lynda,

I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences during this difficult time. Some things that come to mind when I think of Dr. Crane: a truly adventurous spirit, an American flag vest, a tremendous wit, a constant camera slung around the shoulder with about 15 rolls of film. He had a remarkable dedication to his family, his country and the helping of others. A rare find, these days. To take a line from John Wayne, "the stuff that men are made of".
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am truly sorry for your loss.

I was very deeply sorry to hear Dr. Crane had passed. He was a very unique doctor you don't see in most medical offices. I am glad I had the pleasure to have been one of his patients since 1971 to the day he retired. He was one of a kind that can't be replaced.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dr Crane was the most wonderful Dr.a person could have , he always had time for you , never rushing.Also he was my daughers and grandaughters GYN. It was a sad day when he retired and now is gone.
He will be missed

Margaret Whiteman and family

Dr. Crane will be missed by all. He was the best of the best. I was so proud to work with him for 14 years. He sure has left us all with some very wonderful memories. We had a great staff and we were like a family. Dr Crane always took care of us with breakfast every day. We also liked when he would but something from HSN because he would test it out on us, like rolls, bread, smoothies and so much more. He loved his family very much and as everyone knows Kelly and Brian were his pride and joy, of course you would know that with all the pictures of them he had in his office. He had a great life. Until we meet again save a space on your team for me.
Love Lynda Barrow aka Missy
Thanks for the memories.

I am sadden to hear of Dr. Crane's passing. He was a great doctor and a wonderful caring person. I had been a patient since 1972 and was heartbroken when he decided to retire. He cared about his patients. He never rushed you out of his office. He always took the time to talk to you...to see how life was treating you. He was not only your doctor...he was your friend. That's the kind of person he was. More doctors should be like Dr. Crane. He was the best.

To the Crane Family-

I truly sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you all the best during this difficult time. Be assured that he will always be with you watching over your entire family.

I'm very saddened to hear of Dr. Crane's passing. I have many great memories growing up in the neighborhood around your family, and my prayers are with you all.

Lynda-Kelly-Brian
I am very saddened by Dick's passing. It brought up a lot of great memories we all shared while playing soccer for Forrest Hills. The trip to Colorado where Dick got the oxygen tank for the team and half the time it wasn't turned on but all us players thought it helped to Brian getting hypothermia on the whitewater rafting trip to my mom and Vernon's mom getting knocked off the boat. We had a lot of great memories that will be cherished forever.

Crane Family,
I'm very saddened to hear of Dr. Crane's passing. I will always remember him as a member of our family. He is a true Patriot and a Great American. My father and Dr. Crane were my heros and I miss them both. The memories in Jacksonville and moving to Tampa together in 1968. He was a special person and a first class physician. Lynda, Brian, and Kelly my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Crane. He safely delivered my unexpected twins 26 years ago. Unexpected because I declined the then, not yet routine, ultrasound. Just before delivery, when he confirmed there were two, he declared "from now on, all my patients are having ultrasounds!" Dr. Crane was a very compassionate, caring physician. May the years you shared & the memories you hold, comfort you in this time of sorrow. God Bless.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lynda, your family, and to the memory of your beloved husband and father.

Lynn, Sarah, and Jonathan Tigue

I remember the first time going to Dr. Crane's office. He took me in his office to speak to me about the visit and he sat on his desk. I found out later that he liked to do that to put his patients at ease. He was very caring and attentive when I miscarried at 4 1/2 months in 1981, and when my daughter was born in 1985. When I found out I was pregnant again in 1989, he came to the lobby of his office to congratulate my then 4 year old daughter on becoming a big sister. He was a wonderful doctor and a delightful man. You are blessed to have had him in your life.

I met Dr.Crane in 1968 in the ER in Jacksonville. I was at the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers. This was a very horrible time in my life, but Dr.Crane made me feel like everything was alright and I had nothing to be ashamed of. He told me he would be opening a practice in Tampa and would be proud to have me as a patient.After I came back to Tampa,I did become his patient. I remember my first visit to his office on MLK Blvd. When I went in, he was sitting in the waiting room, waiting for his patient. He was a very wonderful person,He delivered my daughter in 1973 and the he was her MD. The world is going to be a smaller place without the compassion he gave so willingly to all his patients. My sympathy to all the family, Dr.Crane is going to be greatly missed.

Lynda, Brian and Kelly,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is true that there are very few people who make a lasting impression on you. He was definitely one in a million! I worked for him for 15 years and enjoyed every minute. We worked hard but he allowed us to have fun too (but not if Paul Harvey was on!) His wacky sense of humor and jokes always kept us going! He had nicknames for his employees which were appropriate and actually made us feel special! For me, he showed how to value his talents, love of life, his family, his friends and his patients - who adored him! His cheerful disposition and caring approach made me appreciate his generosity and charm. His living lessons of accepting and offering of himself will forever be part of my memory, sentiment and heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

"Slim"

Brian, Kelly and Lynda , I still can't believe that Dick is gone. He was such a goof ball, I expect him to say, got you! He was always so very young looking and full of life. We knew each other mostly long distance. I felt his warmth and care when ever I would call with a Dr. Dick question about my mother, Elisabeth, Chuck or myself. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I wish I could ease your pain and sorrow. Remember all the good times and be sure to tell the grandchildren so they will have fond memories of Dr. Dick. Betty and I want to come visit when things calm down some. Give Nan a hug for us. All our love,Jenny Lou,Charlie and Elisabeth

Aunt Lynda, Brian and Kelly,
We wish there was something we could do or say to help make this pain go away, but unfortunately we don't think there is. You are all in our prayers daily, as is Uncle Dick. He was such a Renaissance man with a great, sarcastic sense of humor. We're going to miss all of those wonderful slide shows with his unique choice of background music. He's is a great place now and we'll all see him again one day.

I was so very sorry to hear of Dr. Cranes passing. I became a patient at the age of 18. He was a genuine and caring person. He delivered all three of my children by C-section. I was scared but he helped me through it. My oldest, now 34 came to him for her first visit. My husband and I were talking and we remembered the white fluffy rug in his office. We owned a hydroponic tomato farm in Cocoa, and when I would come over for my visits I would bring flats of tomatoes for the staff. He was always so appreciative of them. Crane family, you have truly lost a gem. Heaven is now rejoicing his arrival. Our prayers are with you all.

I love you Pop Pop.

Dear Crane Family,

I knew Dick as a colleague and friend for over 30 years, a fellow ob/gyn who was always the consumate professional, someone who also lived up to the definition of "a gentleman and a scholar." I will miss seeing him at Council on Foreign Relations meetings where, dispite our having views at opposite ends of the political spectrum, we could have warm and engaging discussions. I often felt inspired by Dick's intellectual curiosity and am most greatful for his telling me about the Teaching Company which has become a part of my life as I know it was his.

My deepest sympathy to all of the Crane family. Know that "Dr. Crane" was one of the most highly respected members of the medical community and always extremely well regarded by his peers.

Dr. Crane you certainly will be missed by all of us that worked with you at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital from the begining. We will always treasure and will be forever greatful for your friendship.
Donna & Eladio Quinones

Lynda, Brian, and Kelly,

My love and sympathy and condolences go out to you as I learned of your tragic loss of Dick. I treasure the memories of having known and been a part of your lives when we were together at Carrollwood School. Perhaps you can take a few minutes as I have to remember the wonderful experiences of those school days. Lynda, you made the music come alive and especially with the musical you helped us perform about "Talk to the Animals." Brian, weren't you a seal in that production? Hopefully you can recall many wonderful memories you had with Dick, your husband and Dad. We know that all times in life are not happy ones, but we must remember them the most. I hope to get to the memorial service, but if I don't, please know that I hold you very dear and close to my heart, and pray for God's peace and comfort to uphold you.

Much love,

Dear Crane Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

You meet very few people in life that leave a lasting impression on you...Dr. Crane was one of those special people. It's been years since I last saw him...the Tampa Bay Gyn retirement party to be exact but it feels like yesterday. Working with him was a great pleasure. I enjoyed that office very much, he always made it fun by showing us all his beautiful photos he had taken on his journeys & most of the gardening time outside his back office door! My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.

Lynda ....... Sissy and I are sad to learn about the passing of Dick. Between Dick and Larry Capps, they each had a hand (literally) in helping bring our two children safely into this world. Even though it has been many years since I've spoken to Dick, I feel especially blessed to have had him as my friend. His sense of humor and kindness was his trademark. I've often told the story about him in his early practice while on Buffalo Ave. - now MLK, One day I happened to stop by the service station that was located next to his office, and found him catching a cat-nap in the owners chair hidden away behind a counter. I looked at the service station owner, he'd smile and said, "he does that all the time - I guess he had a long night delivery babies". I also remember when you and Dick were dating and then got married, you two made a handsome couple and from everything that I've heard, you and Dick had a wonderful life together. May God be with you and your family, and may Dick be at rest in the arms of our savior.

Kelly and family,
I so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Dad sounds like he was quite a wonderful person. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Kelly and Family
Was an amazing man. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

To Crane Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Crane was a joy to scrub cases for at Women's Hospital, a true gentleman and excellent surgeon. My prayers are with you.
Karen Niles

Lynda, Brian and Kelly I am so sorry to hear of this great loss! It seems like only yesterday that I worked for Dr. Crane. What a joy he was to work for and Brian and Kelly you were just babies ! He was so very proud of you. What a fine and caring doctor he was I will never forget him or you Lynda I still have the nice gifts you and Dr. Crane always came up with on holidays. Nothing but time will heal your broken hearts, but the loving memories he has left, you will have for ever! God Bless You All.In fond memory Rosemary

Lynda, Kelly and Brian

Our hearts ache for you and your beautiful families at this sad time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We hope that you will be comforted in knowing that you have a Guardian Angel who will continue to protect and watch over you.

Kelly and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Dear Kelly and family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our prayers are with your family.

This is so tragic and unexpected. Uncle Dick was one of my two favorite uncles. Always having time for family and always with a smile on his face. He will be missed. Aunt Lynda, Brian and Kelly, you are in my thoughts and I love you.

I was saddened to hear of Dr. Crane's death. He delivered my son 27 years ago. Of course, he came in the wee hours of the morning. He was so compassionate and had a wonderful bedside manner. He will truely be missed.