Search by Name

Search by Name

David Crane Obituary

David H. Crane Resident of Walnut Creek May 13, 1933 - Feb. 8, 2012 David Crane died on Feb. 8 of Multiple Myeloma. For more than 18 months, David lived every day with remarkable courage and stoicism in a firestorm of pain, treatments and medical interventions. David was a gentle and humorous man, but he was a warrior against this disease which ultimately took his life. David was born and raised in Vermont. (He NEVER would use "fake maple syrup" on his pancakes.) He served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean conflict and graduated from NYU. His professional career was devoted to radio and television news. He held positions both on and off the air in Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He won several professional awards for investigative reporting, most notably for a series in 1967 when he was News Director at KLAC radio in Los Angeles entitled "A Breath of Death: The Fatality Factor of Smog", which was influential in restoring to California the right to set its own air quality standards - a right that had been extinguished by less stringent Federal Quality Standards. In 1980, he founded the David Crane Agency, which specialized in the placement of TV news anchors and reporters, including weather and sports anchors. Several of his clients worked at the network level - many more in large television markets throughout the country. The Agency prospers today under new ownership but with its original name intact. Before his illness, David was a pretty good golfer (last handicap: 16) and could complete (usually) the Saturday NY Times crossword puzzle. David is survived by his wife, Barbara, and 3 children: Matthew Crane of San Francisco, Allison Garcia of Santa Cruz and Anthony Crane of Aptos. He had 5 grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Support Community, 3627 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597. This community provided immense love and support for David and Barbara during his disease. A memorial service followed by a small reception is scheduled for Sunday, March 11 at 4:00 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Crane

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Kathleen Leighton

February 24, 2012

I am saddened to hear the news of David's passing, and remember fondly the care he took with my career- and also with me personally. He was a fine man of so many accomplishments, but perhaps his greatest achievement was remaining an honest, upstanding guy in a tough business. My love and prayers go out to his family and especially Barbara, who has shown grace and dignity through the struggles of the past year and a half.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in David Crane's name

Memorial Events
for David Crane

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Crane's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more