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Jay Crane Obituary
Camarillo - Jay L Crane was an accomplished engineer, master puppet-builder for the Alphabet Soup Puppeteers, a dedicated chemistry teacher at Oxnard College, and a gifted sculptor working in metal, stone, and clay. His proudest accomplishment was being a father to two wonderful sons, Richard and Steven. He and his wife, Arla, were happily married for 56 years.
Jay was born in Los Angeles on March 25, 1940 to Frances and Sam Crane. He graduated from Los Angeles High School and University of California, Berkeley where he majored in Chemistry. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army serving in Okinawa and Key West, Florida in Air Defense. Upon completing his military obligation, he enrolled in the graduate program at California State University, San Jose, receiving a master's degree in Civil Engineering.
Jay enjoyed life, traveling throughout Asia, many parts of Europe, and Australia and New Zealand with wife, Arla. He was a life-long learner and teacher. He attended classes in the Olli Program at CSUCI and taught classes for 15 years at Oxnard College. He loved laughter and joy. His sense of humor was ever present even as he endured a twenty-year battle with various kinds of cancers.
He enjoyed his eight wonderful grandchildren always ready to help with homework, attend scouting or sports activities, and help blow out candles on all the birthday cakes. Planning family vacations was always a major joy in his life.
Jay is survived by his wife, Arla; his son Steven Crane and wife Terry Bradford Crane; his son Richard Crane and wife Kristen Crane; eight grandchildren; Elijah, Johanna, Sara, Samantha, Miriam, Marissa, Rachel, and Christopher Crane; and his beloved sister, Rodeama Crane Abrams and her husband Dr. Albert Abrams; and many wonderful friends acquired in Camarillo during the 48 years Jay and Arla lived here.
A celebration of his life will be held virtually at Temple Ner Ami with Rabbi Pete Tobias on Sunday, February 28th at 1:00 p.m. To receive a link to attend the Service call 805 987-2000 before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or Temple Ner Ami, 515 Temple Avenue, Camarillo, 93010.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Crane
5 Entries
Carmen Guerrero
February 28, 2021
On behalf of Ventura County Community College District Retirees Association (VCCCDRA), I offer our deepest condolences. We have published a notice on our BLOG of Jay's passing. It can be viewed at http://www.blog.vcccdra.org/jay-cranes-passing/.
~Carmen Guerrero, VCCCDRA Vice President
Lenore K Harriman
February 27, 2021
I just learned of Jay’s death and am so sorry ! He gave so much to so many all the time, leaving lasting gratitude in all our hearts. HaMakom yinachem....
Beverly Bernhardt
February 27, 2021
He was a gentleman and very gifted. He made an awesome coffee cake. He was a good story teller. We will miss his friendship.
William Venable
February 25, 2021
Jay was one of the 1st PE’s and business managers I worked with. Interesting, intelligent, personable, and accomplished. I also enjoyed watching him carry a full cup of coffee wherever he went, and always topping it off prior to hurrying off to a meeting. A great person indeed!
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Luanne Stevenson Crockett
February 25, 2021
I enjoyed teaching chemistry with Jay at Oxnard College. He was a joy to work with and loved his students. He shared with them life lessons and he had many to share. Rest In Peace my friend. You had a rich and wonderful life. You will be missed by so many who shared your humor, wit and love.
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