Gerald Herbert Crapo

     GERALD (JERRY) HERBERT CRAPO, 77, of Milk River, Alberta, beloved husband of Ruth Crapo, finished a courageous battle with ALS and peacefully graduated from this life, October 8, 2018, at Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta. 

     Gerald was born August 23, 1941 at Calgary, Alberta.  He was the third child of Herbert and Eleanor Crapo of Balzac, Alberta.  Gerald lived in the Balzac area for about five years before his family moved to Rosemary, Alberta.  There, the family ran the service station for a few years and later an irrigated farm.  His schooling was received in Rosemary.  He served a 2 ½ year mission to France for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  After returning, he continued his education at Brigham Young University where he graduated with honors. 

     While attending university, he met Ruth Porter and they were married for time and eternity March 1964 in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple.  They moved to Warner in August of 1968 and then to Milk River in July of 1969.  They have seen many changes in the town over the past 49 years.  They have really enjoyed Milk River!  It’s a good town with lots of very good people!

      During his career, Gerald was primarily employed as a French teacher for the County of Warner #5/Horizon School Division in Warner with some time in Milk River.  In addition, he was a driver’s education teacher.  For several years, he was Principal and French teacher at Coutts Community School.  After retiring from fulltime teaching, Gerald continued to teach part time and substituted.  Once he was fully retired,  he enjoyed chauffeuring many wonderful people as he served those in need in the community and also while he drove Handibus for many years. 

     Gerald was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life and served in many callings including: Seminary Teacher, Branch President, High Councilor, and 18 years as Ward Clerk.  Gerald was also an active member of the community and donated countless hours of time in various ways including: more than 27 years as an Auxiliary Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable in the Milk River detachment, 25 years of lighting fireworks for Milk River Bonanza Day and other community celebrations, coaching hockey in Milk River, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and holding church services at the Prairie Rose Lodge.  He was an accomplished violinist and shared his talent with many over the years.    

     Much enjoyment has also been gained by Gerald in locating lost items for people.  He sold and worked with metal detectors and water finding equipment for many years.  Many stories could be told of locating lost rings for several people in unusual places, everywhere from waist deep water in Chin Lake to farm fields and rock piles.  Relocating some items took time, but the success rate was almost 100% - even a bale of hay yielded a sought-after treasure for a local farmer. 

     Gerald was a people person and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with others.  He loved to share stories.  He was very thoughtful and always had treats or a trinket to give to others.  He had a keen sense of awareness of those around him in need and helped in any way he could.  At events or gatherings, he was often the unofficial cameraman.  Over the years, Gerald was an often-requested emcee for events and gatherings and enjoyed researching new jokes for those events. 

     Gerald will be missed by his wife of 54 years, Ruth; 5 children: Jeff (Denise), Jody, Colette (Jerry), Carissa (Kendall), Nancy (Earl); 17 grandchildren; sister, Carol (Bryan); brother, Leland (Janet); extended family and many friends.

     He is predeceased by: daughter, Nicole; 2 grandchildren; parents, Herbert and Eleanor; brother, Noel (LaVeve). 

     Funeral service will be Saturday, October 20, 2018, 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 345 3rd St. West, Coutts, Alberta.  Friends are invited to meet with the family from 1–1:40 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place at Milk River Cemetery at 4:30 pm.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The ALS Society of Alberta at https://www.alsab.ca/donate/

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