Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Crockett L. Stearns


Crockett L. Stearns passed away in Eugene, Ore., on Jan. 22, 2010, at age 86. Crockett was born Dec. 25, 1923, the first of two sons born to A. Crockett Stearns and Mildred Stone Stearns and whose great-, great-, great-uncle was David "Davey" Crockett. Crockett grew up in Yakima, Wash., and graduated from Yakima High School in 1941. He attended Yakima Junior College for one year and then the University of Washington where he studied pre-med. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and the University of Washington ski team.

His education was interrupted by World War II, in which he served as a hospital corpsman in the naval hospital in Seattle. Following discharge he returned to the University of Washington, receiving a B.A. in finance in 1948, and established the Yakima Blood Center. He met Norma Tipple in 1946 and they were married on July 16, 1949, in Yakima.

Following a brief stay in San Jose, Calif., he and Norma returned to Washington where he received his B.A. in education at Central Washington University. He taught seventh- and eighth-grade science prior to a 15-year career as a pharmaceutical representative for Lederle Labs in Eugene, Ore. In 1951 Crockett and Norma welcomed the birth of their first son, Patrick, who was followed by twin daughters Jane and Jill in 1952 and son Peter in 1959. In December 1966 through March 1967, Crockett completed training in New York City that preceded a 20-year stockbrokerage career culminating in his retirement from Dean Witter in 1987.

Crockett was an active member in the Active 20-30 Club in Eugene. His volunteer responsibilities included the facilitation of University of Oregon track and field meets and producing fireworks displays for the Fourth of July. As an avid snow skier, Crockett helped time and gate-keep for high school ski races and was a member of the Eugene Town Club.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was preceded in death by his mother, his father and his brother, Jack Stearns. He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma; son Patrick (Jill) of Hailey, Idaho; daughter Jane Hoselton (Kevin) of Creswell, Ore.; daughter Jill Stephens (Bill) of Hillsboro, Ore.; and son Peter (Heidi) of Hailey. Grandchildren include Callum and Tate Stearns, Jill and Drew Hoselton and Brooke Johnsen (Ryan), Billy Stephens (Nikki) and Ryan Stephens (Suzie) and Justin Stephens (Katie), and Mia and Crockett Stearns. Great-grandchildren include Will and Taylor Stephens and Hailey and Jake Stephens.

At Crockett's request, no services will be held; however, the family will honor him at a private ceremony in Sun Valley, Idaho, his favorite destination where flags flew at half mast on Bald Mountain upon news of his death.

Remembrances may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice or the South Eugene High School Ski Team. Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary, Eugene, Ore., (541) 686-2818.




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