Russell William Crockett's Obituary
Russell W. CrockettI was known as a limerick writer, My goal was to make life a bit brighterNo subject too sacred, no person immune, For my wit and frivolity produced a loud swoon.Prolific was I, spontaneous to boot, To see my friends squirm wasSeriously a hoot!Russell William Crockett died peacefully in his home on November 11, 2004. Born in Montpelier, Idaho on March 2, 1938 to William Lyman Crockett and Permelia (Millie) Crockett. Russell attended local schools in Montpelier and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Idaho in 1961, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Russ earned his MasterÂ's Degree in Music. Hired by the Franklin Pierce District to teach vocal music and German at Keithly Junior High School, when it opened in 1961, Russ directed a number of student musical programs and retired from Keithly in 1994 as a math teacher. Weekends in the 1960Â's-1980Â's would find Russ playing piano at SteveÂ's Gay Nineties, ShakeyÂ's Pizza, with Vi Childs in Buckley, or in various musical productions.Russ kept his friends in awe of his phenomenal memory for jokes and numbers, and on edge in anticipation of his pranks and practical jokes. He could be counted upon to create a poem or limerick in a matter of minutes, and had an outrageous sense of humor and great zest for life. Russ is survived by his Aunts Kay and Alice; nephews and nieces Alan Crockett, Lee Ann Crockett, Steven Lyman Crockett, JoEllen Foss (Rex) and Holly Peterson (Erick). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alan and his sister-in-law Betty Jo, and his two beloved poodles Winston and Sterling. He leaves a host of friends in Tacoma and around the country. His friends and family want to thank Sandy Raymond and George Garduno for their wonderful care of Russ these past several months.A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 2:00PM in the Mt. View Garden Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of choice.
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