Reverend Clifford Crook

The Reverend Clifford "Padre Cliff" Crook died peacefully on The Feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24th) in St. Paul, MN. He was 87. Cliff is survived by his wife Denise Erickson and his children Faith, Jesse, Peter and Nancy; his step-children Eric and Dale Erickson, Kristen Annett, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Alison Benedict Crook and his parents John and Margaret Crook. Cliff was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts and graduated from New Bedford High ROTC Program and then Marietta College after serving in WWII. After pioneering work with consumer polyurethanes as an inorganic chemist, he completed studies with a Masters in Divinity from Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge and a Masters in Counseling from St. Cloud State University. He was ordained into the Priesthood in 1959. Cliff served churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Arizona. His life long ministry included serving young adults and a stint as a counselor at a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility for youth in Morrison County. Cliff was an accomplished jazz pianist, was a backup piano player for the Blue Baron in the early 1950s and incorporated music in his work with youth. Cliff was active in Scouting and led many youth at Philmont in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico and canoeing trips throughout Minnesota, Canada and Wisconsin. He was active in Rotary, Masons, DeMolay, the American Legion and organizations promoting family camping. Cliff was passionate about social justice and outdoor education. A celebration and memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 PM Saturday, June 27, 2015 at St. Martha Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. South, Eagan, MN 55123 with The Rev. Joseph Hopwood officiating. Visitation will be held at church on Saturday from 1:30 - 3:00PM. Interment will be held 4:30 PM Saturday at St. Lukes Cemetery, Hastings with a reception to follow from 5:30 7:30 PM at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 615 Vermillion St., Hastings. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cliffs life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following: Philmont Staff Association at Philmont Scout Ranch, Attention: PSA, 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714; Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul; or Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois. The family would like to thank Hospice volunteer workers and staff of Allina Health and our Lady of Peace. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.