My Grandpa - Willis Royal Crosby

My grandfather passed away on October 17th. It was an unbelievably sad day for us all. My grandpa had been sick for a long time and we always joked that he was the cat from that song "The cat came back the very next day, the cat came back....we thought he was a gonner!" He just always seemed so tough and we thought it would take a natural disaster to stop him. He left us so unexpectedly, but I think he left when he was good and ready. I will miss your smile the most Grandpa. Love you.



Memorial Notice:

"Willis Royal Crosby passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on October 17, 2009, with his loving wife Hazel by his side.

Born on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) on December 5, 1929, he moved to Prince Rupert in 1946. He spent most of his life as a commercial fisherman on the Northwest coast, and lived his life with integrity, honour and love. We will miss his songs, the way he hummed when he was happy, his smokey laugh and his beautiful smile. Deeply loved by his family and friends, Willis will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by his father Bert Crosby, and mother and step-father Edna and Ben Roberts, and brothers, David, Aaron(Shorty), and Sidney Crosby. Survived by his wife Hazel, and son and daughters: Sharon (Phil) Hynes, Willis (Gayle) Crosby, Marcia Crosby, Ynonne (Brady) Collins, Beverly (Terry) Cook, Valerie (Pierre) Crosby-Ratte; Sixteen grandchildren: Rodney, Derek, Tyler, Kara; Shawn, Jennifer; Tonia, Tara, Stephen; Leon, Lindsay; Brandy, Glenda; Mikki, Jae, Chloe; Thirteen great-grandchildren: Chase, Raven; Alexa, Isabella; Fernando, Jett, Kelton; Riley, Ferryn, Ashton; Mackenzie, Eilidh, Charlotte. Also survived by brothers and sisters, Evelyn, Martha (Bert), Ben (Lily), Shirley, Cleveland (Lea), Miles (Linda) and Maria.

A memorial to celebrate his life will be held at the Crest Hotel on Friday October 23, 2009, doors open at 4 p.m.

Mrs. Hazel Crosby would like to Remember the late Dr. Coburn for the years of attentive care that he gave to her husband, and to express her gratitude to Dr. Belgardt, to the nurses and staff at Prince Rupert General Hospital, and the home care workers who cared for Willis."