Richard Edwin Crane, Jr. passed away on August 20, 2012 after a lengthy illness at Hummingbird Assistive Living Home in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Dick was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on September 12, 1921 to Dr. Richard E. Crane and Beatrice Nardini Crane.

He is preceded in death by both parents, his sisters, Margaret Crane Smith and Nancy Crane Browning, his loving wife and mother of his four children, Mary Van Vechten Shaffer Crane, who passed away March 13, 1983.

Survivors include his children, Richard E. Crane III, Rev. Van Vechten Crane, Carl Schuyler Crane and Mary Margaret "Mimi" (Crane) Witt, as well as 12 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren.

Known by his family and friends as "Dick", he grew up in Sheridan, and his heart never really left Wyoming. His career as a banker was suddenly ended in 1966 when he had a stroke, leaving him with paralysis on the left side. Medically retired at the young age of 45, Dick kept himself busy writing articles for horse magazines, as well as designing and teaching a "horsepacking for back packers" course at a community college in the Phoenix area. Through horse related activities, while paralyzed on his left side, Dick was an inspiration to all. He led many pack trips into the Superstition Mountains as well as his beloved Big Horns in Wyoming.

He spent the summers trading Navajo jewelry and blankets/rugs to dudes at various Dude Ranches in Wyoming to help pay for his hobby. As well as figuring out what rig would take him back to South Piney Creek to the trout stream he loved most. His sharp wit and dry humor livened all of his conversations. Dick is missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services for Dick were held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sierra Vista, AZ. His children plan a trip to the Big Horn area this summer in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sheridan Historical Society, P. O. Box 73, Sheridan, WY 82801.

The Sheridan Press - January 9, 2013.