William Crane

NAME/ AGE William "Bill" R. Crane, age 62, of Big Rock, IL, passed away March 6, 2005 at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. BORN Bill was born May 11, 1942 the son of William Thomas and Elizabeth Mary (Farmiloe) Crane in Elgin, IL.CHILDHOOD Bill grew up in Geneva and attended local schools, graduating from Geneva High School with the class of 1960. Bill attended Shimer College in Mt. Carol, IL for a time before crossing the Atlantic to study Economics at Coleg Harlech, North Wales. After returning stateside he continued his education at Aurora College, now Aurora University, and graduated with a B.A. in 1966. Bill continued his relationship with the college working for Alumni Association for a time.MARRIED Bill met his future wife, Carol Damon in the fall of 1964 in an archery and folk dancing class. From there a friendship formed and four years later they were married on June 14, 1968 at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church. They began their new life together in Sugar Grove and Blackberry Township for a time before deciding to build their own house in Big Rock in the fall of 1973 where they would continue to raise a family and make a lifetime of memories. EMPLOYMENT In the fall of 1968, Circle Center in Yorkville, called and he began his 37 year career as a teacher of the 4th and 5th grades. LIFE NOTES Bill was a gentleman and a gentle man whose heart had room for all. He was a quiet man at first sight, but in time his sense of humor and self assurance knew no bounds. Considerate and generous to a fault, Bill made his life’s mission to help and teach others. In later years, when his heath declined, the inner strength he possessed awed others and taught them how to truly live life day by day with grace. He was lover of animals, especially cats and dogs. Bill also had several collections of Native American beaded bags, carved bears from iron wood, and a knife collection. He especially enjoyed the Lord of the Rings novels long before they reached the movie theaters and made them required reading for generations of students, friends and colleagues alike. Above all Bill loved his family and his most treasured times were those spent at home surrounded by those he loved. SURVIVORS He now leaves his loving wife, Carol;One daughter, Elizabeth Crane of Grayslake, IL and One brother, John W. Crane of South Elgin, IL and family of close friends. PRECEDED He now joins his parents who preceded him in death. MEMORIALS Memorials may be made to Tails of Hope, an organization that provides foster care and adoption services to those pets left behind after their "best friend" passes away. They may be mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

VISITATION Friends may call at Conley Funeral Home, Saturday, March 12, 2005, from 1-2:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 3p.m. Professor Joe Dunham, of Aurora University, will officiate.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.