C. THOMAS CRUSEY

Longtime Anchorage resident C. Thomas Crusey, 80, died on May 14, 2003, of complications from pneumonia after suffering from Parkinson's disease for many years, at Fairhaven Assisted Living Home, in Sidney Ohio.

He was born in Sidney, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 1923, to Clem A. and Sophia Crusey. Mr. Crusey came to Alaska on the SS Denali Alaska steamer in 1946 with his brothers, and homesteaded at mile 18 of the Palmer Highway. He returned briefly to Ohio where he married his wife Catherine before returning to Alaska in 1947 to raise their family.

A veteran of the Army Air-Corp in World War II and member of Holy Family Cathedral and St. Anthony's Parish, he was a devoted family man and husband.

He loved opera, classical and patriotic music and in later years he would spend many hours gardening and reading.

He returned to Sidney in 1998 were he lived until his passing.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Ellen Webb, Nanette Crusey, Suzanne and Karl Crusey-Kjelstad, Emily C. and Wes Rolfe of Anchorage, and Thomas Crusey of Crawfordville, Fla.; brothers, Dave Crusey and his wife Caroline of Wasilla, and Joe Crusey of Girdwood; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

His wife Catherine Crusey preceded him in death.