Robert Warren Crook

Wasilla resident Robert Warren Crook, 68, died Jan. 17, 2011, after a lengthy illness, with the love of life, Debra, by his side.

Bob was born March 15, 1942, and raised in Missouri. Bob joined the Army at an early age. He did a couple of tours in Vietnam and several stints as a tail gunner on B-52 aircraft. He also served on the Army rifle and pistol team and was considered a great marksman by those who knew him.

Bob helped truck Harley-Davidson Motorcycles to Alaska in the mid-’60s and was an avid fan and rider. Bob worked for the Anchorage School District for 35 years.

He was enjoying retirement when he became ill. He was always puttering on something.

He was known as the original “Bob the Builder” to those who knew and loved him.

He had a knack of being the greatest silent instigator; he could just wiggle his finger to get someone to do something. He enjoyed working on puzzling projects, cabinet making, anything automotive and/or electrical. He was an electrical administrator for more than 20 years. He was the major component for the pit crew for “Snoopy’s Group” running Chaparral snowmachines as well as Scorpions. His maintenance skills contributed to 10 consecutive wins straight up the Parks Highway to Fairbanks.

He was one of five children born to the late Edwin and Mildred Crook, and was the beloved husband of Debra Crook. Bob will forever be remembered by his devoted brother and his wife, Donnie and Cindy; loving sisters and their husbands, Ann and Duane Krings, Nan and Lloyd Sudder, and Jan and Jim Webb; children and their spouses, Tom and Janice Crook, Paula “Squeaks” and Jack Gorman, Shawn and Teresa Belotti, and Tony Belotti and Jennifer McMahill; grandchildren, Tristan, Tarna, Jeanette, Luke, Randi, Joey, Vinny and Timmy; great-grandchildren, Elliana, AJ, Isabella, Ethan and Dune; caring friends, Freelon and Eloise, David and Cathy, Alan and Dawn Stanberry, Ken and Peggy Young, Dennis and Michele Sims, Chuck and Betty Baker, Vonnie, Bo and Nancy Gruchow, Roy and Tammy and the clan at Little Cache, Chris and Sharon Johnson; and countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. He will also be sorely missed by his Scotties Jack and Sassey.

Bob loved a good barbecue, a good roll of the dice, a great adventure and he had plenty. Bob was a teacher to all who knew him. He was the best husband, dad, pappy and great-grandpappy, as well as friend. His favorite saying to his wife was, “Love you more,” and he pretended his worst saying from her was, “Honey, I was thinking.” He loved being with his family and having fun with friends.

Bob touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Bob is now soaring with the eagles.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life sometime this summer at a time to be announced.