On the evening of August 7, 2013, George passed away at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena, MT from natural causes. He was 78 years old.
George was born in Lewistown Montana Feb. 22 1935. He was the son of Lester Crabtree and Doris (Riggs) Crabtree.
While growing up, George attended school in Buffalo, Montana, helping with his family’s general store and working at many different local farms and ranches.
George joined the U.S Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Panama. He then attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings Montana.
He later married JoAnn Gafkjen and they were blessed with two children, Kevin and JoDee.
George worked for Xerox for 17 years and met many great friends along the way.
He loved anything to do with the great outdoors, he spent most weekends gardening, hunting, snow skiing, water skiing, and snowmobiling with his friends and family. George was most proud of the cabin he and his son Kevin built on Hauser Lake. Great memories were made and cherished while spending weekends there. George adored his grandchildren and not a day went by without him asking about them.
Due to a stroke at the early age of 42, George was forced to take an early retirement from Xerox. He then built and operated the Causeway Chalet Bar and Grille and made many new friends. He later spent his free time sitting on his porch enjoying all of nature’s beauty.
George was preceded in death by his parents, sister Edith Miller and brothers Charlie and Robert Crabtree.
George is survived by his son Kevin (Barb) Crabtree, daughter JoDee (Jon) Hoovestal, his beloved grandchildren Dax and Chloe Hoovestal, brothers Danny Crabtree, Roger Crabtree both of Billings, and many nieces and nephews. He had many grand dogs that kept a smile on his face.
A special thanks to Theresa Wold for taking George to lunch at the Causeway Chalet on numerous occasions and to Sharon Merritt for making sure he had a special lunch.
A memorial service celebrating George’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Billings, MT. Memorials in George’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604 or to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Wednesday August 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 15, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Billings, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Wednesday August 14, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 15, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Billings, MT
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Roger Crabtree says
Here is to the good times. George was on heck of a guy. He was always there in my childhood weather he was tickling me as a little kid or throwing baseballs at us. Camping, fishing, hunting were all things he did with us as kids. For those times I thank you, the good times, the memories and family. Going to miss you big brother!! Say hi to mom and dad and the rest. Loved you more than you will know. Roger
Nancy Holgerson says
Kevin and JoDee and families
We are thinking of you guys. Cherish your memories as they will help you get through the days to come. Many of your memories will bring tears to you but soon you will be able to laugh about some of the crazy memories you have of your dad and these memories will bring peace to you. I know it isn’t easy but you have lots of friends and family that are there to support you guys.
we love you………
Nancy and Les
Chad
Misti, Jason and boys
Connie Perrin says
Dear JoDee and Kevin,
I am so sorry about your Dad’s death. I have thought about him so many times over the years…the last time I saw him he was getting the Causeway Chalet up and running. I think I went to see him once after the bar opened up…he was pretty busy. My brothers and sisters really liked your Dad. I have some good memories of time spent at the cabin with George and Lucky. Your dad could cook a mean steak! He told me his secret was to find steaks at Bob’s Market that were almost turning green! When he finished grilling them they were delicious. I remember a time when he got so mad at me when I mistakenly let Lucky into the cabin after he had been sprayed by a skunk! I thought for sure he would make me walk home! He was a very smart man and had a great sense of humor. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and a very contagious grin! He’s probably laughing at all of us right now!
I know I will still think of him often.
Sincerely,
Connie Perrin
Sabine McLean says
I first met George while working at Masonic Home. My first impression was that he was a mean man but through time I realized that he was the sweetest person. George and I had grown a strong bond with eachother while at Masonic Home. We went through some rough times but mostly good and humorous days. I will miss his gleaming smile very much. Kevin and Jodee, your dad was an amazing man and will be dearly missed.
Sabine McLean
Tammy and Pete Ryan says
Very sorry to hear that George passed away. He was a great character and we used to enjoy visiting with him at the CW. I don’t think I can take off from work tomorrow because i was out all last week for a vacation and Pete is at a class. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. RIP George.
Jannie Crabtree Higgins says
Kevin and JoDee,
So sorry to hear the news and know it will be hard to let go of your Dad. Please know I am thinking of you and the family and am sorry to not be there. It is hard to lose another one of the Crabtree clan. I know I will miss some good stories of Uncle George! Cherish the stories that make you laugh and smile. I will always laugh when I think of the Crabtree boys making up most of the basketball team at Buffalo! The good ole days for sure. Thinking of you ~ Sincerely, Jannie Crabtree Higgins, Minneapolis
George and Jackie Lloyd says
Very sorry to hear about George. Had done some business with him through Xerox.
George and Jackie Lloyd
Rick (Ole) & Barb Olson says
Jose & Kevin, we are so sorry for the loss of your father. We first met George at his cabin in 1982. He always had a great smile and kind word. May all the fond memories if him help you through this time of sorrow.
Peace,
Ole & Barb
Rick (Ole) & Barb Olson says
JoDee