Mr. Charles S. Crook

Crook, Charles Stevenson, 66, passed away April 9, 2011 at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI. Steve was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 10, 1944. The family moved back to Detroit while his father served in the Philippines during WWII. He lived most of his life in the Dearborn area with a special place in his heart for Otsego Lake. Steve was preceded in death by his father Dr. Charles Crook in 1971 and his mother Bette Crook in 2005. He was always there to help his mother after his father died. Steve is survived by his sons Michael (Shannon) Crook of Allen Park, MI; Brian Crook of Trenton, MI and 1 year old grandson Tyler of Allen Park, MI. Also surviving are his sisters Suzanne Whyte of Gaylord, Leslie (Michael) Scalise of Clarence, NY and nineteen nieces and nephews including Peter Whyte of Gaylord, Carolyn Whyte of Grand Rapids, Alliefair Scalise and Candace Scalise of Clarence, NY. Steve attended Detroit Country Day School and the Gow School in Buffalo, NY. He was a 1962 graduate of Gaylord High School where he played varsity football for the Gaylord Blue Devils and was a member of the Gaylord High downhill ski team. He was an outstanding athlete. Steve formed many lifelong friendships during his years in Gaylord and was able to see many friends at a reunion in 2007-an event which was very important to him. Steve received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wayne State University. He also graduated from Control Data Institute where he received his education in computer technology. He was employed by Ajilon, Inc. working on a contract basis as a computer programmer analyst for the Ford Motor Company. Steve served in the Michgian Air National Guard for six years. His unit was one of many mobilized in 1967 to restore order during the 1967 Detroit riots. Steve shared his family's love of flying. He was a licensed private pilot as were his father, mother and sister Suzanne. He flew the family airplanes, a Piper Tri Pacer and a Beechcraft Bonanza. Summers were spent at the family home on Otsego Lake where he especially enjoyed water skiing. Friends remember when he was able to ski with neighbor Amy Higbie on his shoulders. Many years later he was still able to repeat the stunt with his niece Carolyn Whyte. Most of all he was a devoted father who was very involved with his son's activities. Starting in preschool Mike and Brian excelled at ice hockey and played on traveling and high school teams. He would loved to have shared similar experiences with his grandson Tyler. Family will remember a wonderful person and good time’s shared-bonfires and cookouts at the lake. They enjoyed watching Tiger, Lions and Red Wing's games together-as well as sharing his favorite cheer "Go Blue". His dream was to retire to the family home on Otsego Lake. He will always be there in spirit.