John Richard Crowe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, after a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumor. His family and friends are comforted by the love and good nature he shared with all those around him.
John was born on October 1, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois and spent his early years in Chicago and Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to Watertown, South Dakota. John graduated from Watertown High School in 1965 where he enjoyed sports, arts, and where he met his future wife, Dianne Denton. Their lifelong partnership began in their youth and was recently marked by their 54th wedding anniversary.
John was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. He reported for basic training at Fort Lewis in Washington and later for advanced infantry training at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Quickly rising to the rank of sergeant during his service, John demonstrated courage and leadership. He was honorably discharged in 1969 after being injured; awards for his military service include two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for Heroism, and an Army Commendation Medal.
Following his time in the military John enrolled at the University of Idaho in the fall of 1969, where he studied Landscape Architecture. During his college years his deep love for the outdoors took root, and he spent his summers working for the Department of Lands in Coeur d'Alene. John and Dianne married in August of 1970. While living in Moscow, they welcomed their daughters, Jenifer in 1971, and Jessica in 1974.
Upon graduating from the University of Idaho in 1974, John and Dianne moved to Boise, Idaho, and he began his career with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, where he remained until his retirement in 2006. As a Development Planner, John put his Landscape Architecture degree to good use, helping to shape the development of Idaho's state parks. His work took him all across the beautiful state, and he played a key role in the development of Eagle Island State Park, Harriman State Park, and Ponderosa State Park. These parks were among his proudest accomplishments, always holding a special place in his heart. While working for the Parks Department, John met many lifelong friends.
Above all, John's greatest joy came from his role as "Gramps" to his grandsons Mason and Caden (sons of Jenifer) and Tyler (son of Jessica and Tom). In addition to his grandsons, John is survived by his wife Dianne, daughters Jenifer and Jessica (and Tom), sister Barb, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Geraldine Moen and his stepfather Elmo Moen.
John had a deep love for the beauty of nature, especially the Sawtooth mountains where he enjoyed backpacking, and his backyard where he enjoyed puttering. He loved spending time with family in McCall. John was a true supporter of the Idaho Vandals, remaining a loyal fan even during seasons when victories were scarce. And, he relished the simple pleasure of grabbing a cup of coffee with friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor John's memory by embracing your loved ones a little tighter, doing something together that John would have enjoyed.
John will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise on January 31 at 11:00, followed by a celebration of his life at Legacy Pointe at the University of Idaho Boise, 322 E. Front
Street. Please join us anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 in honoring the remarkable man who touched our lives.