George Spencer Crosby went home to his loving Father, Lord and Savior on June 9, 2014 with his loving wife Patti by his side, and family close by.
George was born to Chris and Katherine Crosby February 18, 1953. He attended Forsyth schools and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1971.
George was a hard worker, as a boy he mowed lawns and delivered newspapers, working at Wallen Mercantile and Valley Auto before beginning his railroad career.
George and RaDonna Heberle were married in 1971 and to this union Kris R Crosby was born.
He later married Ardell Borden and to this union Wally C and Otis D Crosby were born.
George and Patti Sprague Crosby were married in 2001; they blended their families and have shared many joys and sorrows.
George had a huge heart and loved people young and old – and they returned that love. He was honored to serve his friends and family, performing many unconditional acts of kindness.
He had a great sense of humor, loved playing practical jokes and was a great story teller. George was always pulling a good one over on family and friends.
Family and friends have fond memories of river floats and rock hunting with George, then enjoying the yard, a labor of love that Patti and George spent countless hours tending together.
George loved going to his Aunt Louise’s in Texas taking in the music and gardens. He had a lifelong love for photography which resulted in him acting as the “official” photographer at neighborhood brandings and freely sharing the pictures.
Music, astronomy and gardening were also great loves for George, he has successfully passed these on to his boys.
George is survived by his friend and wife Patti; his children Kris (Cheryl) Crosby Waseca, MN and Wally and Otis Crosby of Forsyth; his brother Bill Crosby of Billings; sister Kay (Vern) Crosby Dooley of Powell, WY; “adopted” brother Dwayne Albertson, Forsyth; and step children Jason Krummel of Forsyth, Sheila (Shannon) Kautzman of Laurel, Danny (Nichole ) Krummel of Miles City, Allison Stoltz of Red Lodge and Nickie Endressi of Butte; special nephew Alex ( Missy) Crosby of Littleton, CO; Nieces Staci Thrasser, Butte, Alisha (Jon) Wells, Havre, Leandra (Josh) Fraley, Polson; Nephews Qui (Robin) Crosby’ Lakeside, and Shawn Crosby, Boise; sister-in-law Carol Crosby; Mother-in-Law Marian Sprague; and cousin and friend Cam (Maria) Tate; nine grandchildren and one great grandson; and many great nieces and nephews and friends galore.
He is proceed in death by his parents Chris and Katherine Crosby; brothers Chris Crosby Jr. and infant Johnny Crosby; and his favorite Aunt Louise Tate.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers plant a flower, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Forsyth Senior Center or the Cross on the Hill.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dwayne Albertson says
George was one of the kindest people I have ever known. A truly gentle man…the heart of a poet. I shall miss you, brother. I’ll see you in the stars. My prayers to the family. I am truly sorry for and share in your loss. Love you, Dwayne
Ruthie Johnson says
My heart goes out to you Patty. He was a wonderful kind guy I loved to visit with. Always teasing together. Love you Smoking George!
Teena Friesz says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Patti and family.
Cathy Byron says
Crystal blue eyes, a chuckle, and a love for astronomy… A kind and gentle soul who I
never heard raise his voice. I always wanted to spend more time gazing through his telescope and learning at least a little of what he knew about stars and galaxies and “stuff” … Patty, Bill, Kay, Gook, Chris, Wally – I share your loss. So, so sorry that words offer empty comfort at times like this. My prayers are with each of you. Focus on the memories – that’s where the healing lies.
Arni Olson says
I was very sorry to hear about George, your family is in our our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Maggie Kanta Pate says
I am so sorry to hear about George. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you Kay, Patty, Bill and your whole family.
Kim & Gayle Kautzman says
We were saddened to hear about George’s passing. He was truly one of a kind a will be missed. I treasure the time I spent with him. Our thoughts go out to the family during this trying time.
Katie Springer says
I am so sad to hear about George. This family has taken me in as one of their own and George was no different. Such a kind and wonderful soul. He will be greatly missed. But I have a feeling he and Qui are already having a grand time waiting for us 🙂 love you Crosby family!
Laura & Larry Doyle lll says
Sorry we lost you Brother George, but we will always remember the Joy you brought us when you were with us. May God Bless & Be With Your Family at this difficult Time. Love You Guys.
Jack and Carol says
I never knew George but reading the comments makes me wish I had. Peace and love to his family.
Warren Wasserburger says
So sorry to hear of the loss of this legend. This great man will truly be missed. Condolences to all who knew him especially family.
Gerald Tallent says
We will miss you and I will always remember you as the kind man that you were. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May god bless you all.
Melissa Bloxom says
My heart hurts today, I will forever remember your smile and your ability to make me laugh..no matter how upset I may have been you ALWAYS made me laugh…I am so fortunate to have known you and to of had you be a such a strong pillar in my life. You will be missed very much Sir..will see you again when my time here is done, this side of Heaven ♡♥♡
Lanell Kaup says
I am sorry to hear about the passing of George. We will miss his kind and gentle spirit. He shared his love of the stars with my grandson, Dalton using his telescope and Dalton has remembered it. My prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Your memories of George will help with the healing that will eventually come.
Barb Rolston says
Dear, dear Crosby family I hope all these comments show you how widely loved and missed “Tic” is. There is overwhelming pain in knowing how long it may be before we see him again, and joy in knowing he is breathing free and finally up where he can see everything going on. The hole in my heart is already filling with wonderful memories of our childhood and later the countless hours spent working, reminiscing, arguing, teasing, learning. plotting, dreaming… He preserved and shared many precious memories for his friends in his awesome photos, and there were no bounds on his kindness and generosity. “Miss him” doesn’t cover it. Love you all.
Deb and Steve Ausen says
We are so sorry. George’s quick smile and wit were always so fun to be around. Our prayers are with the whole Crosby family. Hugs to you …
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Crosby Family. May memories and love keep George ‘s spirit alive in your hearts. May he rest in eternal peace.
Charlie and Terri
Denise Becker-Izzo says
I was so deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing. My heart goes out to all of you! We were close friends for over thirty years, and shared so many good times and memories especially when our children were growing up. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you at this time, whom I love dearly.
Denise & Brockel Boys
Vonnie Becker says
My condolences go out to all of you. He always had a joke and smile, a wonderful outlook on life, and may you find consolation in knowing that he brought much joy to all his family and friends.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Patti and all George’s family, Thoughts and prayers and many memories! So sorry for your loss.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To George’s family,
Earl joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved George. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care, we are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. We pray that you will find comfort in the love and support of family and friends, and peace in the many beautiful memories you have of him.
Karie Weamer says
Dear Kay, Bill, Alex and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. George was always so kind and friendly. I know you looked up to him Kay growing up. He was always the protector!!! A gentle loving soul who will be missed by many. May your memories of happy times carry you through these difficult times.
Love you all so much!
Karie
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be truly missed.
Richard Watson says
Dear Crosby Family, We are so sorry for your loss. George was a wonderful person and will be missed very much.
Marc Lentsch says
To the Crosby family, I was saddened to hear of George’s passing, and took a moment to reflect on all the years, all the times, all the work and all the fun we shared, and it was a lot. When I think of the slow, sly wit, the easy smile, and great sense of understatement that George had, it makes me smile. And so even in death George still touches my soul. The mark of a great old soul that we will all miss. See you around, my brother!
Cal Eggum says
Someone said a legend has passed. I agree. I met George when I discharged from the Army in ’74. We worked together at Valley Auto, he stood with me when I married, and we had many good times in the past. Separate directions did not diminish the friendship we had, for that I am blessed. I will always remember the colorful language he used with mastery. I hope he is resting easy. Peace to him and all the family!
Cal and my sons
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
Reading all of these wonderful posts are a testament to the man George was. Our hearts go out to you at this time, and I know saying “he is in a better place” is not much comfort for a hurting heart and the hole he left is so many lives. Hold your memories of him close, and our prayers are with all of you.
Neal & Pam Shelton says
George was a true friend in life and enriched all are lives. We had a lot of fun and even got a little work done too. It was always a hoot to work with him. The river floats were the best. He’ll do fine in heaven if they have a hell of a band, long rivers, a big telescope and a fast computer.
Were going to miss him!
Monika Johnson says
I met George 29 years ago when he worked for the railroad and the one complaint him and his buddy Blackwell had, there were never enough onions on his liver. Boy did we try to please those two. There was never a dull moment being around George, Patty you were a godsend to him. I know he spend the year cherishing you and that you were in his life. My thoughts are with all of you in the Crosby family. He truly was a great man and a great friend He will be missed by so many
Gary Shelton says
George and I were the brakemen on the Colestrip local the whole time units 1 2 3 and 4 were built we spent 12 hrs a day 6 days a week together and then most of our time off also. We had solved most of the worlds problems in our chat sessions, just no one took us seriously enough to put our solutions to the test. The world has a great big hole now where George’s heart was. I will miss you bud! Prayers for the whole family, I love all of them too. Have not seen most of you in years.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of George Spencer Crosby – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the “God of all comfort” who promises to “comfort us in all our tribulations” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope you find peace in many Bible promises (John 17:3).
Carole Twede says
Dear Crosby family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers with the passing of Chris & George. They both
had such caring, gentle spirits. I last saw George at my mom’s celebration of life. I
remember him coming in to her 80th birthday celebration with a big boquet of flowers for her. Your whole family has been such a part of our lives and we dearly miss all of you. We
send our love & sympathy to all the Crosby family..
Gordon Dean says
I recently ran across Pete’s and my black and white birthday party pictures that Dad took in the mid 1950’s. Amidst the all of the kids in the photo, one can sense George’s quiet, gentle demeanor. After I returned to Forsyth, it was always a pleasure to run into him. It was good to turn down the energy and walk in his calmness for a moment or two.
Kelly (Cartwright) Handley says
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was always such a soft spoken, gentleman. He and my brother Gregg were close at one time. Please take comfort knowing that he and Gregg are again spending time together in Heaven. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lars Larson says
GEORGE and I had an iconic friendship from an early age. He won’t be forgotten. My thoughts are with George’s many friends and family.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.
By Elenor Roosevelt
Mrs. Bill says
Sure am gonna miss that guy
Elaine and Gene House says
We got to meet George only one time, but he was someone we liked. Patti, our heartfelt sympathy to you and yours. Getting to know you has been just one of the many gifts for which we thank you. God bless. Elaine
Pete Keenan says
I was extremely saddend to hear of George’s passing and want to express my sincere condolences to the Crosby family. To his extended family, you don’t know me, but George and I were practically inseparable during our High School years. We had some marvelous, memorable moments, none better than out on the ranch….the first motor vehicle I ever drove was the old Green ’59 chevy pickup and trying to ride those horses that hadn’t been ridden in years (Wally can testify to that). Kay, Wally, Chris…I share your pain and may God Bless you. I know Goerge is cruising down that eternal highway right now on his 500 Kawasaki…
Pete & Jan Keenan
Jack Holmquist says
Farewell my friend. In good times and bad. A friend, father, a family man. We laughed, cried and dreamed. Looks like you made all your love and dreams come true. God only made one George. You sure left me a so many great times and memories.. See ya on the stars COS.
Damien Brockel and family says
Such a wonderful and unique character. Many fond childhood memories of river floats, BBQs, and tubing with the families. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.