Donald Vern Crich
June 26, 2015
Peacefully, with his family by his side, at University Hospital, on Friday, June 26, 2015, Don Crich, of London, Ontario, in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Marion Crich for 49 years. Loving father and inspiration to Karen (Greg) and Jamie (Heidi) and the late Paul Crich. Cherished Grandpa of Sarah and Jeffrey. Dear brother to Ada and Joseph, and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and their children. Predeceased by his siblings Lawrence, Evelyn, Margaret and Abbie. Don’s interest in construction developed in his youth while working for his grandfather, culminating in the late 1940s when he launched his own company and became well known in the London construction industry as the founder and driving force behind the Auburn Group of companies. His passion for building can be seen throughout Ontario in many homes, condominiums and high-rises. Don steered the expansion of his company over the years to become one of the larger development corporations in the region. Leading by example, Don remained actively involved at his office and was an invaluable resource for many business colleagues and was always willing to share his experiences. His family background on the farm instilled a work ethic in Don that he applied to life: no challenge was too much and he relished the opportunity to jump in and drive any project forward. Don’s intuition and drive fuelled his energy and inspired others to work in the same way. His passion for work spilled over into his leisure time: an avid water skier, boater and downhill skier, Don treasured the time spent with family and friends pursuing these activities. His love of Lake Huron and the Bluewater area was obvious most especially while at the family cottage in St. Joseph. Don donated generously to many organizations over the years and had a soft spot for charities that helped children. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Kiaii, Dr. Mackenzie, Dr. Spence, Dr. Moore and the University Hospital ICU staff and, especially, the caring nurses. Also, thank you to the close friends who have been visiting at the hospital over the last few months. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Department of Cardiac Surgery – Da Vinci surgical robots, the Stoney Creek YMCA or the London Food Bank.
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(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to Ronald McDonald House)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to Heart & Stroke Foundation)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
Dear Karen, Jamie and families. We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. A man with a wealth of knowledge which he has passed onto you both. Our sincere condolences to you and your families.
Dear Karen & Jamie: Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time of loss. Your father was a great man who inspired many. I always enjoyed his tenacity and determination in life. He was a humble man who will be missed by many. May he rest in peace. Our blessings to you and your family!
Dear Jamie, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. In the few short years that we knew him, Don impressed us with his knowledge, honesty and his lust for new ideas. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
We at DaySpring Presbyterian Church got to know Don and Marion when they started worshipping at DaySpring. Don was a truly humble, simple, caring human being who enriched so many lives with his wisdom, insight, and generosity. We extend our heartfelt sympathise to Marion and the rest of the family at this time and pray for God's strength, comfort and grace for each of you.
Jamie & Karen & Family; Our condolences to you and your family. Don will always be known as an icon in the construction and development industry in London and Southwestern Ontario. Always enjoyed Don's knowledge and his thoughts and opinions of the development and construction industry and his wit and stories of the past. We are sorry for your loss.
Dear Jamie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I lost my dad 5 years ago Xmas eve and know how hard it is to loss a father. I would love to say it gets better and time heals all pain... but it does get easier and hurts a little less as time goes on. Hold tight to your memories and your loved one. I am very sorry for you loss. Kim McIntosh
Dear Marion, Karen, Jamie and family: We were very sorry to hear of Don's death. We remember his kindness to our son Stephen when Jamie and Steve were in high school together. Steve reminded us today that Don taught him to water ski at your cottage. The many tributes expressed on this site attest to Don's community spirit and generosity. Please accept our sincere condolences. Elaine and John Barrie and family.
Mrs. Crich, Karen & Jamie - My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family. I hope you can find comfort in wonderful memories and knowing that Don touched and inspired so many lives. He had a great spirit and will be deeply missed around the office.
Dear Joe,Adele,and Rosalie;All the staff at Parkwood Hospital in London,Ontario wish to express our heartfelt condolences on the very recent passing of a truly wonderful citizen of our community known far and wide for his truly humanitarian acts of kindness to so many charities in our fair city along with the quality and outstanding construction of many great homes in London and beyond by Auburn Homes under the guidance of dear brother Joe,the llegacy being carried on by Jamie these days to continue this great family legacy for years to xome.We were very blessed to have Adele as a fine RPN in our facility,along with her lovely daughter Rosalie being a great volunteer so many years ago along with being a superior Girl Guide in her own right.We all thank you so much for these opportunities to serve the publicas you both did many years ago.In conclusion may God lead you forward in life with his guidance to beter days ahead for all of your ramily members.God Bless you all.Always remember the great family gatherings you had with this fine man okay.Yours Sincerely Brian Cross Customer service representative Main Desk Parkwood Hospital London,Ontario for the past 31 years and counting.
I hope that in due time you receive God’s peace that excels all thought, so that it will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. As you know, God is called the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. Rest assured that he cares for all his creatures and he would never bring us suffering. A soothing scripture is Psalm 34:18 which reads: “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” Sincerely.
Dear Karen & Jamie Sorry about the Big Loss. Mr. Don Crich was a simple, humble and soft man. I liked him very much and will miss him always. Our sincere blessing to you and your family.
Karen & Jamie - so sorry to hear of Don's passing. All of the qualities you mentioned in his obituary notice remind me of both of you - determined, hard working, humble, active, successful and passionate for your family. He would be proud to know that the torch has been passed. I hope everyone is doing as well as can be at this difficult time, thinking of you and our condolences...
Dear Jamie & Karen (and families): So very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a remarkable entrepreneur, mentor and family man who touched so many people. He was so very proud of both of you and your great accomplishments. I was very fortunate to have met and worked with Don over the last several decades. Treasure the wonderful memories and celebrate his life and legacy.
Very, very sorry to hear of your loss Karen and Jamie. He was an amazing man that touched a lot of our lives. He was one of us. The news of his passing here is sad but my faith tells me he is very much alive somewhere. I trust heaven has bricks and mortar, concrete and drywall. He has probably already started on a foundation. As a young guy starting in the business years ago he came alongside and taught me to trust myself. "If you're right, you're right". I have never forgotten that. Thank you Don.
To Karen and Jamie our condolences to you both He was a wonderful man and we were blessed to know him always friendly when ever we were in the office or on the sight Strength to you both in this sad time Jim&Cathy in Collingwood On
Dear Karen & Jaime, "I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love."
I'm deeply sorry Jamie for the loss of your dad. At this time of sadness I can't help but think how proud you must be of him for the great man he was.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Don. I have many fond memories of the time spent working for him and enjoying boating and water skiing at Blacks point. I also know that he was a great support to my mother throughout her life, I have always been grateful for that support. Paula and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.
Deepest sympathy to Marion, Karen & Jamie upon this difficult time. I had the pleasure to work with the Crich family for many year's it was truly an honor, Don was a true mentor, generous, honest man. His teaching lessons during long drives to Owen Sound through to Windsor made me who I am today in business. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys in this loss. Sincerely, John Pankiewicz JP Reno Inc.
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
(Donated to Stoney Creek YMCA)
(Donated to London Food Bank)
Karen, I just read the London Free Press tribute to your father and wanted to extend my thoughts to you as life continues in his absence. I wish you many opportunities to talk about him; listen to stories from others; share your own; and to always have some one at hand eager to listen when some normal daily occurence brings you a reminder.
Dear Karen, Jamie and family. Our thoughts are with you all through this sad time. Keep your fond memories of your father close to your hearts always.
Marion, Karen, Jamie and family - My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many recollections of summer days at your cottage enjoying the beach and activities - while your Dad worked at various projects to make it all possible. I hope all your memories are a comfort to you at this time.
Dear Mrs. Crich, Karen & Jamie, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a great man. I remember when a jobsite on Kipp's Lane was shut down due to a lack of safety railings. Well, before could blink an eye, Don went into problem solving mode and was up there building the railings himself. He certainly wasn’t going to lose anytime on that job! His work ethic and chutzpah are inspirational. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this journey. Sincerely, Dave & Paula Stoy
Dear Marion, Karen, Jamie and families. I am so sorry for your loss. Don was a very caring person and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Dear Mrs. Crich, Karen & Jamie: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. It was truly an honour to have worked for him and to have known him. He was always so kind to me and he taught me so much. I do hope you find comfort in your memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Sincerely, Cathy
Dear Karen and Jamie. Sending caring thoughts and hugs your way. It was an honor to have known your Dad. Memories live on within each of you - in everyday happenings he will be remembered always. Gayle.
Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Dear Marion, Karen and Jamie. We are so sorry for the passing of Don. Please know that out thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Don led a very distinguished life. We love you, God bless. Steve, Sam and Elise Broadfoot and Nancy Zettler and family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this though time.
Jamie and Karen - I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed. Your family was always so generous in allowing all of us to enjoy time at your cottage in St Joseph…we have so many fond memories of our special times there. I remember feeling guilty that your Dad was always hard at work on one weekend project or another while we happily enjoyed all of the water “toys” that he had provided. I soon, however, came to realize that he was happiest when his hands and mind were busy. For a man of such few words, your father had a remarkably strong presence. And though many years have passed since our shared time in London, I know for certain that your Dad will continue to make an impressive mark through the knowledge, strength, work ethic and generosity that he had passed on to both of you. Mrs C. – My thoughts are with you. May your lifetime of memories with Don and the love & support of your children and grandchildren, guide you through this difficult time.
Karen and Jamie, I was sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. When a Father passes it always seems to affect us more profoundly than anyone else, and I know your pain from experience. May God comfort your hearts at this time.
Karen, Jamie and family, my thoughts are with you. I know first hand what an amazing father and mentor you had. One of my fondest memories of my time spent working at Auburn is having your Dad bring me a makeshift notepad of scrap paper that he made from the recycling bin. He was certainly an original, and I feel extremely fortunate to have met him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
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(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Department of Cardiac Surgery - Da Vinci surgical robots)
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