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Bob L. Crook
07/07/1943 — 12/29/2001
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Los Angeles, CA
Bob L. Crook
Robert L. Crook was born on July 7, 1943, in Los Angeles. He died at his home in Richland on December 29, 2001.
Bobs family moved from Falls City, Nebraska to the Tri-Cities in 1956. He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1961, serving as senior class president. He attended the University of Washington. He left college in 1965 and joined the Armys Officer Training School.
He was home on leave for Christmas in 1966 when he attended a KHS gathering at a pub on Kennewick Avenue, and re-acquainted himself with Lynn Murphy, a class of 61 alum. Bob and Lynn were married the following year in Basel, Switzerland. After serving two years with the army in Germany, Bob returned to the University of Washington where he earned a B.A. in zoology. While earning his M.B.A in 1971, Bob wandered into an obscure corner of the UW campus and discovered an amazing machine called the computer which became one of the many loves of his life.
In 1971, Bob returned to the Tri-Cities to work for Battelle and for the past ten years he designed and implemented business systems for the lab. He enjoyed the challenges of his job, and the many good friends he made at Battelle.
Bob served on the board of Planned Parenthood for five years. His fascination with genealogy as an investigative process led him to track down nearly 5,000 individuals with links to the Crook family, and develop a family website. Bob enjoyed discovering new family members and sharing family stories.
Bob always enjoyed wakes where the family and friends would gather round to have a great time and share funny stories about the deceased. So he decided he didnt want to miss his own. He gathered his friends and family last October for music and dancing, great food and beverages, and funny stories.
Bob is survived by Lynn, his wife of 34 years; his favorite daughter Jenny and her future fiancé Aaron Baldie; his favorite son, Joe; his brothers Guy and Bill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Bobs life will be held at Einans Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 2nd at 3 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.
Lynn, Jenny and Joe, and all of the Crook family,
I just want to share how special Bob was to me in my years at Battelle. He was always a light on the path. We worked hard and had fun, too. He was a very special person and always will be in my memories.
I know we all have our special memories, but for me that ‘fateful’ New Years’ Eve of 1975 bringing in 1976 only 26 years ago now, will always stand out! Dick now my ‘ex’ and I arrived at the annual company gathering at the HH, throngs of people everywhere and all I heard was “Dianne, where have you been, Crook’s looking for you!!” Oh, no I was ‘on call’ that night. I finally got back to the party shortly before midnight, after ‘Crook’ had adequately delegated the problem to the underling…… of course the funny part was in the badges, or not; drinks in hand, or not; missing timecards…… As usual, all worked out!
I wish I could be there, I am so very sad now, but I know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, I pray you know that, too. It will probably take time.
With love and deep caring,
Dianne Pastorino
Soon after Bob joined Battelle as a Financial Specialist in June, 1972, our boss, Controller Kurt Leeser, started holding staff meetings occasionally at the Town Crier. Without much effort on anyone’s part, a tradition of Finance gatherings at the Town Crier on Fridays began. In the early 70’s, this was an every week event. Many thought our only mission was to see how much beer we could consume. I must admit it’s pretty certain we gave the owners financial security! But what is less well known about the weekly routine were the wonderful debates that often went on until very late. These discussions usually had to do with Battelle business in some way, and we often solved pressing issues that allowed the Lab to flourish!
The subject most frequently debated, but never settled, centered around the virtues of basic science we called it “good science” vs. applied science. Most of the time, it was only Bob who held firm that “good science” was premire. The rest of us were too eager to count the immediate cash that could be earned from applied work.
The Finance Friday tradition continues, different faces, different debate topics, but the same wonderful friendships that so many have enjoyed with Bob. We all have those memories.
Jenny and family —
In reading the other notes and stories my mother Dianne Pastorino talked about, I can see where some of your personality likely comes from.
Hope that your pain eases quickly, and your memories grow… My condolences to you and your family, all are in our prayers.
Kathleen and Connor Baumgartner
HHS Class of 1991
Lynn and Family,
I wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers and thoughts and have been for the past year.
Bob and I worked closely together 9 years ago at Battelle and I enjoyed working with him very much. I was out of college and working as a systems analyst and was assigned to work with Bob and Marty on a new financial system. I was always amazed at the way he could break down problems and come up with a way to program the financial process that was always complex, but elegant.
Besides being a great person to work with, I remember that above all he was always my friend and confidant. He supported me in my 8 year career at Battelle and helped me to reach higher goals.
Some of the best times I remember is at parties and how Bob loved CC&R. Everytime I hear one of their songs I can picture Bob always having a smile on his face and a beer in his hand.
I also remember how fondly he spoke of you Lynn and his children. You were his life and he loved you all so much.
I haven’t seen Bob for about 8 years and when I heard he was having a wake, I thought that was just like Bob..what a great celebration of his life.
Lynn, if you remember me, you would probably remember me as Kara Peterson. You attended my wedding 8 years ago when I left Battelle to move to Idaho.
He will always be remembered as a wonderful peer and friend by many.
Take Care.
Kara Peterson-Hoge
Lynn, Jenny and Joe, and all of the Crook family,
I just want to share how special Bob was to me in my years at Battelle. He was always a light on the path. We worked hard and had fun, too. He was a very special person and always will be in my memories.
I know we all have our special memories, but for me that ‘fateful’ New Years’ Eve of 1975 bringing in 1976 only 26 years ago now, will always stand out! Dick now my ‘ex’ and I arrived at the annual company gathering at the HH, throngs of people everywhere and all I heard was “Dianne, where have you been, Crook’s looking for you!!” Oh, no I was ‘on call’ that night. I finally got back to the party shortly before midnight, after ‘Crook’ had adequately delegated the problem to the underling…… of course the funny part was in the badges, or not; drinks in hand, or not; missing timecards…… As usual, all worked out!
I wish I could be there, I am so very sad now, but I know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, I pray you know that, too. It will probably take time.
With love and deep caring,
Dianne Pastorino
Soon after Bob joined Battelle as a Financial Specialist in June, 1972, our boss, Controller Kurt Leeser, started holding staff meetings occasionally at the Town Crier. Without much effort on anyone’s part, a tradition of Finance gatherings at the Town Crier on Fridays began. In the early 70’s, this was an every week event. Many thought our only mission was to see how much beer we could consume. I must admit it’s pretty certain we gave the owners financial security! But what is less well known about the weekly routine were the wonderful debates that often went on until very late. These discussions usually had to do with Battelle business in some way, and we often solved pressing issues that allowed the Lab to flourish!
The subject most frequently debated, but never settled, centered around the virtues of basic science we called it “good science” vs. applied science. Most of the time, it was only Bob who held firm that “good science” was premire. The rest of us were too eager to count the immediate cash that could be earned from applied work.
The Finance Friday tradition continues, different faces, different debate topics, but the same wonderful friendships that so many have enjoyed with Bob. We all have those memories.
Jenny and family —
In reading the other notes and stories my mother Dianne Pastorino talked about, I can see where some of your personality likely comes from.
Hope that your pain eases quickly, and your memories grow… My condolences to you and your family, all are in our prayers.
Kathleen and Connor Baumgartner
HHS Class of 1991
Lynn and Family,
I wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers and thoughts and have been for the past year.
Bob and I worked closely together 9 years ago at Battelle and I enjoyed working with him very much. I was out of college and working as a systems analyst and was assigned to work with Bob and Marty on a new financial system. I was always amazed at the way he could break down problems and come up with a way to program the financial process that was always complex, but elegant.
Besides being a great person to work with, I remember that above all he was always my friend and confidant. He supported me in my 8 year career at Battelle and helped me to reach higher goals.
Some of the best times I remember is at parties and how Bob loved CC&R. Everytime I hear one of their songs I can picture Bob always having a smile on his face and a beer in his hand.
I also remember how fondly he spoke of you Lynn and his children. You were his life and he loved you all so much.
I haven’t seen Bob for about 8 years and when I heard he was having a wake, I thought that was just like Bob..what a great celebration of his life.
Lynn, if you remember me, you would probably remember me as Kara Peterson. You attended my wedding 8 years ago when I left Battelle to move to Idaho.
He will always be remembered as a wonderful peer and friend by many.
Take Care.
Kara Peterson-Hoge
Our thoughts are with you at this time. Our sincere sympathy of your loss.
Lynn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this time and always. May the memories you all shared help you in the coming days. Always, Teri Oliver Einan
Lynn,
My condolences to you and all of your family. Bob & I had a great year as roommates at the U and many good times in Kennewick.
He was a good man, a good friend & he will be missed.
Take care & God bless………..
Marty
Bob was a great, great guy! We worked a bunch together at Battelle. He had a super blend of smart, analytical with fun, common sense in everything he did. He will be hugely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. Jim “Bix” Bixler
Bob:
You are missed so much already. I can’t imagine what it will be like going back to work later this week, knowing that I won’t see you wandering the halls, checking on our work. Tuesdays will be empty without our weekly meeting. I’ll miss your enthusiasm, your creativity, your good humor, and your support. I’ll miss our debates and getting to tell you “hell no” from time to time and then you doing it anyways. I’ll miss your support and your council. Most of all, Bob, I’ll miss your friendship. Rest in peace, old chum, and know that you are loved.
Lynn, Jenny & Joe:
Betty’s and my prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you. I know that Bob has left many wonderful memories for you to remember him by. God bless you all.
Guestbook for
Bob L. Crook