Obituary of Archdeacon Robert Crowder

The Venerable Dr. Robert Burn Crowder (Doctor of Divinity) beloved husband of Muriel Alison (Butterfield) Crowder, of Calgary, AB, passed away at the Rockyview General Hospital on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at the age of 88 years. In 1937, Robert Burn Crowder was invited to leave his home in Sunderland, England to attend Emmanel College, University of Saskatchewan, to become a minister in the Anglican Church. After graduation, in 1942, he served at his first church in Maymont, SK, where he met and fell in love with Muriel Butterfield. He married Muriel in 1943, and she was the perfect partner in his life’s work. The first fourteen years of his career took him to various postings in Saskatchewan, from Maymont, to Lintlaw, to Colonsay, to “old” Battleford, to Wilkie. Each parish had several charges, and his wife, Muriel, and children, Louise and Gordon, spent many hours each Sunday traveling with him. Muriel played the organ in the churches and they were a team throughout the joys and hardships of rural Saskatchewan life in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1954, Bob was asked to become the Assistant Rector at Christ Church, Elbow Park and the next year, went on to build St. Philip the Evangelist Church in Elboya. During the years that followed, he was also the rector of St. Peter’s Church and then instrumental in acquiring the land for the new St. Peter’s on Elbow Drive. Bob was the rector of St. Barnabas Church for ten years and then was appointed by the Bishop to be the Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of Calgary. His work gave him years of satisfaction and challenges in providing management for the Diocese of all Anglican parishes in Southern Alberta. During that time, Emmanuel College awarded him with a Doctorate of Divinity for his service and leadership in the Anglican Church. Upon retiring, he served as a volunteer in many ways. He continued with his connection to the church as an Honorary Assistant at St. Peter’s. For over twenty years, he devoted his time to community work, first at the Holy Cross Hospital and then at the Rockyview Hospital in the Pulmonary Care Program. He has been honoured for his thousands of volunteering hours. A few years ago, he initiated a support group for spouses dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, with which his beloved wife Muriel is afflicted. Bob’s extraordinary life was dedicated to the service of others. His passion for pastoral care won the love and respect of innumerable people over the years, right up to the end of his exceptional life. He will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched. Besides his loving wife Muriel, Archdeacon. Crowder is survived by his brother, Gordon (Muriel) Crowder of Hook, England; his daughter Louise Clarke; his son Gordon (Allison) Crowder. Grandfather to Jacquie (David), Chad (Michelle), Brian (Louise) and Jennifer. Great-grandfather to Allan, Harley, Ryan and Dylan. Funeral Services will be held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church (903 – 75th Avenue S.W.) on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 1:00p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 903 – 75th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 0S7. In living memory of Archdeacon. Robert Crowder, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.