Celebration of Life
Condolences
I was referred to Dr. Crooks in the winter of 1966....I was 17 and learned that I would need back surgery. Dr. Crooks had recently joined Drs. Walsh and Murphy at the Associate Clinic. I am sure that I was one of his first patients and to this day, I feel like a lucky duck! Dr. Crooks visited me at the hospital after each of my three children were born and I continued as his patient for years.
Following his retirement, I would see the Crooks at the CPO and another time at a radiology clinic. Dr. Crooks had accompanied Mrs. Crooks but also wanted to know why I was there in the waiting room. He listened and patiently assured me all would be well - he was right, all was well! Dr. Crooks was the epitome of an excellent physician and a truly wonderful man. I am so pleased to read that Dr. Crooks lived a full life with a large family that he adored. May Dr. Crooks rest in peace.
Norma and family. Don and I were so saddened to hear that Bill had passed. We always enjoyed conversations with you and him at the cottages in Kananaskis Lakes. He was always so upbeat. Kananaskis will not be the same without him. Our sincerest condolences.
Don and Liz Leitch
Norma & family.
I am so saddened to learn of Dr. Bills passing.
Norma, I remember when you & Bill were members of the 2nd 60's Outdoor Club a few years ago.
We were so blessed, when Wally took a fall (not while hiking) & tore his rotator cuff & Dr. Bill came to our rescue. That was in 2008.
Condolences to our wonderful neighbours Ross, Gina, Elodie & Max, and to all the family.
Keeping you close in caring thoughts & prayers
Shirley Foster
How I came to meet Dr. Bill
In November 1991, I had an unfortunate accident and broke my ankle which meant surgery and four pins. A couple of days after my surgery, I was lying there feeling extremely sorry for myself when this handsome man, wearing a baby blue turtleneck and a stethoscope around his neck walks in. He proceeds to ask me how I am doing. I answer his question politely; thinking who is this man and why is he asking me questions.
He then tells me his sister-in-law and brother-in-law (Ben and Marguerite Greenfield) had let him know I was in the hospital and asked if he would check in on me. Ben and Marguerite were my neighbours in Redwood Meadows. Once he shared this bit of knowledge, I figured he must be a pretty decent fellow.
What I found out later was if he had been on call that weekend, he would have done the surgery to repair my ankle. As I got to know Dr. Bill better and what a kind, intelligent and wonderful man he was, I can’t tell you how many times I wished he would have been on call.
Over the years, Dr. Bill and his lovely wife Norma became great friends. I have also been blessed to meet their entire family at many a Greenfield’s Christmas event and to this day have long lasting friendships with the family as well. Dr. Bill and Norma loved music and I was thrilled that they met my Mom and Dad at the Calgary Philharmonic numerous times.
It is so amazing that what started out as a kind gesture to say hello changed my life for the better. Dr. Bill and Norma are wonderful examples of how kindness is a lasting legacy.
He will be forever missed and never forgotten and I am grateful to have known him.
Rest in peace Dr. Bill and thank you for everything
I had the privilege of meeting Bill for the first time when I moved into the Varsity \Manor. In the almost five years that have passed \ shared many laughs and meals with Norma and Bill. .When my wife passed away, the first to express their condolences and sympathy was Norma and Bill, for which I am forever grateful.
For Norma and family please let me offer my sincere condolences and sympathy. I will forever remember the good times and stories we have shared during our short friendship. RIP dear friend!
Dear Norma and family, Dr. Bill taught me so much on the former orthopedic Unit 41 in the 70's and I shall be forever grateful for his patience and consideration of me and all the nursing staff. I cherish these memories. Glad I got to visit once with you both in the Manor before I moved to Salmon Arm, BC. My deepest condolenses to each of you. Edith Schroeder
Sending my love to all of you missing wonderful Bill
Uncle Bill
It’s hard to know where to start writing down memories about Uncle Bill. He’s been such an integral person in my life for 66 years, and he has been wind under my wings for so many important experiences.
As a kid, I remember Bill’s big laughs and being lots of fun on all of our family outings. The Crooksies and Greenies spent a lot of time together! He and Dad were the best at getting all us kids organized to ski, play golf, pick cherries, and any number of water activities at Woods Lake! I remember dozens of Turkey Dinners together with our Mom’s bustling around the kitchen and either Dad or Bill wearing the full apron carving the turkey and saying….”OH BOY!!”
So many picnics together too. So fun!
I always remember thinking it was so cool that Mom and Dad and Norma and Bill were such great friends and all us kids got to enjoy so many good times together because they loved hanging out together too!
I’ll never look at a Cream Puff or a piece of pie without thinking about Bill. There was a guy who loved the heavenly desserts!! Just one of the many things that brought him joy. And that’s what I will always remember about Bill. JOY!!
As I got older, I realized that Bill was a guy I could talk to about important things I was trying to figure out in my life. I remember many times sitting at the kitchen table at Uralta Drive, drinking tea and talking about life. I always felt validated and heard. Bill didn’t take those conversations lightly and he always checked in later to see how things were going. I got a lot of wonderful phone calls from Norma and Bill over the years when I was far away in Toronto. They always stayed connected with me and kept up with where I was at. Such a safe feeling.
Bill was also a wonderful consultant for me with my work in medical education. I had numerous discussions with him helping me understand musculoskeletal injuries so I could train actors to play various roles for medical exams. He was way better than a textbook explanation and could also demo the physical exam tests I needed to explain!
Bill and Norma were so loving and supportive during my diagnosis and treatment for cancer over the past two years. Always checking in to give their love.
My favourite memories will always be at the cabin in the Kananaskis. Cross country skiing, walking and hanging around the fireplace talking, and enjoying being together with family. Bill and Dad with a Rum and Coke! The rest of us with wine or a cup of tea! So beautiful.
I will love you forever Uncle Bill. Your light and your love will live on with our memories of you. I will miss you terribly as all of us will, and you’re always going to be in my heart. I know you and Dad are hanging out together up there having a Rum and Coke and showering all of us with love.
Susan
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