Obituaries

Raymond David Crimin is a perfect example of a life well lived. Ray passed away at his home on December 21, 2022 at the age of 82. Ray had an exuberant love of life, a big heart, and a kind and generous soul.

Ray was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on March 19, 1940, the son of the late Hugh and Margaret (St. Germaine) Crimin. He graduated from Sault High School and went on to serve his country in the US Army. He was stationed in Texas during the Vietnam Era. On December 26, 1964, he married the love of his life, Shirley Bruce, at St. Joseph Church in Sault Ste. Marie.

Ray dedicated more than 37 years to working as a master derrick boat operator and later as a supervisor with the Corps of Engineers. His love for his job was evident in everything he did, and he often spoke fondly of the moments he spent sipping coffee on the deck of a derrick as it pulled away from the dock in the morning. He was an outdoorsman at heart, with a deep love for animals. Along with his daughters, he spent many years rescuing and caring for a wide variety of creatures, from duck and geese, to horses, birds, and even the occasional rabbit, turtle, or snake. No matter the species, Ray welcomed them all with open arms and a compassionate heart.

Ray was a lifelong adventurer who never let retirement slow him down. Along with his beloved wife, he spent his golden years traveling the world and making new friends wherever he went. He had a passion for making homemade apple wine, branded Suceur, and was known for sharing it generously with anyone who came to visit.

In recent years, golfing with his brother, Wayne, was a favorite pastime, and he always had a smile on his face when hitting the green with Wayne. Ray also had a special fondness for campfires, where he would invite anyone and everyone to join him and share a laugh or two. In his later years, he and his wife enjoyed riding their side by side, taking in the beauty of the world around them. Above all, Ray was a kind and joyful soul who lived for time with his family.

Ray is survived by his wife: Shirley Crimin; four daughters: Kimberly Crimin of Lake Bluff, IL, Kathy Jo (Steve) Twardy and Kelly (Jeremy) Beach both of Sault Ste. Marie, and Kerrie (Doug) Christensen of Portland, OR; and 10 grandchildren: Jenna, Ethan, Bailey, Dylan, Isabelle, Ezra, Adelyn, Kullen, Ryker, and Aurora. He is also survived by a brother: Wayne Crimin of Sault Ste. Marie; and a sister: Diane (Bob) Klein of St. Louis, MO.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Frederick Crimin.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Friends may gather at the funeral home starting at 11:00 AM.