Wednesday, August 24, 2011

STEVE CROSLOW: A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

Dear Friends, 

I am saddened to report that one of our dearest members of “Charlie Flight” passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, August 20, 2011.  Steve Croslow died in Central Point, Oregon after having suffered a heart attack.  He had turned 60 years of age, just one week before on August 13, 2011. 

I served with Steve on Crete when we were both assigned to the 6931st Security Group at Iraklion Air Station.  We both worked on “Charlie Flight”.  But, it wasn’t until 2007 that Steve and I reconnected at the first “Charlie Flight Reunion” in St. Louis, Missouri where I was one of the organizers for that reunion.   Then, we both attended the second “Charlie Flight Reunion” in 2010, held once   again in St.  Louis.  During those late night hours (or early morning hours) of the reunion, we would  often sit around a table, drinking good beer (or cheap whiskey)  and reminisce about the  Air Force  Security Service,  Iraklion Air Station, Crete, and  Charlie Flight.  But if there was one predominant message that Steve conveyed to me, it was his superlative and unrelenting love for his family.  I don’t believe that I have ever met any man more dedicated to being a good father than Steve.  It wasn’t just his responsibility – it was his passion.

Steve had the type of personality that made you feel as if you had known him for five years, even though you may have only been talking with him for five minutes.  He had a pleasant and warm smile that he eagerly shared with everyone.  And when you   talked with him, he listened attentively and gave every indication that he was sincerely interested in what you had to say.  Beyond that, Steve had a sharp wit, a keen sense of humor, and a genuine talent for playing the guitar.  During the “Charlie Flight” reunions of 2007 and 2010, Steve would often entertain us by playing the guitar and singing.

Steve leaves behind two sons, a daughter, and his loving companion, Kaycee…plus those of us who served with him on “Charlie Flight” and had the privilege of meeting, knowing and calling Steve our Friend.
 
 
The true  success of a  man cannot be measured by the size of his house, the  number of cars  that he  owns, or by the  number  of  dollars he  has made in his  lifetime, but rather by the number  of friends he leaves behind.  In that regard, Steve was more successful than most of us could ever hope to be.  Rest in Peace my Friend - Rest in Peace my Brother.

Your Friend and Fellow “Silent Warrior”,

Bob Armistead

P.S.: Below are some photos which I took at the “Charlie Flight” Reunion of 2010. Click on any photo for a larger image.
ABOVE PHOTO: Steve tees off
 while the rest of the
 Charlie Flight International
Golf Team looks on with awe!
June 2010

ABOVE PHOTO:  Steve Croslow,
 far left, poses with the "Charlie Flight"
International Golf Team - June  2010








ABOVE PHOTO:  Steve sinks a putt
while others look on with envious
disbelief! June 2010.
ABOVE PHOTO:  Steve and  Kaycee
enjoy a light moment during the
"Charlie  Flight" reunion of 2010.











ABOVE PHOTO:  Steve in his element as he strums and
picks his guitar while entertaining "Charlie Flight" - June 2010

ABOVE PHOTO:  Steve entertains "Charlie Flight" while
Kaycee looks on - June 2010
Rest in Peace, my Friend!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks you for such a wonderful tribute to our friend and yours Steve Croslow! Connie Kamp

Pete said...

Good one, Bobby. I didn't clearly (not unusual these days) remember Steve from Crete even though he lived in the village at the same time I did. But, at the last reunion we talked a lot (outside smoking). Found a mutual like in Canned Heat. Great guy.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Bob. Steve was a champ.

Anonymous said...

His family truly appreciate your kind words.

Aaron Croslow said...

Bob thank you for the kind words, this is Steve's youngest son Aaron. He spoke fondly of his time in Crete with you all, and came back from st. Louis both times with the biggest grin (and a few stories)! I know Charlie Flight meant a lot to him, as he meant a lot to all of us.