Obituary of Clinton Joseph Crooks

Clinton Joseph Crooks of Lafleche, SK, passed away on January 4, 2012, at the age of 53 years. Clinton was the ninth child of 11, born to Mary Ellen (nee Morin) and George Crooks, on March 25, 1958 in Lafleche, SK. Clinton was a very happy child and was given the nicknames Smiles and Chuckles; he carried that smile and love of life with him all the time. Clinton enjoyed a good practical joke and those "smiles and chuckles” eventually turned into a mischievous grin that we would all come to know, and more often than not would be followed by "I don’t know what you are talking about.” Clinton enjoyed life and loved to include others in his escapades, whether is was going to the Wood Mountain Rodeo, attending ball tournaments, tormenting his nieces and nephews, or enjoying a Sunday afternoon shooting gophers and listening to curling on the radio. Clinton’s first job was with Graham Construction, building the power plants in Coronach. During this time Clinton would come home on weekends and help his dad with the farm work. After Graham Construction Clinton started to work for Palliser Aggregates and continued to help on the farm. Clinton married Cheryl (nee Fauser) on April 10, 1981, in Woodrow, SK. They lived in Regina for a short time but eventually moved back to Lafleche. In 1985 Clinton and Cheryl moved to the Crooks family farm, where they farmed full time and raised four children. Clinton was a social person and attended numerous family and community events. He especially enjoyed talking with people; whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he just me Clinton was able to put you at ease and have a conversation. He was always ready to help family and friends, whether it was building a fence or deck, putting down flooring or just holding down a lawn chair for you on a lazy afternoon. Clinton had a passion for curling. At a young age he became involved with curling and continued to do so throughout his life. He was involved with the local curling leagues, competitive leagues, fun and family spiels. Clinton also loved snowmobiling, and particularly enjoyed the family snowmobile trips they would take at any opportunity. Clinton was proud to be living on "Riverview Acres,” the family farm. This pride was evident in the summer of 2010 when Clinton, Cheryl and family hosted the 100 anniversary of the family farm in Saskatchewan. Without a doubt the pride and joy of Clinton’s life was his family, Cheryl, Justin, Mindy, Jolene and Trudy then later his extended family Justin, Tyler and Josh. Clinton was extremely proud of their accomplishments, whether it be doing well in school, receiving an award, getting a job, being promoted or serving our country. When Clinton spoke of his family, his face shone with a smile from ear to ear. Clinton was a good man and like his parents before him, it was a life’s work well done. Clinton is survived by his loving family, wife Cheryl (nee Fauser); son Justin; daughter Mindy (Justin) Kelly, grandchildren Joseph, Emma, Noah; daughter Jolene (Joshua Stevenson); daughter Trudy (Tyler Sewell); brothers Lloyd, Mark, Richard; sisters Laurina, Glenda, Gloria, Valerie, Colleen, Elaine. Predeceased by his parents George and Nellie (nee Morin) Crooks. Prayers were held on Sunday, February 5, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., and Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., both at Ste Radegonde Roman Catholic Church, Lafleche, SK. Presider for Prayers was Cookie Jacques. Co-Celebrants for the Mass were Father Joseph Strohhofer and Father Stephen Bill. Cross bearer was Basil Crooks. Readers were Gloria McIvor, Colleen Andries and Angie Hicks. Offertory gifts were presented by Mandy Wilson and Rachel McIvor. The eulogy was shared by Richard Crooks. Music by Glenda Crooks, Jacqueline Poirier and John Garies. Active pallbearers were Jonathan McIvor, Joey Andries, Todd Andries, Cole Crooks, Ted Fauser and Andrew Fauser. Interment took place at the Lafleche Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Clinton to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Suite 801-3100, Steeles Avenue East, Markham, ON L3R 8T3, were greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piché-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg.