We Remember

CRANE, Patrick Francis

October 8, 1948 — May 8, 2025

It is with deep love and abundant memories that we announce the passing of Patrick Francis Crane, son of James Matthew and Rose Marie (née Lamb) Crane. Patrick was born in Evansville, Indiana, on October 8, 1949, and was predeceased by his wife Linda Muriel (née Naylor) in 2015, and brothers Stephen Michael in 2021 and John Phillip Crane in 2017. Patrick passed away peacefully at KGH on May 8, 2025 at the age of 76, after suffering a heart attack during a motorcycle ride a few days earlier.

Growing up in Kentucky on different farms, his mother would always count heads at meals to make sure no one was missing. With his parents, 7 brothers and 2 sisters, they auctioned off their possessions and set out with a 45-foot tri-level trailer, pulled by a semi-tractor, a heavy-duty pick-up truck, and the family Pontiac, and moved to Alaska in 1962. They later moved to Glenallen as lay missionaries at the Copper Valley Mission School in 1962. Patrick’s father and older brothers assisted the Jesuits in construction work on the church and school and other minor duties. They returned to Kentucky in 1963.

In 1968, the family moved to the Okanagan from the United States out of concern that one of the boys might be wounded or killed in the Vietnam War. While Patrick’s brother David was deployed to Vietnam, Patrick was in the navy and moved to Canada before being deployed to active duty in the war. He promptly became a Canadian citizen, met his wife Linda, and made his life in Canada, starting work in the trades as an auto body mechanic but transitioning to the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) after being a volunteer fireman.

While he and Linda pursued their careers, they also worked diligently on their property to clear the land and construct a home and a barn. Patrick loved his farm life, raising chickens and cows, and caring for horses that he and Linda would ride on trails and pack trips. He also baled hay for much of the Southeast Kelowna neighbourhood, which he continued to do in his retirement from the KFD after 32 years of service. Patrick retired as a Captain in 2008.

He regularly took trips to the Heller Lake cabin in the Bonaparte Plateau, and boasted about ‘never getting skunked’ when fishing there. He took great pride in upgrading the cabin and often brought friends and family there.

In his retirement and after Linda’s passing, he invited his niece, Stacy, and nephew-in-law, Kyle, to live and assist on the farm. He also met Gail Hill (mother of his KFD rookie, Mike), who has been his partner for the last eight years. Patrick regularly golfed, fished, travelled, and enjoyed spending time with Gail and the Hill family.

Patrick was known for his kind and generous nature, and for always being willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

​Memorial Donations in memory of Patrick may be sent to Kelowna Firefighters Charitable Society.

A Memorial Service, will be held on MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter. A reception will be held following the service.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT)

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Kelowna Firefighters Charitable Society Link: www.kelownafirefighters.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for CRANE, Patrick Francis is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


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Condolences

  • Dan Douillard says:

    Our deepest heartfelt condolences from The Douillard family❤️

  • Wanda, Sharon, and Hannah Crane says:

    To the Crane and Hill families:
    We are so sorry for the lost of Pat.
    He was a kind and generous person, and we shall miss his visits to Kentucky.
    Love and Prayers to all.
    Wanda, Sharon, and Hannah Crane

  • Sangkyu Min says:

    My deepest condolences to the Crane and Hill families.
    Uncle Patrick, the kindness you showed and the memories we shared on the farm will remain in my heart forever. May you rest in peace in a beautiful place.

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