STOCKTON SPRINGS – The family of R. Douglas Crosby announces the passing of our beloved father, uncle, brother-in-law, friend and neighbor, Feb. 26, 2011. “Uncle Doug” was born Dec. 27, 1929, in Stockton Springs, to Richard B. and Minerva (Johnson) Crosby.
He was raised and enjoyed his entire life in Stockton Springs. He attended school in Stockton Springs and eventually graduated valedictorian there in 1948. After school, his trade and lengthy career was as a burner service repair person, initially in partnership with his dad and eventually on his own. He married Naomi (Skinner) Crosby, Sept. 26, 1956, enjoying more than 53 years of cherished life together. They were the parents of one son, Douglas A. Crosby. Among his interests beyond employment, Uncle Doug was a self-taught naturalist. He learned as much as he could about wildlife, especially in his “back field.” He was an accomplished photographer, snapping and developing wedding photos and landscapes. He also captured nature with brush and paint, adorning his home with his canvases. An avid stargazer, he built several telescopes and, with his son, created an observatory. Beautiful music was also part of nature for Uncle Doug. He designed a dulcimer and a theremin and enjoyed making music with both. He was fond of gardening, canoeing and fishing, and was most happy “walking in his woods,” much like Adam in Genesis 2:8’s Eden.
Uncle Doug is survived by his son, Douglas A. Crosby and his fiancee, Debra J. Hall, both of Stockton Springs; and dear childhood “sisters,” Lorna Brookes Russell and her husband, Carlton, and Diana Brookes Brown and her husband, Richard, of the Stockton Springs area. He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Bert and Beatrice Skinner of Belfast, Lowell Keene of Belfast, Dana and Helen Skinner of Hampden, Alex and Anne Skinner of Tewksbury, Mass.; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law; and his beloved wife, Naomi, Oct. 7, 2009.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. March 13 at Sandy Point Congregational Church with the Rev. Ruth Martin officiating. After the service there will be a gathering at the home of Doug A. Crosby, 48 Stagecoach Road, Stockton Springs. Arrangements are being handled through Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Searsport.