Herbert “Skip” Crane Crabtree, 74, of South Haven, MI passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Grace of Douglas in Douglas, Mi. Born May 7, 1945 in Menominee, MI, he was the son of the late Herbert and Florence (Crane) Crabtree. Skip was a free-spirited man who loved spending time motoring and sailing on the waterways, lakes and ocean. He lived on boats for some 30 years. He had earned his Captain’s License and had once attempted to sail around the world. During his travels, Skip fell in love with Guatemala and kept his sailboat on the Rio Dulce for a number of years spending winters down there as well as wintering in Mobile, AL. In 1986 his Captain’s ability took him from The Intracoastal Waterway to New York Harbor for the USS Bicentennial representing a replica USS Arizona, a part of The Friendship Fleet. That time in his life is written in the book “You Can’t Go Incognito in a Battleship.” When he was not on the water, he made a living as a master tile setter and he could do just about anything with his hands. He was a great cook too and could put together a tasty meal in no time. We will really miss his ready smile and cheerful disposition. His friends are too numerous to mention and everywhere he went he is remembered with a smile.
Skip is survived by his siblings, Susan Crabtree, Michael Crabtree, Deborah (Craig) Farrell, Steven (Ann) Crabtree, Barbara Crabtree and Betsy (John) Coughlin; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be forever loved by many. The family is especially grateful for the loving care Skip received from his neighbors and friends in South Haven and the staff at Grace of Douglas.
Along with his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his sister, Diana Crabtree and his brother, Jeffery Crabtree.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in South Haven, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace of Douglas, 243 Wiley Road, Douglas, MI 49406.
