Rev. Donald E. Critchlow, PhD., 75, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2004, in Houston Texas.
Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, July 31, 2004, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Services were under the direction of the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels.
Fr. Critchlow retired as pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Laredo in 1998. He cared deeply for all of the parishioners that he served, but the people of St. Peter’s always held a special place in his heart.
Fr. Critchlow was ordained as a late in life vocation. Prior to the priesthood, he was a married college professor.
In 1970, he was one of the founding faculty members of Texas A&I at Laredo. Throughout his lifetime he accomplished many great things, received many awards, honors and accolades. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for he said, “he hoped to be remembered for his work with children who had special needs, especially the children who needed help in learning to read.”
Perhaps his greatest achievement was the deep affection he felt and shared with his family. He shared 27 years of his life with his wife and best friend, June, until her death in 1978. He loved their children, Carmel and Kevin. He loved and was proud of his grandchildren. He felt a special attachment to his loyal grandchildren, Eddie and Heather. He and his granddaughter-in-law, Yolanda, always seemed to have a special connection.
He particularly enjoyed a laugh and maybe a snack of Circus Peanuts or Orange Slices with her. His great-granddaughter, Katie Scarlett always brought a smile to his face as he would comment with pride, “She is ours!” and when he saw the first picture of his great-granddaughter, Chloe Elizabeth, he said, “I want to keep her.”
He held a special love for his sister’s children, but he always had a special relationship with his niece, Marquitta Fisher Kanclerz. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a life time of special friends.
Perhaps his legacy is in the many faces that fondly remember his as a loved one, friend, teacher, counselor, confessor or just a good decent human being.
When Fr. Critchlow was asked what parting words did he want conveyed to all upon his death, he replied. “Pray for me, as I will pray for thee in Heaven.”
Fr. Critchlow was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mae Critchlow of Baker City; a sister, Iris Critchlow Fisher of Haines; and a brother, William Critchlow of San Diego, Calif.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon December, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
