George Crowe passed peacefully at home in Nampa, Idaho on January 3, 2018. George was born July 11, 1938, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Reverend James R. Crowe and Ruby Carey Brown Crowe. He joined a brother, John Crowe.

His early childhood was spent in Tennessee and California, while his father served as a Pastor in country churches and as a Chaplain overseas during WWII.

The family moved to Rupert, Idaho in 1946 when Rev. Crowe was assigned to Pastor the First Methodist Church in Rupert.

His father was called to serve in the Korean War as a Chaplain and the family moved to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1953.

The family then moved back to Idaho in 1954 when Rev. Crowe left the military and founded the Idaho Youth Ranch in Rupert, ID.

George graduated from Jerome High School in 1956. He joined the Air National Guard and served six years. He attended college one year in Texas from 1956-1957. Returning to Idaho, he assisted his parents at the Idaho Youth Ranch.

In 1958 he attended Boise State Junior College (he was a great BSU fan), and then enrolled at the University of Idaho in Moscow (1959-1962). He joined the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. During the summer he helped his parents fulfilling their dreams of the Idaho Youth Ranch. He also did his student teaching at Rupert High School while staying at the ranch.

While attending the University of Idaho, he met the love of his life, Dee Ochs of Genesee, Idaho. They were engaged in 1962 and graduated together in 1962.

George completed his dream of learning to fly while in Moscow. He worked at Pete Fountain crop dusting business. Pete taught him to fly, often honing his skills landing on hills of the beautiful Palouse country. George credited Pete for many of his flying skills.

Upon graduation, George and Dee, with abounding excitement obtained teaching jobs in Anchorage, Alaska. George taught Biology and coached football.

George and Dee married on July 20, 1963, in Genesee, Idaho. George and Dee’s marriage adventure (and it was), and love of 54 years had begun.

George felt he had reached a part of Heaven in Alaska. The land and air was filled with airplanes. He soon had his first airplane (one of many), and with Dee by his side (she loved flying with him) they flew all over Alaska, landing on bush strips, river sandbars, frozen snow covered lakes (ice fishing), glaciers, and even high ways. Many flights were taken back to Idaho flying along the Alaska High Way. He wrote “Plan-A-Flight to Alaska” to assist others on their journey.

George became a flight instructor and it soon became his full time occupation. He became a partner in Merrill Flight Service and Alyeska Air Service in Anchorage. George became a commercial pilot and developed his flying skills to the maximum flying in the Alaska bush.

George and Dee welcomed two children to their family while in Alaska, a son, Graham, and a daughter, Courtney, both born in Anchorage. Returning to Idaho, George worked in aircraft sales, insurance, flight instruction, and commercial aviation. He was active in politics and headed Ronald Reagan’s Idaho campaign. George and Dee were privileged to spend time with Ronald Reagan before his election.

A son, Brooks, was born in Idaho and completed their family. George loved taking his children with him any chance he had, as they grew up, on the land and in the air.

George opened Flite Quest Aviation at the Nampa Airport in 1990. He taught many, many students to fly during his twenty years at the Nampa Airport. This included his two sons, Graham and Brooks. They have wonderful memories of flying with their dad, they would ask, “Dad, can I take the plane?” his children were very helpful in his aviation business.

George deeply loved his children and enthusiastically supported all of their sports, music, and drama activities at Nampa Christian School. He taught an Aviation Science class at Nampa Christian and after students passed the written exam many later became pilots. He supported his daughter, Courtney, in all her rodeo activities. During Brooks’ basketball games you could always hear his voice. George was so proud of the way his children led their lives. He often commented how great it was to have them in his life. George, Dee, and family spent many times flying over beautiful Idaho to Priest Lake, Idaho. They enjoyed all lake activities together. Upon retirement, George and Dee spent summer and fall at their Priest Lake home. Their favorite activity was cruising the lake on their pontoon boat, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and stopping to swim on the beaches. George loved watching the wild animals around their home. Feeding the birds was a daily activity. He said the lake was a beautiful place for the soul.

George and Dee enjoyed traveling. He especially found his last road trip with his son, Graham Crowe, to Evergreen Aviation and Air Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, home of The Spruce Goose, a wonderful experience. He even sat in The Spruce Goose pilot’s seat.

George will be greatly missed. Love, adventures, and wonderful memories will always remain with is family and friends. Fly high in Heaven with all those you love, who have gone before.

George is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dee Crowe, his children; son, Graham Crowe, daughter, Courtney Crowe, and son, Brooks (Brenda) Crowe, grandchildren; Braxton Crowe, Bristol Crowe, and Bronze Crowe, sister-in-law, Sharon Crowe of Rupert, and Bailey, his golden lab.

Honoring George’s wishes there will be no services. The family will gather at Priest Lake this summer to celebrate and honor his life.

In George’s name, charitable donations can be made to any charity of your choice.