Stanley H. Crow

Stanley H. Crow, community leader, educator, husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 70 on Nov. 15, 2009. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. on January 9, 2010, at East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 12700 SE 32nd Street,

To those who knew him well, Stan Crow was a visionary, a mentor and role model who left behind a rich legacy of community.

In addition to his nearly 20-year involvement in the Unitarian Universalist Church, he co-founded Songaia CoHousing Community in Bothell, and was founder and director of Rite of Passage Journeys, a not-for-profit organization that fosters self-discovery, community and connection with the natural world.

"The impact of Stan’s legacy is infinite. He had a heart that was bigger than life. Through his unassuming, always-available mentorship of young people, he raised generations of empowered and inspired adults. Through his absolute confidence in each of us, he helped many find their paths. And through his vision, he leaves communities that will continue to serve and gather even in his absence. That these will continue without Stan is a testament to his real leadership and mentorship gift. With Stan, each of us knew that we could do far more than we thought we could," said Darcy Ottey, executive director, Rite of Passage Journeys.

Stan’s wife, Carol Crow, echoed Ottey’s sentiment. When asked what Stan’s greatest gift was, she replied: "I believe it was his ability to be a visionary – to see the current situation and imagine how it might be improved and different."

Stan Crow’s organizational involvement:

Unitarian Universalist Church – member, 1991 – 2009.

At the time of his death Stan was president of the WUUC Board of Trustees. He served the church as director of religious education (1995 to 2002), as well as several other committees, including worship, membership and stewardship.

Stan was active in national and district UUA work, having most recently served on the district Healthy Congregations Team.

Rite of Passage Journeys – founder, 1986. Executive Director, 1986 – 2006. Director Emeritus, 2006 – 2009.

Songaia Co-housing Community – co-founder, 1989. Resident, 1989 – 2009.

Institute of Cultural Affairs – Program Development, 1970 – 2004.

His survivors include his wife, Carol Crow of Bothell; sister, Martha June Graber of Harrisonburg, Va.; brother, Stephen Crow of Richmond, Texas; children, Christopher Yeaton, Nina Rhys, Karyn Crow, Kendall Kucera, Kristin Kucera, and Karen Januto; six grandchildren – Ilaria Crow, Noah and Mason Lanphear, Kali Crow-Leister, Annelyse and Calista Januto.