The Crook Family mourns the passing of our dearly beloved brother and uncle, Jay Robert Crook, 91, who died in his sleep on January 27th. A remembrance gathering will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, at the Marana Mortuary. Banquet to follow.
Born December 29th, 1931, in upstate New York, Jay led an adventurous and fascinating life. He spent many years travelling with special emphasis on the Middle East. After graduating with honors from Freeport, Long Island, High School, he entered the Armed Services during the Korean War. Following two years in the Army, he returned to school and pursued his interest in foreign cultures, achieving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dacca in Pakistan and, later, A Master’s Degree and a Doctorate in Iranian Studies from the University of Tehran.
Jay joined the Peace Corps soon after, and eventually became the Associate Director of the Peace Corps in Iran. He was there, working as an English Professor, during the Iranian Revolution and was helpful in bringing about the release of female and minority hostages being held in the American Embassy.
When he returned to the U. S., he taught English to foreign students. Jay was fluent in Farsi, Arabic, and seven other languages. He spent the latter part of his life translating books and in creative writing. His body of work includes three novels and two books of essays, memoirs, short stories.
GAZING AT THE STARS SHINING IN THE NIGHT
I KNOW YOURE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE LIVING IN THE LIGHT
WE SPOKE ABOUT THIS DAY THE COMING OF THE HOUR
LOYAL I REMAIN REST IN PEACE REST IN POWR
REMINISCING STORIES HIS AMBLING THROUGH LIFE
SPEAKS IN DIFFERENT TONGUES POETIC WHEN HE WRITES
MUSIC PLAYING SOUL CAPTURE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYE
HOW MANY HAVE A FRIEND A FRIEND LIKE MINE
ITS THOSE SACRED HEARTS YOU AND ME
I TREASURE THEE AND ALL THOSE MEMORIES
WE LIVED OUR LIVES WE LAUGHED WE CRIED
BUT NOW YOURE GONE OH FRIEND OF MINE
SO I WRITE THIS SONG AND THROUGH THIS PAIN
I HOPE AND PRAY THAT WE MEET AGAIN
THE ONE WHOS BLESSED SO IVE BEEN TOLD
IS HE WHO BEARS A HEART OF GOLD
Comments