2020/10/obit-McCrudden-picture-for-the-Sun-option-1-221x300.jpgMichael Joseph McCrudden III was born to Rosemary Gamwell McCrudden and Michael Joseph McCrudden Jr. on Feb. 18,1944. He was the first born of four brothers: Christopher, Stephen and Philip. As a youth, he excelled academically, found a passion for competitive sailing during family summers at Brant Beach, N.J., and found his singing voice and appreciation for choral music while attending All Saints Church in Wynnewood, Pa.
It was at All Saints Church that he met Lynne Herbert. They dated in high school and college, and would marry on Aug. 20, 1966, following Michael’s graduation from Trinity College. Their first son, Michael Joseph IV, was born June 20,1968, in Philadelphia, while Michael completed his master’s degree in business administration at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
Following the completion of his graduate degree, Michael and his young family moved to Annapolis, Md., where his second son, Ian Charles, was born March 11, 1971. Michael’s work life focused upon the burgeoning cable television and telecommunications industry. Over these years, Michael continued to foster and celebrate his joy of sailing while a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club.
The family moved to Denver, Colo., where Michael and Lynne would welcome their third son, Colin Philip, born March 16, 1979. These, now five, McCruddens would become true Coloradans over their 10-plus years on the Front Range. Michael discovered a love within himself for skiing and the mountainous environment while fostering the same in his sons, with weekend ski trips to Summit County, Colo., or summertime camping ventures.
In 1984, Michael became a vice president for Time Inc. and moved his family to Darien, Conn., and then in 1989 he retired and returned to Annapolis, Md. As their sons grew and moved on from the nest, Michael and Lynne began their work of crafting a life they would enjoy together as family life changed. Be it on Bald Head Island, N.C., or in mountainous environs of Pagosa Springs, Colo. As his family grew, with the introduction of daughters-in-law Jennifer Crews, wife of oldest son Michael, and Annica Bejhed, wife of middle son Ian, Michael’s greatest joys were found in the company of his sons, their wives and his grandchildren, Miles, Kathryn, Elton and Rosemary.
Michael died Oct. 14 in the company of his friend, lover and companion in marriage through 54 years. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; his three sons; his four grandchildren; and two of his brothers, Christopher and Stephen. The songs his soul sang play on in the hearts of us all. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. This will be a family-only service, but streaming of the service will be available. Contact the church at 731-5801 for information on how to stream. Contributions in Michael’s name may be made to St. Patrick’s Music Fund, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd., or Wings Early Education Center, ACEC, 74 Backswing Court, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
