Obituary of Dean Cromwell Croft

Dean Cromwell Croft passed away at his Hollister residence on August 21st, 2020 at the age of 79 years. Born to Vernon Harold Croft, and Clara Elizabeth Tatting on September 22, 1940 in Sacramento, CA, Dean grew up in Sacramento, and Medford, before settling in Santa Clara County. Dean lived in San Jose and Saratoga where he attended Campbell High School, and worked at a service station. Dean spent most summers with his Swedish grandparents, Peter and Martha Tatting; helping them in the orchards and around the house. He learned how to play canasta, and cribbage. Grandma Mart would always have the coffee on with something sweet to nibble. Dean started at San Jose State University with the intention of becoming a accountant. He met Arma Bernice (Bunny) Weaver in class and he was smitten. They married in 1960, and saved to buy their first house in Willow Glen – their mortgage payment was $90/mo! With the arrival of daughters Jill and Heidi, they needed more space, so they moved to a new home on Los Cruces Court in San Jose. They met neighbors, the Cullers, who would become lifelong friends. The Croft House was the meeting spot for both sides of the family for holidays. The backyard had a tree-house for the Weaver cousins, and shuffleboard for the adults. Dean was a journeyman taper for Riolo Drywall before deciding to go out on his own. He commuted to Hollister for 2 years, and worked in partnership with Bob Cirelli to establish Hollister Drywall. Dean moved his family to Hollister in 1972. He started San Benito Drywall on his own; with Bunny keeping the books. For over 40 years Dean had a loyal crew, and expanded the business from residential drywall into lath/plaster and steel studwork. This allowed the company to thrive and build hospitals, libraries and schools. He had company picnics at Bonfante Gardens, and chili cook offs. He also had many partnerships to develop land and build housing as he had obtained his general contracting license. Later he built and managed Croft’s Lofts mini storage. Dean became very involved in the community with Scouting, Elks Club, and supported the Baler Band, FFA, and 4H programs with the San Benito County Fair. He was passionate about raising money for scholarships for college. For nearly two decades he spearheaded the Exchange Club’s “Crab Crack” fundraiser. He received a lifetime award from the Boy Scouts of America for his generous support. His hobbies included; hunting, fishing, cooking, and boating. He restored a Chris Craft “woody” and later collected Shelby Mustangs and rare coins. His method of relaxing was going to Lake Tahoe. His first place was an A frame cabin in Incline Village he built on weekends. Many fun trips included his friends the Cullers and their children, as well as the King, and Domingues families. Any excuse to head to Tahoe to enjoy the Lake and pull a handle was a high priority. Dean enjoyed traveling. He often flew with friends to Mexico, and Arizona, with his wife as the pilot. He visited Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia - took an 18 day cruise through Asia; barged in France with close friends; traveled to Australia; and took two European trips with his grandson. Dean loved his family and made sure everyone was together for holidays, birthdays, and important events. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. When the grandchildren turned 10 he took them on a vacation of their choosing. Ryan chose fishing in Alaska, Dillon and Kirsten went to the Big Island of Hawaii, Matthew chose Colonial Williamsburg, Kelsie and Courntey went on a Disney Cruise to Mexico. Dean was fierce, hard working, generous, and tough. He told his daughters they could be anything they wanted, as long as they worked hard. Dean survived a plane crash. His favorite adage was “Freedom isn’t free”. Dean lost Bunny last spring and continued to live alone in the family home. He is survived by his sister Katie Worsham (Jay), daughters Jill Foster (Steve), Heidi Grow(Steve), grandchildren Ryan Grow (Molly), Dillon Grow (Cole), Kelsie Sheide (Brian), Courtney Dewey (Gabe), Kirsten Foster, and Matthew Foster. Great grandchildren Oliver, Clara Grow, and baby Sheide who is on the way in September. Our family is very grateful to his caregivers from Angels In Home Care, and Bonita Springs Hospice - Weng, Adrianne, and Lilibeth, who were with him to the end. The rest of the caring staff made sure Dean was comfortable, and well taken care of. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Dean’s life will be held at a future date.