Carl Crowley Obituary

November 4, 1936 - August 6, 2024

Carl Dwayne "Buzz" Crowley, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona. Born on November 4, 1936, in Cortez, Colorado, to J.W and Marjorie Crowley, Buzz's life was as vibrant and enduring as the landscapes he loved-and as full of adventure as his favorite road trips.

Buzz was the oldest son of five boys and one girl. His parents settled in Eastland, Utah just as he was starting school. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1954, where he probably spent more time dreaming about the open road than doing homework. He spent his entire childhood behind the wheel of a tractor and his love of farming continued throughout his entire life. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with his father and brother to venture into the trucking industry in the early 1960s with their company, J.W. Crowley and Sons. They made their company's home base in Dove Creek while operating

their grain elevator, High Country Elevators. They later morphed and grew their trucking Company into High Country Transportation. They eventually sold the grain elevator and moved the company to Cortez where they also built High Country Redi-Mix. Buzz proved to be a excellent and smart business man until his retirement in 2006 but he could never quite sit still or truly retire. Rumor has it, he could park a semi with his eyes closed.

Buzz's number one love was his family. He always said that his Dad was his best friend. He would do anything for his children and grandchildren and showed up for them at every turn. He was a confirmed bachelor prior to marrying Sharon Miller in 1965. Together, they had seven children. They parted ways 30 years later but continued to be committed to raising their family with values and love. Buzz worked six days a week for most of his life but was home almost every night for his family. His hobbies revolved around his kids. Buzz gave his children his entrepreneurial spirit, taught them a love of reading and hard work, and gave them all an independence and courage to face the world no matter what comes. He taught them to be honest and kind and was an excellent provider for his family. These values have served them all well to this day and has filtered down through the generations.

Buzz loved to travel...anywhere. He loved San Juan County and Southwestern Colorado. Color rides in the Fall, running to the movies in Cortez, and country music year round were his passions. He provided an amazing life for his family riding dirt bikes and on the waters of Lake Powell every summer and snow skiing in the winter. To the delight of his competitive family, he developed a love of card playing later in life, where he was the undisputed champion-at least according to him.

Buzz was a man whose presence was a true gift. He was loving, generous, and wise-a beacon of guidance for many. He had too many friends to count and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed his help. His legacy lives on through his siblings: Leo, Don, and Lisle; his children Kirk (Angela), Sondra, Janel, Debra, Craig (Amy), and Cory (Liz); his longtime companion Reta; his twenty three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to make him proud by emulating his example.

Preceding him in death were his beloved son Kevin, his parents JW and Marjorie, and his siblings Joan and Phillip. No doubt they're all up there having a reunion, complete with a deck of cards and a lot of laughter.

Buzz's story is one of love, laughter, and the relentless pursuit of happiness. He navigated life's highways with the same skill and care he applied to his business, always ready with a helping hand or a well-timed joke. His wisdom will resonate through generations, and his generosity will be remembered as a testament to a life well-lived...Carl Dwayne "Buzz" Crowley will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

All are invited to join us in honoring Buzz's life on Saturday, August 17th at the Eastland Branch LDS Church. Viewing from 9:00 to 10:45 AM. The service will begin at 11:00 AM. Buzz will be laid to rest in the Eastland cemetery following the service. The family would like to thank everyone for all the calls, cards, flowers and outpouring of love and support. Thank you for being such a wonderful community. We love you all. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Buzz's name to the American Heart Association at heart.org.