Richard Owen Crum

Richard Crum, loving husband and father and 20 year resident of Kalama, Wash., passed away from a brief illness with his wife by his side Nov. 5, 2021, in Longview, Wash. He was 58 years old.
Ric is survived by his parents, Ronald Joseph Crum and Sharon Irene (Knowles) Crum; two daughters, Amanda Burnett and Halle Crum; a sister, Tamara Ventoza; and his wife of 30 plus years, Katrin Crum.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather and grandmother, Orrie and Ruby Knowles; and his paternal grandparents, William Edward Crum Jr. and Dorothy Marie Crum.
Ric was born April 5, 1963, in Republic, Wash., to Ronald and Sharon Crum. He grew up in Seattle, Wash., and attended Evergreen High School and Highland Community College. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1992 with a B.A. in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry.
On June 8, 1991, he married his college sweetheart Katrin (Cameron) Crum. After graduating, Ric began his lifelong career as a teacher, mentor and educator. Ric and Katrin had two beautiful daughters who were the joy of his life, and in 2018 he welcomed his first grandchild, Lilly Annette Burnett. Ric cherished his most important roles of father, husband and “Papa” to Lilly.
Ric was a devoted husband and father. He taught both of his daughters during their years in school, and both girls enjoyed going to school with their dad. Ric was an ever-present helpmate and steadfast partner to his wife Katrin throughout their many years of marriage.
Ric enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, working in the yard, and camping with his family. He enjoyed taking family trips to the coast in the family’s RV. Ric was also an avid reader and had a passion for learning. He was especially interested in health and science and was a lifelong learner.
Ric was a spiritual man, who had a compassionate heart for those who were poor or in need. Ric would often be found purchasing food, blankets and sleeping bags for the homeless he came across in his daily activities. Ric believed strongly in giving to those in need and gave to several charities. He lived out his faith in a very evident, but humble way. Ric also served as a youth pastor for several years and as a principal of a private Christian school.
He had a special place in his heart for children and was a gifted and exceptional educator and mentor. Ric led an impactful and meaningful life, touching many lives in a positive way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A celebration of Ric Crum’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 20, 2021, at The Bridge Church, 503 WA 409, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Pastor Kenny Evans will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ric Crum Fruit of the Spirit Memorial Scholarship fund, care of the NW Heritage Learning Center, P.O. Box 399, Oregon City, OR 97045.