Newell Lucas Crookston

Newell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Newell was born in Logan, UT on May 1, 1944. He loved living near his grandparents in North Logan and missed living in the country when his family moved to Clearfield at age 11. He spoke fondly of his early childhood in North Logan and his days spent outside. This is where his love of horses began. He was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ. He was dressed and ready to go work in the temple the day God called him home. 

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission from 1963-1965. He graduated with a Manufacturing Engineering degree from Weber State University (June 1968) and spent most of his career in the construction industry. He married Nathalia Hopkins on June 5, 1968. Together, they had 10 children that he loved dearly. 

He married Cathy Davis on April 29, 2006. Together, they enjoyed a love of many things. Among them were horseback riding and serving in the temple. They were diligent in their temple service and served together weekly for over ten years. He looked forward to their annual anniversary celebration at Maddox. 

Newell made his children and grandchildren a priority and cleared his schedule whenever he had an opportunity to spend time with them. He loved to call them to see how they were doing . He loved to stop by their houses when he decided to go for a drive and happened to end up at their homes. He also kept a supply of Aggie Ice Cream in his freezer for his grandchildren.

Throughout his life, he loved spending time in Logan Canyon surrounded by family, and would often say, “Why would I want to go on vacation when I have the mountains here?” He was an avid horseback rider and was known for telling people how amazing Paso Fino horses are. He was known for blazing his own trails when horseback riding and was notorious for being several hours late returning. Horseback riding and being in the mountains were truly his happy place, which he enjoyed sharing with his family.

He was a hard worker, and instilled this in his children and grandchildren by frequently working side by side with them. His grandchildren would often remark that they were surprised grandpa could do as much work as the teenagers. He could never sit idle, but always had to be working or doing something. He worked until the day before he passed. When asked why he didn’t retire, he would reply, “What would I do if I didn't go to work?” He helped several of his kids build their homes. He loved his family, and being around his kids and grandkids. He loved his home being full with everyone enjoying each other's company. He loved good food, most especially, ice cream. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Matthew Crookston; step-son, Trent Schwartz; father, Newell Smith Crookston; mother, Glenna Lucas; sister, Nixalene; grandparents and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Stephanie Blake (Mike), Newell Wilford Crookston (Colette), Brad Crookston (Christina), Tana Crookston, Crystal Hoeg (Matt), Katrina Thompson (Derek), Aleesha Crookston (Russell), Angela Ferguison (Jerry), and Natasha Crookston; 48 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; step children, Melissa Bassett and Brad Schwartz; siblings, Ed Crookston (Bonnie), Shawnie Nelson (Bob), JeNae Nielsen (Lynn), Sharee Bascom, Tammy Allred (Roger), Sid Crookston (Cathy), Necha Nolan; and brother-in-law Mike Arnette.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at the White Pine Chapel, 753 S 100 E Logan, with a viewing prior from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. A viewing will also be held Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at White Pine. Interment at Logan Cemetery.

Those who would like to attend the funeral virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81182330997