Byron Patrick â??Patâ? Crane, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 22 at his home in Novi, Michigan. He was 84 years old. Pat was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 29, 1926 to Anne McHugh and Byron P. Crane, Sr. Pat was one of eight children born to Byron P. Crane, Sr.
After graduating from Catholic Central High School and serving in the U.S. Army in the Pacific theatre during WWII, Pat went on to receive both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Detroit. It was during this time that he met Teresa Jean VanDuzer, the love of his life and wife of 53 years. They met on a blind date on his birthday in December, 1949, at the Oarsmanâ??s Ball hosted by the Detroit Boat Club on Belle Isle. They eventually married in June, 1953. Pat and Teresa first lived in Detroit, and later moved to Birmingham, Michigan, where they raised seven children.
Pat led a distinguished career of over 37 years with General Motors, retiring as the General Director of Labor Relations in 1988. He was a periodic guest lecturer at The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University. Pat also served on the Board of Directors at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, for several years following his retirement.
Apart from the many successes Pat experienced in his professional life, the most valued and cherished part of his life was the time he spent with family and friends. Along with his wife Teresa, he raised and watched over his seven children, thirteen grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He stayed in touch with each one to the very end, sharing family news and being a part of their lives. Known for his strong wit, sage advice, and wonderful sense of humor, Pat was a constant presence in his community of friends that stretched from his roots in Detroit, his General Motors colleagues, and the friends he and Teresa made on Beaver Island, Michigan.
Pat is survived by his children Susan (Robert) Johnson; Molly (Richard) Katko; Robert (Antoinette) Crane; Byron (Michele) Crane; Martin (Patricia) Crane; Evelyn (Michael) Oliver; and Daniel (Susan) Crane; his siblings Sr. Anne Marie Crane, IHM; Frederick L. (Doris) Crane; Maureen Crane; and Rose Crane. He is pre-deceased by his parents; his wife Teresa Jean; his sister Mary Ellen Crane; and his brothers Martin J. (Marie) Crane and Robert J. (Mary Kay) Crane.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Thursday, October 27, from 3:00 â?? 8:00 p.m., at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 Crooks Rd. (between 14 and 15 Mile Rds). A Memorial mass will be held at St. Regis Catholic Church (Lahser at Lincoln), Bloomfield Hills, on Friday, October 28, at 10:30 a.m.
Memorials appreciated to IHM Retirement Fund, 610 West Elm Street, Monroe, MI 48162.
RIP Pat Crane
Moderator: Gillespie