Obituaries

Madera Unified Administratot Barry Crow Passes at 73

MADERA - Barry Kerman Crow passed away on Sunday May 8, 2016 at Madera Community Hospital at the age of 73 following a brief illness. Born in Fresno to Kenneth and Muriel Crow, Barry grew up in Fresno where he graduated from Roosevelt High School.

He later went on to CSU Fresno where he earned his Bachelors Degree. He was awarded his Masters Degree in Education and his Administrative Credential at Fresno Pacific University. At Fresno State he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He later served in the California Army National Guard with basic training at Fort Ord.

Barry began his career in education as a band director and activities director at both Bullard and Clovis High Schools. In 1973, he relocated to Madera where he served Madera Unified School District as a school administrator. From 1973 to 1977 he served as Learning Dean at Madera High Schoo then was promoted to Learning Director from 1977 to 1984 and assistant prinicipal from 1984 to 1995. He then moved to Thomas Jefferson Middle School from 1995 to 1998 where he was the vice prinicipal. In 1998 Barry was promoted to head his own school at Webster Elementary in Madera Ranchos until he moved back to Madera to be the prinicipal at Millview Elementary a year later. He retired from Madera Unified in 2002.

In retirement he worked for National University as a supervisor of student teachers. In the community of Madera he was highly visible in clubs, boards, and committees, including the Madera Grand Jury where he served as Jury Foreman, The Exchange Club, Madera County Transportation Committee and on the Board of the Madera Rescue Mission.

Barry was an avid San Francisco Giants fan. He enjoyed fishing, spending time at Sugar Pine with his wife, children and grandchildren and his constant companion “Buddy”.

Barry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marcia Crow of Madera, his daughters, Melissa Crow Oliver and her husband Russ of Merced and Mindy Crow of Fresno, his sister Cathleen Neal and her husband Tom of Surprise, AZ, and his sister-in-law Joan Rantsma Cartwright and her husband Greg of San Diego, CA . He is the adored “Papa” to his two granddaughters, Jenna and Allison Braun.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the nurses and staff of Madera Community Hospital. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Steven Gustaveson for the exceptional care given; it will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be on Monday May 16, 2016 at 11:00 am at Jay Chapel in Madera.