Obituary of Daniel Lewis Croft

It is with both sadness and great Christian hope that the family of Daniel Lewis Croft announce that “Dan” died and went home to be with the Lord early this Mother’s Day. He was born in Necum Teuch Nov. 23^rd, 1929. He was the son of John “C” Croft and Mary Myrtle (Heath). He is survived by his sister Ruth Magdalene (Bliss), sons The Rev. Daniel William (Lorrie), The Rev. Dr. Stephen Douglas (Anne) and grandsons, Bradley, Collin (Janelle) and Douglas. He is predeceased by his late wife Joyce Audrey (Elliott), brothers Clarence, Edgar, John, sisters Lucille (Graham), Irene (Hodder), and Florabelle (Bezanson).

Dan started work in the woods cutting logs with a pulp saw and graduated eventually to a howitzer. He was a career soldier serving in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Artillery for 21 years 3 months and 19 days (that’s how he described it). He served in the Korean Conflict and continued to stay in the military until his first retirement.

After retiring from the military Dan reinvented himself as “The Raleigh Man.” He was a natural born salesman who just loved people. He enjoyed the next several years travelling door to door along the Eastern Shore. He then began his third career working for the Corps of Commissionaires. But his best career began when he bought an RV and he and Joyce became serious seasonal campers which they did successfully for many many years.

A hardened nonbeliever, he surprised even himself when he came to know the Lord. With great joy, he was an active member of the Cursillo Movement and most recently a congregant at Our Saviour Church in Dartmouth. In the end, he died smiling and with his arms opened wide to meet his maker. He was a rascal and a bit of a scamp who could never really be well behaved because he was so mischievous, but he knew the forgiveness that God gives.

He was immensely loved by his family. Outings and shopping trips will never be the same without him. Certainly, there will be less unknown cousins or new friends to discover. He was something else. He largely loved life and its people. He is missed.

A special thank you to Tayna Walker for her many years of support and care and Dr. Waleed Busahmen for his outstanding care and kindness and to Betty, his dear friend.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Our Saviour Church, 255 Portland Street on Monday May 21^st at 11:00 o’clock. The Rev. Art Nash will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.