Salt Lake Tribune, (29 Mar 1997), "Blackie"

Blackie's Gone Fishing…

Vernon Thomas Cracroft "Blackie", 75, of Salt Lake City, died Wednesday at his home due to natural causes.

Vernon was born December 4, 1921 to Thomas and Evelyn Parsons Cracroft of Salt Lake City. He married Ruth Eichenberger on March 10, 1942 in Salt Lake City where together they raised four children.

He served during World War II in the South pacific with the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He managed a meat market for 35 years.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Ruth; children: Nita (Dennis) Call, West Valley City; Linda (Wess) Arbon, Sandy; Tom (Pat) Cracroft, West Valley City; his sisters, Vivian McKean and Donna (Jay) Freshwater and his brother, Donald (Helen) Cracroft; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and Tiki. He was preceded in death by his son, John Cracroft, his parents and his three sisters, Lillian Green, Violet Johnson, and Phyllis West.

Blackie loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and sitting by his pine tree enjoying his beautiful yard. He adored his family and enjoyed a 45 year tradition of camping at Defa' Dude Ranch. He also enjoyed the many evenings he shared with "Duke" and his silver bullet.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, 1997 at 11 a.m. at Memorial Estates, 6500 So. Redwood Road. Friends and family may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Estates and Monday from 10-11 a.m. Interment Memorial Estates, 6500 So. Redwood Road.

Vernon T Cracroft