Charles Theodore Croy

a retired high school teacher, passed away in the company of his loving wife and children on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Island Health and Rehab on Bainbridge Island, WA. He was 70.Born on May 31, 1939 in Dayton, Ohio, Chuck was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Kiwanis Club. For many years, he and Mary caravanned with local Airstream clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. The couple moved to Bainbridge Island from Troy MI in 1998 after retiring from Detroit Country Day School where he taught math and coached various sports for 24 years.Chuck loved to mentor kids and often bragged about his students' successes. He was their number one fan. Chuck will also be remembered for his many hobbies including snow and water skiing, woodworking, playing the piano, organ and accordion as well as singing in the church choir. He enjoyed his wood shop in his retirement and made beautiful wooden toys for his grandchildren and cribbage boards which he sold at the Bainbridge Island Farmer's Market. Chuck loved the mountains and since he and Mary were school teachers in Michigan they frequently took their motor home "out West" in the summertime and visited numerous National Parks with their children. Chuck loved being surrounded by mountains here in the Northwest and knew all the peaks of the Olympics. His neighbors, friends and family knew Chuck as an eternal optimist with an uncanny ability to always crack a joke. He brightened peoples' lives.Chuck is survived by his wife Mary Kazmaier Croy of Bainbridge Island, WA, children; Jonathan Croy and wife Monica Croy of Seattle, WA and Susan Croy Roth and husband Scott Roth of Bainbridge Island, siblings; Judy Hendricks of Dayton, Ohio, John E. Croy of Newport, Rhode lsland and grandchildren; Jackson and Cooper Croy and Gabriel and Sylvie Roth. There are also seven nephews and five nieces. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the Memorial Service at Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow at the church hall. A private family graveside service will take place at Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island prior to the Memorial Service. Memorial contributions can be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780. Contributions can also be made to Bethany Lutheran Church Music Program