September 6, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of BC) - The PGA of BC regrets to share that Rick Crowson, longtime golf professional, passed away on August 27. He was 65.
Crowson’s career as a professional started in the South Okanagan, working at Osoyoos Golf Club. He made stops throughout his career at a wide array of clubs and communities, including Summerland Golf & Country Club, Golden Golf Club, Sechelt, Copper Point Golf Club (Invermere), N’K’Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course (Oliver) and Okanagan Golf Club. To close out such an accomplished and diverse career, he moved to Mesa, Arizona where he served as a professional at Las Sendas Golf Club. After golf, Crowson returned to British Columbia, where he worked in the Penticton wine industry. He is remembered for his great sense of humour and will be missed by all who knew him.
Crowson’s wife Diane said that golf was his passion, with many wonderful friends in the golf world. An outpouring of love and cherished memories have been posted to a tribute wall for Crowson, available here. A selection of tributes is included below:
“Rick was the Head Professional at NK'MIP Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver, when we first met, we became instant friends. That was the nature of the man. He asked me if I would like to be Club Captain the following season and I gladly accepted. I learnt so much from Rick during my term and it was a pleasure to work with him. A true professional who will be sadly missed. My condolences to Diane, Mike, and the rest of the family. Gone way too soon. Rest in Peace Rick.” – Keith Johnson
“Rick and I met around 1990 in San Diego and we worked next to each other in a strip mall in Pacific Beach; we quickly became friends. We played darts and hit balls at Torrey Pines and frequented TGI Friday's. I helped Rick pack up his van as he would return to Canada after his mom passed, when he pulled away I think we both wondered if we would ever see each other again. We did, of course and remained close friends for over 30 years. We attended each others weddings and visited each other many times. So many good memories of visiting in Golden and Penticton with many rounds of golf and great times. I will miss him so much and my heart breaks for Diane and the family. We had a saying, "Buddies for Life" and we were.” – Bill
Rick is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Diane Crowson, his father, Michael Crowson (Virginia), his sister, Pamela Crowson Franks (John), nephew, Shayne Grimmer, stepsisters Rhonda Staples (Kevin) and Sage Staples (Mike) and step-nephews Sebastien and Nathaniel. He is predeceased by his mother, Barbara Crowson (nee Murray).
A Celebration of Life for Rick is set for Saturday, September 16th at 1 pm at the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre on 2965 South Main Street.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations can be made in Rick’s name to the following charities:
The Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon (www.heartandstroke.ca) or the BC Cancer Foundation (www.bccancerfoundation.com).
Condolences may be made by visiting www.everdenrust.com
