Wayne M. Crownhart

The world has lost the light of a very good man. A husband, father, grandfather, teacher and volunteer.

Wayne Maurice Crownhart, 79, died from sudden onset pancreatic cancer. He will be forever missed by his wife Jan, his children Chris Crownhart (Amy) of Severance, Kelly Crownhart of Carbondale, Megan Kuhnen of Fort Collins, Katy Marshall (Rick) of Livermore, and Kevin Kuhnen (Keasha) of Fort Collins and 10 wonderful grandchildren. Grant, Anna, Erin, Letey, Carley, Erica, Caitlyn, Austin, Decker and Kora (Koko) were the constant source of many special hours spent at sporting events, music recitals and babysitting. Wayne is preceded in death by Beverly Crownhart (2003) and his parents Maurice and Hildur Crownhart. Wayne was born in Frederick, WI in 1942 and grew up in Grantsburg, WI with his three brother; Dale, Paul and Bruce, where he found his love for the outdoors, and photography.

Wayne moved to Fort Collins with his wife Bev in 1966 after he graduated from South Dakota State University and accepted a job with Robinson Warfield. He and Bev created a life with their two boys, Chris and Kelly, continuing his lifelong passion of the outdoors, including camping, hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing and participation in Boy Scouts. He spent his career in the printing business, retiring from Vision Graphics in 2004. Wayne joined the Fort Collins Lions Club in 1968 and Lions projects and people became his passion. In his tenure with the Lions Club, he served as president in 1980 and again in 2016. During his last presidency, the Lions Club International began its 100 year anniversary. Each club was asked to commence an anniversary project. Wayne worked very hard with the Club, the City Recreation Department and the Fort Collins Lions Foundation to bring back the City Park train, a project that continues to be outstanding. His involvement also included the Diabetic Committee, Recycle for Sight, pancake breakfasts, 9News Health Fair, mentoring new officers and soliciting new members wherever the opportunity presented itself. He has held all trustee positions within the Fort Collins Lions Club Foundation over the years.

We were all blessed in 2004 when he married Jan in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and welcomed Megan, Katy and Kevin as his own. Wayne and Jan enjoyed a close, special relationship that blended both families together. Wayne fostered this sense of community by treating and loving everyone equally. At one point he made 4 new leaves for their dining room table so everyone could sit at the holiday table together. His love of his family continues in his pictures and teachings throughout the years.

Wayne's lifelong love of photography is captured in the many travel pictures he and Jan have experienced, many that hang in their home. Alaska, the Northwest Territories of Canada to Prince Edward Island, all areas of the United States, South America and Europe are exciting trips whether they were in their pick-up camper, on a cruise or a bus tour. When asked his favorite travel destination, Wayne picked India due to its uniqueness and richness in photography color. However, taking grandchildren on trips was their all-time favorite!

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday August 10th at 11am at First United Methodist Church located at 1005 Stover, Fort Collins CO 80524. A reception will follow, and all are encouraged to stay and share special memories/stories with the family. Memorial contributions, versus flowers, are encouraged for the Fort Collins Lions Club Foundation, 1740 S College Ave, Fort Collins CO 80525.