1929
2017
Albert Wayne Crites, 87, went to Heaven on Thursday, February 9, 2017, in Durango, CO. Albert was born in Tyrone, OK, on October 21, 1929 to Carl and Adelia (Winter) Crites.
He moved several times during childhood before arriving in Cortez, CO, in 1939 to live on a farm. Albert graduated from Cortez High School in 1947. During high school, he had jobs picking apples and potatoes, as well as logging timber. In 1949 he married Bonita Frazier. In the winters, he would trap muskrats and then take them to Denver to sell and then in the summers he worked in Northern California logging Redwoods with his brother-in-law, Zane Frazier.
On October 5, 1951 Gareth Wayne was born in Scotia, CA; On January 2, 1954 Alita Lorayne was born in Cortez, CO; On July 18, 1955 Daryl Zane was born in Cortez, CO. In 1954, he moved to Bull Canyon and worked the Uranium mine with his brother, Vern Crites. In 1956 he built a house for John Frazier, his father-in-law. In 1957 he built his own house. In 1958, he built a house for his parents and bought stock in Aneth Lumber, working for Independent Lumber in Cortez. During 1959-1963, he lived in Blanding, UT, managing Independent Lumber. He moved to Delta, CO and managed Independent Lumber from 1963-1964 and in 1964 he moved to Durango, CO, buying Plaza Lumber. On March 23, 1968 he married Gloria Allen, gaining three children: Charles "Buddy" Allen, James Allen, and a beloved daughter Gloria "Sissy" Allen Dunagan. He bought SideTrack Antiques in 1971 and in 1972, built another home. Albert sold Plaza Lumber and SideTrack in 1973. Next came the hard work of flea marketing and garage selling. Albert was an avid hunter and lived a very active life. He was a very gentle soul and loved with a big heart.
He is survived by his wife Gloria Crites; six children: Charles "Buddy" Allen (Diane), Gareth Crites (Cindy), James Allen, Alita Crites Fiorini (David), Daryl Crites (Sandy), Gloria "Sissi" Allen Dunagan (Dow); brothers: Vern Crites and Ralph Crites (Betty); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings: Dorothy Crites Frazier (Zane), Raymond Crites and Fred Crites.
Services will be held Saturday on February 18, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Cowboy Church on 25th and Junction Street, with burial to follow at Greenmount Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
We are so very sorry to learn of Albert's death. He was such a good friend over the years, we can't believe he is gone. What a great guy we came to know and admire in our adult lives.
Phil and Patty Quink
April 25, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Crites family. Albert and I shared a very special friendship facilitated by all things old. Albert had more knowledge on antiques, Indian relics, and local history than most anyone I knew ! I will miss visiting with him at the flea markets, trying to get him to lower his price on a desired item. I was never treated unfairly or without respect. Happy hunting Albert, I hope you find the deal of a life time !!!
Kenny Turner
Friend
April 2, 2017
Vern, Raymond and family of Albert.
Sorry for your loss. As you know, many of us went to school with Albert and have tried to stay in contact through the years. He will be missed by the many friends he has made.
June Head
February 22, 2017
My deepest sympathy to all the Crites family for their loss. Albert will be missed by so many in the community. Albert was a strong, quiet man. I will never forget the sound & tone of his voice, or the quiet conversations we had. For many decades Albert always saved purple insulators for me. He knew I could never turn one away. I will always miss Albert and I will always love purple insulators. Judy Seiler
judy seiler
February 15, 2017
my condolences to all of Albert's loved ones...Albert and my Dad, Frank Becay, were great friends and pal-ed around for years...i knew Albert and always enjoyed his company...he was a very gentle soul,
john becay
john becay
February 14, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family, may your memories of your father sustain you in your times of sorrow.
Marcella Gomez
February 14, 2017
You will be missed Mr. Crites
Shauna Walcott
February 14, 2017
I will miss Albert on the garage sale circuit. Always enjoyed seeing him and exchanging greetings.
Gary Archie
February 14, 2017
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