Obituary: Dr. Richard Crone

Dick and Elaine lived in Sitka, Alaska, from 1980 to 2006. They then moved to Friend.

Dick earned a Master’s in Science from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in Fisheries Biology from the University of Michigan. His graduate research was carried out with the support of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Southeast Alaska and provided the foundation for the development of an innovative approach to increase coho salmon returns in Alaska. The research demonstrated that some lakes could be used to rear coho fry until they were ready to go to sea. While he was working on his Ph.D., he divided his time between working on his thesis in Ann Arbor, Mich., and doing field research in Southeast Alaska. He enjoyed these cross-country trips, listening to the truckers on his CB radio and to his country music cassette tapes.

Dick began working for the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association in Sitka, as the organization was forming in 1979. As initial plans for this new organization were created, the board chose to pursue the coho lake stocking program because of its cost-effective potential to significantly benefit commercial and sport fishermen. Dick was the logical choice to lead this new program and he devoted his entire career (30-plus years) to its successful implementation. Dick worked tirelessly and meticulously to understand, learn, and apply results. He loved working and living “in the field,” often for 5-6 months a year in rustic conditions. Dick was well-known and respected by his peers for his knowledge, work ethic and enthusiasm. He served as a mentor to many up-and-coming fisheries professionals. Not much of a fisherman himself, Dick derived great satisfaction at seeing others catch the fish that he helped create. The value of these salmon would total in the many millions of dollars over Dick’s career.

Dick was proceeded in death by his wife, Elaine (Gardner) Crone and his parents. He is survived by his sister, Vicki Ann Sallee (Bob); his nephew and nieces, Ed Sallee (Charlotte), Chris McCafferty (Jeremiah), Tracee Sallee, and Robin Sallee; great-nieces and nephews, Nikki McCafferty, Myah McCafferty, Trevor West, and Cole Fox, Tiiahna Kline (Joshua), and Kayla Sallee-Seibel (Kory); cousin Janet Kessell; and many close friends and colleagues.

Dick’s passion for biology led his family to establish the Dr. Richard A. Crone Scholarship, which supports graduating students who plan to pursue biology. Contributions can be made to the scholarship fund in care of Vicki Sallee, 6855 Chenowith Creek, The Dalles, OR 97058.

A funeral will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 at Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, beginning at 11 a.m.