Hilliard H. Crum, Jr. (Moose)

Moose Crum passed away November 29, 2014 at 91 years of age. We lost a great one. He was a fine provider, loving husband, awesome father, and admired by all who knew him. Moose was born May 1, 1923 in Kansas City, Kansas. His father moved the family west in 1929 and settled in Mesa, Arizona. Moose began to make his mark as an All Time Arizona great athlete at Mesa High School. His senior year he was All State in football, Arizona Player of the Year in basketball, State Champion in Javelin, and was one of the best fast-pitch softball pitchers in the state. Moose was later named to the City of Mesa Hall of Fame. Moose was recruited to and entered the University of Southern California to play football and basketball in 1940. World War II intervened after one year and Moose joined the Navy to defend freedom. He spent the next five years fighting in the Pacific Theatre on ships of war. He was patrolling Japanese waters on a cruiser when victory was achieved. Moose, like a lot of veterans, took the G.I. Bill and re-entered college at the University of Arizona. He played two years of football and four years of basketball. The basketball teams were some of the best ever including Moose, Link Richmond, Mo Udall and Fred Enke. They won four straight Border Conference Titles and never lost a home game in the raucous atmosphere that was Bear Down Gym. They played twice in the prestigious NIT tournament with Moose once scoring 26 points in Madison Square Garden. A New York sports writer wrote, "Moose is like a Madison Avenue bus rolling through the lane." Moose was later named to the Arizona State Basketball Hall of Fame. Moose married an Arizona beauty, born and raised in Phoenix, named Audrey Ellen McGowan. She was honored and loved by Moose for 57 years. They were blessed with sons, Mike in 1949 and Bob in 1951. Moose coached football and basketball at Blythe High School and Eloy High School for two years each. Moose then moved to Phoenix, entered the business world and in 1955 opened All American School Supply Co. His hard work and entrepreneurial spirit earned a fine living for his family for 30 years. Moose retired to Green Valley and ended his life near his loving sons in Phoenix. Moose is survived by his sons, Mike (Nancy) and Bob (Kim); plus much adored grandchildren, Kristin, Jill, Tracy, Conan, Cassidy, Mariko, Chevon and Dax. Moose was blessed with ten great-grandchildren and many more to come. Moose was the quintessential "American Story". Through hard work and strong character he achieved an amazing life. He was a Patriot. We loved him dearly. We honor him. The family will hold a private service. Arrangements by HANSEN MORTUARY.