Eugene Benjamin Crutchfield Jr.

Ben Crutchfield, 71, died November 27 of complications from Parkinson’s Disease and dementia. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Katherine Rutkowski, and his beloved daughter Emma Crutchfield both of Arlington, VA. Ben was born in Richmond, VA to the late E. B. and Eugenia Crutchfield. His undergraduate (Broadcasting) and graduate degrees (Mass Communications) were both from American University. He worked mainly in the D.C area as a communications consultant, trade association executive, substitute teacher and videographer. Ben was part of early efforts, in the 1980s, to test and demonstrate advanced television systems including a new digital television standard. He was editor and publisher of the NAB Engineering Handbook, 7th edition as well as several technical articles. He co-produced videos highlighting Signature Theater, the Children’s Chorus of Washington, and Jamestown Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the charity of friends’ choice or to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation www.pdf.org Family will receive friends in mid-December at their home – details to follow. Arrangements under the direction of Arlington Funeral Home, Arlington, VA.