A year has passed and obviously still very difficult for those left behind…may you rest in peace Doug Crabtree Jr,..and May your parents remember you as a blessing to them and to give them the strength to continue on in life! Norman Katz

Almost two years and it feels like yesterday. Doug, you were the best and kindest friend, I don’t have words for the emptiness you have left so many people leaving this time in life so soon.  You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Only person who always stood up for a friend no matter what. Miss you homie!!

I am in complete disbelief in learning of the news. I had moved to New Hampshire for a couple of years and was out of touch with a lot of people. I am so sad to find out such a great young man is gone from this earth. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the entire family and all of Doug's many friends. I was recently telling a story to somebody that Doug had told me happened to him it was a pretty funny story. My prayers are with everyone and with Doug and hopefully some peace will be found in knowing that he is with God in a better place. Rest in peace Doug.
Heartfelt Sympathies,
Christina Mazgelis

The Dragonfly Story
“In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after crawling up the stems of the lilies to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what happened to him. Soon one of them felt an urgent impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation, which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down at his friends below. Then he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number.
The fact that we cannot see our friends or communicate with them after the transformation, which we call death, is no proof that they cease to exist.”
Walter Dudley Cavert

My thoughts and prayers with enormous LOVE in my heart and soul are with the Crabtree family. I’m a writer and I can’t find the words to describe how much Doug and I experienced together. He always made me laugh, he was so tough but a gentle soul. I will forever cherish our friendship and memories. I wish I could have helped him again- he always reached out to me when he was really struggling. I’m so sorry for not being able to help, again. Doug was LIFE. 

He helped me figure out a lot about myself and was the only friend who could actually convince me to go to the movie theater (time and time again!). 

I’m sure my Grandmother is hugging you in Heaven as with a very very heavy heart I write this.

God is Love. 

I will always love you, Doug.

XO,

J

Jessica Keefe
  

Doug and I go way back, as most of you all know. Doug was much more than a best friend, he was more like a brother, considering he dated my sister for so long and was a father figure to my nephew, Matthew. Doug was always the life of the party and a pleasure to be around, no matter what was going on. He was a hell of an athlete and one of the toughest guys I ever met. I knew from experience because he gave me one of the biggest beatings of my life, but the day after we hugged and made up like nothing ever happened. We had so many good memories traveling together, playing golf, hanging out at Willowbend, spending the holidays together, always seeing the best movies together, or someone just to talk to when either one of us were having a bad day. He’s someone that knew me better than most and was there for me on my best days and also my worst days. Doug was someone who was very popular with everyone, and one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. If there was a question about anything, he always knew the answer. I was lucky enough to spend so many great years with him, and I thank god that he was a part of my life. I’m also very fortunate to spend the day with him before he left us. I told him I loved him and gave him the biggest hug you could give someone. I will miss him very much, but our memories are something that will never be taken away. Thank you for being the brother I never had. 

I love you Doug, rest easy. ❤️

I got to know you as the long-time boyfriend of one my closest friends. Watching you be a caring and wonderful father figure to Matthew and Mallow, and your unwavering love for Caroline, made it easy for my family to love you.  I will remember you as highly intelligent, loving, caring, funny, sweet, and always with a book in hand! You were wonderful to my family and especially my puppies. I feel lucky to have spent the last 2 years celebrating your birthday with you, countless days by the Willowbend Pool and the many take-out nights. 

I will never forget your giant teddy bear presence. My entire family is heartbroken. You are and always will be missed. 

Sending my love and deepest sympathies to the Smith and Crabtree Families. 

Rest In Peace, Doug. 💔

Im so thankful that because of my boyfriend and his family I was able to know Doug the last 3 years, and in such a short period of time make so many memories I’ll never forget. Matthew’s hockey games, Dining out, summer pool days at Willowbend where he always had multiple ice creams, along with endless boxes of runts & lemon heads, 4th of July fireworks, movies and game nights at Caroline’s always laughing, sitting in the movie theater singing all the songs to Lion King. It’s always nice to think of the good and remember the fun happy times during such a Difficult time & that’s what I’ll do. I loved seeing his love for all the little kids especially the little girls and how drawn they all were to him. Even though he was such a big guy, inside he was so sweet and gentle and had the BEST SMILE . Doug was a great man who always made everyone around him laugh and feel safe! Im so thankful that I was able to spend one of his last days here on earth with him cooking him eggs, drinking endless cans of Diet Coke &  just talking about life while enjoying the sunshine. I’m so happy that I was able to get one last BIG BEAR HUG from him. The girls and I loved you very much and you will never be forgotten. Everyone who knew him and loved him will always have a piece of them missing but so many memories to carry with them for a lifetime. Your family is in my prayers, Rest In Peace Doug! 

Love, Gina 

To the Crabtree Family,

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there.  I do not sleep.
     ~Indian Prayer ~

This had meaning for me when I lost a member of my family. I hope it has meaning for you all as well.  Thinking of you and sending my love.


To the kindest and sweetest young man I’ve ever known.  He 
Always was willing to help me or do anything I asked him.  In 
The past 15 years he was like a second son and an extended 
Member of our family. We both enjoyed yoga, reading good
Books, discussing current events, and most of all, fine food.
We shared lots  of good times during the holidays, birthdays 
and relaxing Sundays at the Willowbend pool. 

God bless you, Doug.  There is a hole in my heart.  Love &
Miss you. Gigi 

Doug was the love of my life.  I take comfort in knowing that he is in the arms of Jesus. 

Doug was a “gentle giant.”  I felt safer when he was around whether it was due to his size or innate ability to make me feel an overwhelming sense of calmness with his easygoing spirit.  

If you ever had the pleasure of spending time with Doug, I’m confident you have at least a funny story or two to tell about him.  

Doug was known for his extreme athletic ability — especially in baseball, always being the life of the party, his love for Cape Cod and it’s beauty, the outdoors, and his huge heart for animals and people — he would do anything to help anyone.  

Straight out of college, Doug opened up his heart to be a father figure to my son, Matthew for fifteen years, and a few years later, adding Mallow to our little family.  Doug’s love for Matthew and Mallow was captivating and I know that they were two of his greatest joys in life.  

I feel very fortunate that I was able to spend fifteen years of my life loving Doug, being able to grow up with him, and him being an intricate part of my family.  I can say confidently that no one will ever be able to replace him, and I will never love another man in the same way that I loved him.  

“…He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…”

Luke 4:18

I’m praying for the Crabtree family. Doug Jr. was a sweet gentle man of few words with a kind smile. I’m thankful I knew him.  You will be missed.

My sincere condolences to Doug’s family.   Doug was truly an incredible person.  His smile lit up a  room.  He will be so missed.    Sue Foley ~ Fairhaven, MA

Doug, Crabba, big brother, my gentle giant. You will always be in my thoughts and remembered every day. I loved you like a brother, best friend, and will never forget you. Such a kind sole. To the Crabtree family, you had an amazing family member, son, nephew and brother. One of the best I’ve ever met. He will be greatly missed and my love and support goes out to all of you. Please don’t ever forget Doug brought joy and happiness to all. I love you guys.

Richie!

Sending my love, prayers and deepest sympathy to Marge and the whole Crabtree family for your loss. God bless you all. 

May Jesus take you in his arms, and may God rest your soul, Doug, Jr. My entire family is praying for peace for you all. Know that you were loved, and those left behind will be loved in your memories. I’ll miss your smile in the office! The McDevitt & Fenner Family.

Doug Jr. will always be missed. He was more than a co-worker, he was a friend. He really liked cheese cake. With greatest sympathy, I am praying for his family.

My heart breaks for my dear friend Marge and your entire family on the devastating loss of Doug.  

Four years ago I was trying to reach Doug Sr. and thought I had picked the correct address on the Crabtree CPA website. I sent the email and got a response from Doug Jr.  He said, sorry Paul, you got Doug Jr and I will forward this email to my dad. He proceeded to give me the correct email address for Doug Sr. Then he added a note and said "Great to here from you Paul and you were the best coach I ever had." That message meant allot to me because I was going through a difficult time in my life at that moment and was feeling pretty down due the the total loss of my mill in New Hampshire by fire. You see, I coached Doug Jr in soccer when he was 14 years old. That was a long time ago. I always tried to not only be a good coach but also wanted to set a good example for the  players in not only how to play the game but how to be a good person. I never know if this works, but that comment from Doug Jr made me realize that it does. Doug Jr was quiet, kind and best of all, a good person to his team mates. He was also very smart. 
When I started my first day at Crabtree CPA, by coincidence, the first person I bumped into was Doug Jr. He greeted me with a big smile and welcomed me to Crabtree CPA. I had not seen Doug Jr since I coached him in soccer, some 20 + years earlier. What a handsome young man he was and again, so gentle and kind.  He always addressed me, whenever I spoke to him, as coach. I will always remember him this way. My best to all the family, in this difficult time, and I and my family, send our deepest sympathies and prayers.

Paul, Susan, David and Jeffery Soares   

 I’m not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. Just want you to know I'm thinking about all of you, and I share in your sadness.  

My deepest sympathy to you all! Such a tragic loss of a bright young soul taken way too soon. We will miss you Doug Jr.! 


Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.  What a painful loss to everyone!
Bernie and Susan Klotz

OBITUARIO

Douglas Ryan Crabtree Jr.

26 agosto, 1984 – 27 junio, 2022

Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home

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