Crook, Eugene “Gene”

Gene Crook, 81, passed away peacefully on November 13th, 2024 in Twain Harte, CA. Though he spent his final days in Twain Harte, Gene was a longtime resident of Castro Valley and a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

Born in Alameda, California on July 24, 1943, to Ernest and Maxine Crook, Gene’s life was deeply intertwined with the water. He spent his youth immersed in the family business, Crook’s Boats, where he helped his father, a renowned boat builder, construct vessels of all kinds. One of his proudest achievements was helping build the 36-foot ketch “Sea Haven,” which the Crook family used for memorable vacations on Steamboat Slough on the Sacramento River. Gene and his family were well-known on the river, particularly for their ski boat, a novelty at the time.

After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966, Gene proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of their Ceremonial Honor Guard. He then joined Crook’s Boats, working side-by-side with his father. This era marked a significant shift in boat building as fiberglass began to replace wood. Gene and his father embraced this new technology, eventually transitioning from building boats to establishing a showroom and service facility for Crook’s Boats. Gene loved the water, and spent many years teaching friends and family how to water ski. In 1970, they incorporated the business with Gene taking the helm as president. Crook’s Boats closed its doors in 1987, after which Gene became Vice-President of Likit Windows and Manufacturing.

Gene was a dedicated Lifetime member of First Baptist Church, where his faith played a significant role in his life.

Gene and Lynn (Jones) met in Twain Harte, Ca. They married in 1968 and continued the Crook family tradition of river adventures, creating new memories with their children, Brian and Jennifer. Twain Harte became a central gathering place for the extended family, where they would come together multiple times a year to enjoy the outdoors, the summer warmth, and the tradition of life on the water at Twain Harte lake.

Gene leaves behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his wife Lynn, his sister Carolyn Simmons, brother in-law Brad Simmons, his son Brian Crook and daughter-in-law Cheryl Crook (Domier); his daughter Jennifer Cox and son-in-law Brian Cox; and his cherished grandchildren: Lindy, Matthew, Skyler, Shane, Brendan, Ally, and Connor.

 

• Date of Death: 11/13/2024
• Age: 81
• Residence: Twain Harte, California