Tuesday, May 28, 2024
In Memory of ERIC J. CROUCH
Our sincerest condolences go out to Pauline, Elizabeth and the extended Crouch family. Eric’s recent passing brings to all of us who knew and loved him both a sadness and a flood of wonderful memories of times and events we shared. We are unable attend Wednesday’s service in CT and do apologize to Pauline and Elizabeth.
My memories of Eric go back to 1989 when Eric traveled to CT from Hong Kong to attend a Field Technical Directors’ Conference, held at the then recently opened Cadbury Schweppes Global Beverages Technical Center in Trumbull. The Trumbull organization was only months old, and inexperienced in its new role as a “global tech center”. We were all concerned how this seasoned group of ‘technical pros’ would respond to our group of mostly ’rookies’. Eric immediately helped reduce some of the tension by establishing positive working relationships with many of the Tech Center team. His enthusiasm and “can do attitude” left us all eager to work with him.
When Eric joined the Trumbull team in the mid-nineties, he quickly established himself as a leader, mentor and friend. His humor, storytelling and compassion made him an instant favorite among his new colleagues. Eric’s love of sports, especially golf and tennis, allowed him to connect nicely with many of us, helping him build strong personal relationships that lasted well into retirement.
Over the years we (Deb & Tony) have spent many wonderful times with Eric, Pauline and Lizzie. We have enjoyed cross-country skiing at Lake Placid; “Oscars Night” at the Crouch’s; attending a Cream concert (featuring that other Eric!) at Madison Square Gardens; lunching over the bay on a beautiful summer’s afternoon in Kennebunkport, Maine and hosting Eric, Pauline, Jill and Gary at our summer home on Balsam Lake (Ontario, Canada). In 2007 we moved from Ct to New Hampshire, but continued to return to Ct 2 or 3 times a year. Eric & Pauline encouraged us to come and stay with them during our visits, we came to refer to their beautiful home in Trumbull as “the Crouch Inn”. We often marveled at the long list of “guests” who came to stay at the Inn, it was a testament to Eric & Pauline’s generosity, hospitality and their many lasting friendships.
We have attached a few photographs of our favorite “moments and events that we shared with Eric”.
Love,
Deb & Tony
