Gerald Bennett Croft

On October 28, 2024, our beloved brother and uncle, Gerald Bennett Croft, joined his parents Charles Milton Croft Jr. and Viola Hazel Bennett Croft along with his siblings, LaMar Keith Croft and LuJuana Croft in a heavenly reunion. This was indeed a joyous reunion as Gerald’s greatest love in life was his family. Gerald was fiercely dedicated to the people he considered family, you always felt his love and admiration. While Gerald’s intellectual disabilities often impeded his vocabulary, his language of love was completely understood. The last words many of us heard from Gerald was “Sure love you guys and tell everyone else I love them too.” 

We have no doubt that once again, Gerald is the life of the party with his signature laugh and sweet sense of humor. Gerald was born April 2, 1950. During his life with us he would entertain all the babies with his signature duck voice that brought a smile even to the adults in the room. Gerald loved music, and often a line of a country song was sung in conversation. Gerald had a signature look, boots, buckles, bolo ties and a flannel shirt. We always knew what to get him for Christmas. However, those of us who knew him best knew him by his signature drink, Coca-Cola. He had quite the collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. The pantry and the refrigerator were always stocked with his favorite drink and maybe a few of his other favorite items like chili, bologna and kraft cheese singles. Gerald had his favorite places such as Dees Restaurant and Shivers, people knew him by name, because when you met him, you couldn’t help but love him. He was truly unforgettable. In his younger years Gerald loved to go fishing, bowling and roller skating and would take his nieces and nephews on outings. 

He is survived by his oldest brother Milton Scott Croft (Sheila Green, deceased) and his youngest brother Lynn Charles Croft (Leslie Ann Penman). Gerald is also survived by his nephews and nieces whom he loves dearly; Clinton Scott Croft (Edie), Jeffrey Scott Croft (Kimberly), Kimberly Ann Croft Robison (Barton), Carly Croft Sakamaki (Michael), and Katie Croft Ellis (Benjamin). Along with his great-nieces and nephews. Gerald made it a point to show great interest in all his nieces and nephews’ endeavors. Marching band performances, orchestra recitals, dance concerts, ballets, soccer games, geo-cashing, graduations, weddings, baby blessings, baptisms, funerals, holidays, reunions and more. For the big events and for all the precious moments in between Gerald was a presence of support with a big smile and giant hug.

Gerald graduated from Skyline High School in the Special Education Program. He worked first with the General Services Administration and Granite School District before his career and retirement with Primary Children’s Medical Center in their Housekeeping and Security departments. He especially enjoyed driving families to and from the Ronald McDonald House. He took great pride in wearing his security uniform on and off the job. Gerald was a member of the Highland View 1st Ward and served in several callings. Gerald was very service oriented, which for many years included driving the widows or the “lunch bunch” to restaurants around town. He loved “being their taxi.” That service was returned in spades by his friends and neighbors. We would like to thank those who selflessly served; Scott Bringhurst, Kenneth Cope and Aarron and Connie Peterson to name a few and countless others. Our gratitude is eternal. 

 Gerald loved his cars and going on long drives. He and Grandma went on many “rides,” sometimes showing up on Lynn’s doorstep in Colorado and Texas unannounced, because Gerald also loved a good surprise. Gerald moved into the family home in Canyon Rim, October 1956. He loved his home very much and prided himself on taking care of the grounds, often hosting family, church, and neighborhood events in the backyard. He was able to live in his home until August 2023, when he fell and broke his hip, “horse feathers, old fool” we could probably hear him say. Gerald moved into the Escalante / Valencia at Willowbrook Assisted Living Center. He liked his apartment, but always wanted to go back to the family home. I am sure he went back to give it a good haunt, but seeing how much it’s changed he gave up because we all know Gerald didn’t like change.  

We would like to thank the staff of Valencia at Willowcreek Assistant Living Center and Auburn Crest Home Health and Hospice for their assistance and care they gave to Gerald. They are remarkable individuals. We especially want to thank his hospice nurse, Camille Snell, who gave such sweet, compassionate and caring service to Gerald in his final days. Her sweet voice gave comfort during the good and rough times. Thank you Camille and other staff members many times over.

Gerald was a remarkable human who brought a lot of joy to the world. He will be missed. So, in honor of Gerald, share a coke, share a smile, and always remember to… “Hang Loose!”

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Viewing 10:30am, Funeral 12:00pm, Interment immediately following at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Those wishing to view the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click the "Watch Service" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/s5_9x0Y8EbidhWiRZWYMkrp8LN9onH8bm43R1eN8e2OrQ00kvz4M-5cbt2aUprwx.Cid_utOxkIx9Hztb?startTime=1731177641000