In Celebration of

Robert (Bob) Crowley

May 11, 1949 - January 18, 2020

On January 18th, Bob Crowley passed away.
Bob was only 70 years old and despite the care of the kind and compassionate staff at the CHUM hospital, he could not fight off pneumonia, a complication of Alzheimer's disease.

This wonderful man will be greatly missed. To his daughters he was a doting and loving father. Annie (Lyndsey McAdams) and Emily (Jonny Erskine) have amazing memories of all the experiences that filled their youth, the product of Bob's efforts, devotion, and imagination.

To Yvonne he was the best partner; a loving spouse, best friend, confidant and companion. They found love at a later age but lived every moment totally devoted to each other.

Bob had such fond memories of his childhood and the time he shared with his parents, Bill and Tillie, and growing up with his sister Joanie (Keith Stone).
Bob's memory will be cherished by all members of the Crowley, Zacios, and Christie families.

To his friends and colleagues, Bob was kind and loyal. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he never judged or criticized. He loved to joke and to literally, perform magic.
His professional world was one of music and performance. He always said it was an immense privilege to be able to work at that about which he was most passionate. He started playing clarinet at age 9 as part of the school band in Deer Park, Long Island. He excelled and was accepted to the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Stanley Hasty. He completed his Master's degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Robert Marcellus.

He performed in the United States from 1973 to 1976. In 1976 he won the audition for Associate Principal clarinetist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and was appointed Principal in 1998. Bob was always known for his persistent quest for the perfect reed and for the perfect mouthpiece. But the result was so worth it! He could play like no one else and produce an angelic sound.

He was also a devoted teacher to an entire generation of clarinet students at McGill University. He was proud of each and every one.

Bob touched many lives and was loved by all who knew him. A special thank you to all the staff of Château Westmount for their loving care.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Guestbook

(5 of 29)

Jocelyne Laliberte (Amitiés)

Entered January 21, 2020 from Île Perrot

Je te sais courageuse ma belle Yvonne, Je te souhaite tout le courage du monde.

Joanie Dakai (Sister)

Entered January 21, 2020 from Little River, SC

I will miss Bob so much! Although we didn't see much of each other since we lived so far apart, we always had so much to talk about when we did get together. Our mom and dad, Tillie and Bill Crowley, were so very proud of him! His talent for music was an inspiration to me and left me in awe when I heard him play. I know how much all the loved ones in his family meant to him, and how devoted he was to his music. He would often call me and tell me about some concert piece that he had to learn for a big concert that was coming up...I knew he was hard but he loved the challenge! He was a wonderful brother! He touched so many lives. RIP my dear Bobby. I miss you.

Timothy McGovern (Friend)

Entered January 21, 2020 from Champaign, IL

I can't believe Bob is gone. I played bassoon with him in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (1987-1993). He was a very dear friend and an unbelievably wonderful clarinet player/musician. He more than anyone else made me feel welcome in the orchestra. I've regretted very much not being close in recent years to such a great human being. He had a great life. I miss him very much.

Michael Carpenter (friend and colleague)

Entered January 21, 2020 from Mount Royal

I retain the warmest memories of Bob.The reference to his quest for the perfect reed made me smile. I always knew, from the distinctive reed checking sounds, when he was on stage and after a concert, especially on tour, he was among the last to leave.How impressed my children were with his slight-of-hand tricks. Bob was a most warm and considerate friend and colleague.
To Yvonne, Annie and Emily and your families, please accept my condolence.

Richard and Marilyn Ficarra (Cousin)

Entered January 21, 2020 from Stuart Florida

We knew Bob as a compassionate and humble man. We enjoyed some nice times together growing up. On his vacation back from Cuba we were honored to have a visit from him in Ft. Lauderdale. Another enjoyable time. He and Yvonne welcomed us to their beautiful home in Canada, which was a most enjoyable memory we will always cherish. Such a talented man he will be greatly missed.