By Heather Lende

Ron Crecelius lived in Haines only about 10 years, but the community booster, veterans’ counselor, and Christian inspirational speaker was busy. Crecelius was commander and chaplain at the American Legion, served on boards of the Southeast Alaska State Fair and Sheldon Museum, and earned volunteer of the year awards from the Chamber of Commerce and Legion before leaving Haines two years ago for medical treatment.

He died June 12 in Boise, Idaho of liver failure as a result of hepatitis C he believed he contracted in the Army in Vietnam. He was 58.

Crecelius also founded the annual Halloween Harvest Party, coached Little League and youth softball, sent care packages to local soldiers and college students, housed visiting basketball teams, dressed as a clown in parades, and organized dozens of medical fundraisers for others.

"Ron was a giver… He couldn’t save a dime, and he was generally spending on someone else. He probably really would, as the saying goes, give you the shirt off his back, or more. He didn’t have a lot, so it sometimes drove Marva crazy," said Pastor Mark Jones.

Crecelius spent his own money on the Harvest Party, including his permanent fund check, Jones said.

Crecelius spoke about once a year to high school classes about Vietnam, drugs, and post-traumatic stress. His talks that blended idealism and realism and were so popular students invited him to give the 2000 commencement address.

Ronald St. Clair Crecelius Jr. was born in Vancouver, Wash. to Ronald and Divonna Schweitzer Crecelius. His father traveled with Billy Graham’s World Vision Quartet and was a college chaplain.

He said after his discharge in 1976 came drugs, alcohol, petty theft, divorce and homelessness. He spoke of being in solitary confinement in a Japanese prison for dealing heroin. He credited his salvation to Jesus and Marva Hill Jackson, whom he called "Marvelous Marva." They married in 1988.

In 1990, he and Marva joined Point Man Ministries, an international Christian support group for veterans and their families, and Crecelius discovered a gift for inspirational speaking. Ellen Anthony, a representative of Point Man, said Crecelius could tell a good story by "making it all fit with what you’re feeling."

He became the regional director and vice-president, promoting the group’s efforts in churches, prisons, conferences, and the media. He and Marva also made inspirational videotapes. Crecelius was invited to Haines to speak in 1994, and in 1996 moved here to minister to vets and families.

By 2002, Crecelius knew he had terminal liver disease. "I honestly didn’t think I’d see 30, to be 52 and have Marva, the kids, and grandkids, it’s all gravy. I’m the luckiest guy in the world," he said.

Mark Jones said, "Ron believed that God helps people, so God’s people should help people…that’s why he did it all."

Survivors include his mother, sisters and brothers, including brother Robin of Haines; wife Marva Crecelius of Caldwell, Idaho; her sons and their families, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His father preceded him in death.

Interment was at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Marva may be reached at marvacrecelius@yahoo.com