Wayne Croft

Wayne Croft, of Great Falls, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Benefis Hospital from complications of Covid 19 at the age of 82. Wayne was born in Chinook, MT on August 31,1938. He was one of twelve children born to Gertrude Elizabeth Hall and James Lyman Croft. He married Shirley Mae Holzheimer in 1958 at the young age of 21 and they had six children together. He later married Diane White in June 1973, and again in May of 1983. They enjoyed 20 years and had one child together. He also spent 20 years with his partner, Pam Davidson. Wayne was happiest when he was helping others whether it was his family, friends, or neighbors. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, mow your yard, or plow your snow. He also enjoyed collecting antique cars and tinkering on small engines. He never sat still unless he was playing a game of cards. He also loved to play pool with some of his lifelong friends, of which he had too many to mention. He had been lucky enough to do quite a bit of traveling during the last twenty years, including some cruises and a trip on the train with his siblings and nephew to see his ailing sister in New York. Wayne worked as a heavy equipment operator with Pinksi Bros. in Great Falls as well as Boland Construction. He was one of the best in the state. He also worked part time with his son, Tim for several years after retiring. Wayne was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Elizabeth Croft; father, James Lyman Croft; baby Croft sisters, Laura Johnson, Delores McCabe, and Rita Cook; and brothers, Lyman Croft, Archie Croft, Gaylord Croft, Bill Madsen and Rex Madsen. Survivors include Shirley (Croft) Gardipee of Shelby, Warren Croft of Florida, Jana (Croft) Rowell of Cutbank, Dolly and Jim Croft of Texas; sons, Tim (Valerie) Croft of Great Falls, Robert (Gaye) Croft of Colorado Springs, CO, Brian (Traci) Croft of Battleground, WA, and Kevin Croft of Great Falls; daughters, Jackie Dickson of Great Falls, Michelle Croft of Chelan, WA; grandchildren, Canyon Croft, Bridger Croft, Kendra Henderson, Jacob Dickson, Jared Dickson, Madison Croft, Erika King, Desiré Croft, Brittany Croft, Kayla Croft, and Shelbie Croft; great-grandchildren, Kriss, Keira, Damien, and Adonis; and so many wonderful nieces; nephews; cousins; and so many good friends including Moni Halvorson whom he cared for until her passing the week before Dad. He is also survived by his dogs, Charlie and Mia who were very special to him as well. Thank you to Jerry Whetham for being by Dad’s side when he needed you the last three months. You two shared a special bond. We are going to miss you and your funny sense of humor. You always had a joke or a funny story to tell. You were so generous and thoughtful. Rest in Peace, Dad.