John Crosby II

John Crosby, a former educator, teacher and community leader, died on January 28 at age 86. He was deeply committed to teaching, as well as a lifelong leader in education and urban development.

John was the youngest of 5 children (Charlie, Albert, Anne, Esther and John) born to Albert and Esther Crosby in Minneapolis on November 29, 1935. John is preceded in death by his brothers Albert and Charlie Crosby, and parents Albert Hastings Crosby and Esther Vinton Crosby.

John graduated from Blake High School, Yale BA and Georgetown MA. His love of family and commitment to community defined his career choices. He taught at the Punahou School in Hawaii (2 years) and the Blake School (20 years, teacher/coach, administrator). He also led development efforts for The Blake School and St John’s University (Vice President Institutional Advancement - 13 years). While at St Johns, he led efforts to publish the first-ever hand-written, calligraphy Bible. His commitment to education extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. Early in his career he understood the importance of experiential and applied learning, and he always supported students beyond the limits of classic curriculums. He was a founding Board Member for environmental education start up (Eco-Education) and Sea Education Association (SEA). He consulted for the Fund for Teachers to provide coaching resources for teachers. His passion for education continued into retirement by visiting his grandchildren’s classrooms and reading to young children.

His love of learning extended to arts and culture, urban development and collaborative public-private partnerships. He was a founding member of City Ventures, a company focused on solving inner city decay in 23 cities. He was an active Board Member for Minnesota Trust for Public Land (10 years), 1000 Friends of Minnesota and Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Through his leadership in these organizations, he was committed to enriching Minneapolis for all.

He recruited students for Job Corps and served in the US Army Intelligence (6 years). He was also a Board Member for Minneapolis Public Television and Radio.

He and his wife loved the many memories at their North Shore cabin, including hiking, skiing, charades (sounds like), and many family reunions. He was an avid golfer, skier, sailor, traveler and tennis player (with a wicked serve).

He was compassionate, curious, and an excellent conversationalist with a gentle soul.

He is survived by wife, Laura A Crosby of 65 years; 4 children, John Crosby Jr. (Polly Hunter) Laura H. Crosby (Dan Enebo), Slater W Crosby (Lise Stahl-Crosby) and S. Brooks Crosby (Jen Crosby); grandchildren, (Lucy Crosby; Mckenzie, Joshua and Julia Enebo; Emma, Sophie and Mia Crosby; Casten and Ellori Crosby.

Memorials to be sent to Minneapolis Parks Foundation.