Loren H Crabtree Jr

Obituary: Dr. Loren H. Crabtree, Jr. Loren H. Crabtree was a storyteller. He was a larger-than-life visionary who fought for justice and was devoted to the underdog. He was a self-described renegade, traveler, mentor, beloved husband, father, brother, and Granddad, and a tireless gardener. Loren loved connecting with people from all walks of life, discussing sports, psychology, neuroscience, and theology, writing about his ideas and experiences, and challenging the status quo. Loren passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of hope and healing in the community. He will be dearly missed. Loren H. Crabtree was born on May 11, 1935. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1956 and 1957 from Yale University with degrees in Biophysics and French literature, and an M.D. from University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1961. He also served in the Air Force as a captain. As a Psychiatrist, he was the Director of the Adolescent Treatment Center at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and the Director of Special Services and the Young Adult Program at the Horsham Clinic from 1977 to 1986. Together with Paul Keisling, Loren founded Project Transition in 1982, an organization that would go on to revolutionize the approach to mental health care and rehabilitation. His vision transformed thousands of lives, instilling hope and building strength in the face of adversity. Project Transition was his lifes work and legacy, and due largely to the success of his vision, it is currently operating across 4 states. In addition to his remarkable contributions to mental health care and to the community, Loren H. Crabtree is survived by his loving family, which was a source of joy throughout his life. His wife, Barbara Cram-Crabtree, was his partner and companion, sharing in his passion for helping others and making a difference in the lives of those in need. Loren was also a father of five children, each whom he loved deeply: Luke (Holly), Liz, Lance (Sarah), Christina Crabtree-Ide (Mike), and Gordon (Heather). He was also a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren, brother of Rae Catherine Scarano, and pre-deceased by sisters Nancy Fortna and Marianne Bonar. As Loren's legacy lives on, his family will continue to uphold the values he held dear, ensuring that his vision for a compassionate and supportive society remains alive. The celebration of the life of Loren Crabtree will be held in the form used by Quakers all over the world on Friday, July 28 at 10:30am at the Orchard Park Friends Meetinghouse in Orchard Park, NY. During the Memorial Meeting we gather in silence, reflecting on Lorens life and his impact on us. Stories may rise up, memories and tributes. Following the memorial meeting for worship, there will be a Fellowship luncheon reception at the Roycroft Inn at 12:30pm in East Aurora, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to NAMI in Loren's memory, supporting an organization that continues his commitment to those suffering from mental illness, or to the Audubon Society, to support his love of nature, and of course his plants.