This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

His Legacy Will Live On

We’d like to start by thanking all the people who’ve been so compassionate and kind to us; their thoughts, prayers, and condolences have meant so much. We’re blessed to have such a supportive network of family and friends; we are sorry to all of those who we have not thanked directly and to those who were not given the opportunity to support us openly. We chose not to have a public memorial for our son Crew; it would have been more than any of us could bear.

There are so many individuals who deserve a direct thank you for their support of our family and for the support they gave to Crew during his life. We would like to recognize The North Madison Fire Department—Bob Blundon, Paul Harris, David Cone, and the other members of this tightly knit group of first responders. It was Crew’s passion to serve the public and they provided him the opportunity to do so. The attention they gave him during his life and in his passing is appreciated more than we can express.

We also want to thank those who donated so generously to The North Madison Fire Department in memory of Crew. Those funds are earmarked to improve the equipment necessary for those firefighters to protect and serve our town. It gives us comfort to know that our son touched so many lives and his legacy will live on through these generous gifts.

Crew’s greatest years were ahead of him, which makes losing him all that more difficult. He was able to touch so many lives when he was here and for that we are eternally grateful. We’re proud of our son Crew, he has taught us all to be thoughtful, kind, and to take the time to help others in need.

Richard and Amy Kirst

Madison