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This is an open letter to Father Crews:
Dear Father Crews: When you came to Hanna, I had already been there for three years. As Father Pulskamp’s successor, you had big shoes to fill. It didn’t take you long, however, to earn all the boys’ love and trust. You took charge, like the officer and gentleman you are, and made Hanna into an even better place than it already was (and it was already pretty great).
My relationship with you is a huge part of my memory growing up. My father had died when I was 8. I came to Hanna at 12. Eventually, you became (and always will be) my padre.
What you saw (and helped me to see) in that angry, hurting, terrified little boy was amazing and life-transforming. You taught me the meaning of loyalty, faith and sacrifice.
Being an accomplished and brilliant musician yourself, you saw a talent inside the angry kid, and you were the one who taught me that if I could dream it, I could achieve it.
Your encouragement and support didn’t stop when I graduated – it never stopped. Through the years, you have been my rock. I am a professional musician because of you, Father. I am a great dad because that’s what you have always been to me.
To those who would entertain the idea that this allegation is true, I say with all my heart: Do not believe it. God broke the mold when he created this wonderful person.
Father, if you read this, never doubt the difference you have made in so many lives. Never doubt the impact you have made in mine. Never doubt the unconditional love for you from so many of us, the Lost Boys, the Hanna Boys.
• • •
Matt Grimes is a proud Hanna alumnus from the class of 1984 and now lives in Irvine.
Please note: Your full name will be published with your comment.
Trying to understand why the person who made this false, ugly, hurtful accusation is impossible. My boys have cried asking me, "Why Mom, why would someone do this to Father Crews?"
They, like all Hanna Boys past and present are asking the same question. They're devastated and angry! But they will handle this well because Father Crews gave them the tools to do so.
My oldest son went to Hanna in 2000 at age 11 and graduated in 2007 at age 18. He is now 24 and often says he wishes he was still a boy at Hanna. He visits often. He loves visiting with Father both in person and on the phone. He says that Father always gives him the best advice. He's encouraging, inspirational, honest and of course, humorous. He says Father has never steered him wrong and never pulls any punches.
My youngest son attended Hanna 3 different times over a four year period, 2007-2011. He is now 18. He often talked about Father and says he misses him the most. He said he never tired of hearing Father talk, whether it was Sunday Morning Mass or a joke. There was always a message and a lesson in his words. Father always made sure that he had sunflower seeds to send him off to a football game with and of course Slurpees to reward good grades statuses, behavior etc. Father Crews treated them with respect and they respected him!
Father Crews dedicated his life to God, his family, friends, Hanna, the Boys, Staff, Parents and the community.
What has happened to him is devastating! Our hearts are broken and our tears have not stopped. Some may ask why he left so abruptly, for those that know him the answer is simple. He put the Boys and the Center before himself as he always has.
Father Crews has one of the purest hearts I have ever had the honor to know and I will be eternally grateful to him.
It is true that Hanna Boys Center will never be the same without him but he has a wonderful staff and an amazing group of Alumni that will carry on in his honor. We love you Father Crews!! God bless