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Editor, Index-Tribune:
It appears only God will know the truth of the allegation against Father Crews. I only met him once and was impressed with the way he had carried on the tradition of Msgr. O’Connor and the Hanna founders.
My suggestion is to focus on Father Crews’ accomplishments over the last 29 years, which are so significant that words fail me.
The fact that John Crews put the interests of Hanna Center and the Catholic Church ahead of his own says a lot about the man, his sense of integrity and his love of his mission.
It does not say much about the American tradition of fairness. This is not even a “he said he said” situation. A high-profile leader is an easy target; he can’t defend himself because to do so would divert attention from the day-to-day mission of the organization he leads.
George Kobernus
Hanna Center, 1954-‘58
Colonel, United States Air Force, Ret.
Traverse City, Mich.
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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