Michael J. Croston, 64

Michael John Croston, 64, elder and administrator of House of the Lord Church and Christian Academy in Oldtown, Idaho, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, in the arms of his family at his Priest River home. He was 64.

  The cause was from complications from cancer.

Mr. Croston, born to Harry and Ann Kathryn Croston, Feb. 28, 1944, in Chicago, Ill., and raised in the twin cities of Wisconsin, was an outdoorsman, world traveler, avid reader, classical enthusiast, life-long learner and minister of the word of God.

  Michael's outdoor passion has taken him backpacking in the Sierras, camping across the nation, and fishing the heavenly waters of Alaska for that coveted fish to cook on his grill. In 1989, Mr. Croston managed the Pastime Sporting Goods Shop in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he issued many a license for the hopeful fisherman.

  An "almost eagle" Boy Scout prepared Mr. Croston for travel. Drafted into the Army in the fall of 1966, trained at Ft. Bliss in El Paso and then stationed Aschaffenburg, Germany for three years jet set Michael for a life of motion. After marrying Kathleen Newman on November 23, 1967, he moved back to the states; living in four and visiting most states west of the Mississippi.

An educator by nature, Mr. Croston habitually enrolled in courses that interested him within the state that he resided. "He was always taking classes on the side," said his wife Kathy Croston of 41 years. Before the draft, he studied English and later earned a Masters in Theology and obtained his Associates in Paralegal.

"Mr. C", as most of his students addressed him, assisted elementary and secondary special needs students but, is most notably known for his administration and instruction at House of the Lord Christian Academy in Oldtown, Idaho. Modestly, Mr. Croston was a man of many hats. As a result of his 15 year leadership, House of the Lord Christian Academy has become a staple within the academic community maintaining an admissions waiting list and a reputation for producing Christian citizens.

Ministry was innate for Mr. Croston. Following his enrollment in St. Mary's Catholic School, he attended the Chicago Seminary School for two years while studying to be a priest. As his faith brought him closer to his calling, he and his wife were house parents of the Arkansas Girls Ranch for abused, abandoned and neglected girls. Michael pastored several churches in Texas and Idaho before he actualized his calling at the House of the Lord. There he fulfilled his passion for teaching and leading students and adults towards a meaningful relationship with Christ.

Michael Croston is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy Croston; a daughter, Heather Caron (Josh Caron); two sons, Jeremy Croston and Jonathan Croston (Lindsey Croston); and three grandchildren, Dominic, Vance and Madalyn. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration will be held Friday, Jan. 23, at House of the Lord Church in Oldtown, beginning at 2 p.m. In Lieu of flowers send donations in his memory to House of the Lord Christian Academy.  

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Priest River is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.