Thank you for the lovely obituary in Sunday's Lansing State Journal. And we very much enjoyed reading the family history that Maury wrote years ago. Fascinating history! Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

I always will remember the way that he answered the phone when I called him. "How may I make you Happy". He always was there to help.

Dearest Elayne,
It was always such fun being with you and Maury. Remember that wonderful, wacky summer of 1992 when Don and Maury taught the Humanities in London program? I have uploaded 5 photos from that amazing adventure. So many happy memories of all the connections we had.
With much love to you and all the family from Don and me,
Joan

I first met Maurie when I worked in the Study Aboard Office and he took the first Humanities class to London in 1968. His video - with background music from the Geriatric Six Plus One - followed, which was a great recruiting tool for the program. He loved his work and students as much as anyone I have met.

On April 23rd 1958 , Mush , my brother in law , sent me  typed written letter which is now aged and yellowed with time . I have kept the letter in a bible as keep sake .
I was 10 years old at the time and had just lost my father . The family was making plans to move from our wonderful Atlantic City NJ home and lay stakes in Harrisburg Pa. I guess , that I was pretty upset about the plan. Mush 's letter was a loving and kind Pep talk . He wrote that " Nobody likes to leave home and he added that the person who gets the biggest Bang Out of life is the one who finds happiness where he is instead of where he isnt '.'
He was telling my 10 year old crushed lil spirit that I could make it and he added , that he and the family believed I could make the adjustment .
Thank you Mush for taking the time to care about your kid sister in law .

In the early 1960s, young Dr. Crane was my humanities professor -- and I loved every minute of his classes. I kept two notebooks -- one for his lectures notes, and one for his jokes. I have no idea what ever happened to those notebooks, but my memories of his classes are still vivid.

He used to join a group of us in the Wilson grill after class. We'd talk, laugh, read the Peanuts comics in The State News and do a collective crossword puzzle. He became not only my professor, but my friend, and a few short years later Maury and Elayne graciously attended Bruce's and my wedding.

Over the years we have enjoyed re-connecting periodically, whether with the Geriatric 6 +1 or at a random garage sale or at the Vincent Voice Library or a social event, and he has always held a special place in my heart and mind. I did not know he was ill, and I was very saddened to read his obituary in today's paper. The tributes on this site have softened some of that sadness because they have made his wonderful spirit alive for anyone who reads them.

The best piece of advice he gave me when I was an undergrad was, "Choose something to do for a living that you would do anyway, even if you weren't getting paid for it."  He will be missed -- and continue to be remembered and loved.

Maury was unique, passionate and a true teacher. When in the mid-1990s I was working on an exhibit for the Michigan Historical Museum , On the Air, a history of radio and television in Michigan, he was amazing as he helped with ideas, resources, and caring. Because of him and the remarkable voice library he built, thousands of visitors got to hear and see authentic portrayals of pivotal moments in Michigan's 20th century. I can in my mind hear his voice to this day. To life, to Maury.

Dear Jennifer, Elayne, and the rest of the Crane family,
We offer our deepest condolences to you for your loss. Maury was such a very wonderful, bright man as so many people have attested to already. We in the Moss family are continually blessed by Jennifer, who carries the marvelous hallmarks of both her parents. I'm sorry that my wife and daughter did not get to meet Maury and I wasn't able to see him in the last few years. May the memories of this incredible man continue to shine bright for the family and world.
Love, Daniel, Ching Li, and Leah Mei

Missing you on your birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad

you would have been 88 today.i was going to bring you cake.you liked sweets.love you.

6-6-26 --- Happy birthday

Happy birthday grandpa.

Although I did not get to meet him in person, I know that he was a giant of a man. His light still shines. I have glimpse of him through his daughter, Jennifer. Jennifer, I am holding you and your family in my heart and thoughts.

As one who carries hope, on Sunday morning, June 1st, I purchased a birthday card and so it is - i thank you for giving an example of both quality as well as quantity of life-happy birthday to a life well lived

I remember my beloved brother-in-law with so much love on his birthday. He was so handsome and so bright and I can still remember his beautiful wedding to my sister. I always wanted to be smart because of him and still cherish my time at Michigan State where he served so honorabley Rest in peace dear Mush.

Dear Family of Maury: We send our heartfelt condolences to your family. I had planned to visit Maury, and he was in my thoughts for the past month. He was a dear man, a beautiful musician who brought such joy to all who heard the Geriatric Six, a generous donor to MSU, a brilliant scholar and teacher. I'm so glad he touched the lives of so many students, and especially my family, the Greers. God bless you.

Dear Family: I forgot to mention that Maury was a professor of Humanities, my father's department at MSU. They spent many years together, teaching and doing political activism for peace and justice.
All those professors had a profound effect on general education at MSU and they were all a part of my growing up, like extra parents. There were no finer people than Maury and his colleagues.

to linda schleider,he told his yugoslavian aide at hi assisted living facility that his name was maish whereupon her eyes brightened and she said "oh,mischa,little mouse."

We don't always know our friends parents well, but we know all their great qualities through them. Dr. Crane and Mrs. Crane and the entire family we know you through Jennifer and her amazing beautiful self and we thank you for it.

Sending my love and prayers to the Crane family. Jennifer is a dear friend and I have heard her speak so often over the years of her Dad as one who was brilliant and such a wonderful role model. Much love and care to all of you in this time of loss.

On more than one occasion during his final week my father turned to us and said ow, i hurt, i am going to say ow now - Me, too, dad i hurt and am going to say ow now

I'm very sorry to hear about Maurice's passing. To those of us back East, he was Maish. My mom , Fay, was his first cousin from "the old country". His parents, Will and Luba were wonderful people and clearly from all I've read here they had a terrific son. Of Maurice, Bob and Fred, the only one I remember from childhood was Fred who stayed in AC. I'm sorry I never got to know Maurice, but may I offer sincere condolences to all who loved him. Linda Schleider Davis

I have been trying to get a mourners kaddish cutted and pasted on here and so instead I will leave a prayer from Rabbi Rami Shapiro- "We are embraced by arms that find us even when we are hidden from ourselves. We are touched by fingers that soothe us even when we are too proud for soothing. We are counseled by voices that guide us even when we are too embittered to hear. We are loved by an unending love. We are supported by hands that uplift us even in the midst of a fall. We are urged on by eyes that meet us even when we are too weak for meeting. We are loved by an unending love. Embraced, touched, soothed, and counseled, ours are the arms, the fingers, the voices; ours are the hands, the eyes, the smiles; We are loved by an unending love."
When I was a child I thought my father was Maurice Sendak, because with childish thought they were both Maurice and the most amazing men and story tellers, when I grew up, and put away childish notions I still held on to my father being the most amazing man and story teller-and I love learning more of him from reading these tributes particularly learning what a fabulous grandfather he was to my unique and beloved nieces and nephews.

Aunt Elayne and Cousins Jonathan, Harry, Jennifer, Abigail and families: We mourn along with you the loss of this larger-than-life Uncle Maurice who I only met when I was a small boy, and then again by way of a couple of phone calls before and after my daughter Elizabeth sang at MU a few years back. I truly wish I got to know him. We should have taken a trip out to Michigan. I've read every word that you folks put on this web-page today - enjoying learning of this wonderful family that I sprang from. Thank you. Maurice left a wonderful legacy in how he loved his wife, children, grand children and great grand children. We Western New York Cranes would love to get to know you guys. We pray that God would comfort you in your time of mourning. Thank you again for sharing all of these stories and the biographical texts from Maurice. I love the insights into the love of music that the three Crane boys had back in AC - that were passed on to me through my father....and then on to my children. We would love to be in touch with you folks and see you. God bless you.
I am at:
3222 W. River Road, Olean, NY 14760
ken.crane@houghton.edu
716-244-0988

"How Can I Make You Happy?" is how Dr. Crane always answered his office phone at MSU's G. Robert Vincent Voice Library. Working closely with him there for over 20 years, he made us all smile every day. It's such a privilege to have been one of his students, co-workers, and most of all, close friends. I learned so much from him. We will miss our dear friend very much. Love to all, Rick & Diane Peiffer

Maurie was such a major part of the MSU Libraries and the music that was created by the Bookmen's Holiday. Always enjoyed talking with him. Remember fondly the times when I was walking in the mall in the morning and stopped to chat with he and Elyane.
He will be missed.

I will never forget his outrageous holiday post cards. Always set the perfect tone for the absurdity of the season. And playing his clarinet at all the library socials. A truly gifted gentleman and scholar.

I love Dr. Crane. He knew when times were tough for me and always found a way to cheer me up. His "How can I make you happy?" always did; from making me the 2nd-in-line heir to that couch he gave Joe Natoli to the day he hugged me at the back door. I had just started coloring my hair. He hugged me in full embrace, bringing me close in to him and from on high, he looked down on my head and said "my dear, I see you haven't decided on a color." Whenever I saw him, I'd point at my hair and he'd wink knowingly. I'm sorry he's now only in my memories.

My wise brother Jonathan suggested that I use this site to pass along the following:The Lansing State Journal will run two death notices, one on Wednesday, June 4 and one on Thursday, June 5. The Sunday paper has the broadest circulation, so Sunday, June 8, the Lansing State Journal will run the longer obituary

MAC made my world a much more interesting place. He also showed me what a great Dad looks like. Thanks for the memories they were wild, fun and sometimes a little crazy. Will miss the jokes. Love always your daughter-in-law.

i love this site.it makes me feel closer to him.

Missing you very much today, grandpa.

Maury was my mentor, teacher, and friend for almost 50 years. From undergraduate days in the '60's to the Gunson-Cornell neighborhood in the 70's through my Ph.D., Maury was there.

Thanks for the memories, the laughs, and the great jazz! Keep swinging my friend!

Doug Collar

Maury was the first colleague to introduce himself to me on my first day in Bessey Hall in the old Department of Humanities of blessed memory. His friendliness and enthusiasm were contagious and he became an instant friend.  In fact, he played a great jazz clarinet at my daughter Lisa's wedding. Remembrance of his wit and spirit will remain with me.

Got to mention the music. He played clarinet like a slumming angel. You didn't sense a man fingering the keypads. You sensed man and horn were one. Like Pan perhaps. And Joy. Such joy spilled out when he played.

Dr. Crane was such an eloquent communicator that any words I can offer as a tribute pale by comparison, so I will simply say that he was a larger than life figure and will be remembered for years to come. I am grateful for the gifts he shared with us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

My father was the smartest man I knew and gregarious in this. He was not just a professor, he was a teacher; it was a rare and precious gift, a passion to instill critical thought into generations of students. He was a man with a great social capacity, could work a room, make people feel better about themselves through intellectual discourse treating everyone as a peer.

It’s probably too soon for me to wrap my head around his passing. I can say the trite things people say to make the grieving family feel better; He’s at peace now, he’s in a better place, my thoughts and prayers go out. It’s my bias that sort of thing it’s disrespectful albeit with good intention. I loved my father, I loved him for who he was not his accomplishments, or what he modeled for me as a boy and as a man. I loved him too for his flaws.

I will write a eulogy when I’m not feeling quite so raw. Today, less than 24 hours after his passing, I feel relief and I feel it in the profound sense that those trite saying mean to convey; he is at peace, he no longer suffers. I am grateful that his wishes were followed; it’s a question of respect. He was at peace and died in his sleep.

I still don’t understand Dementia but over the past few years peace was a rare commodity. I clung to the lucid moments, and the not so lucid moments that were filled with song. I don’t know if that was an expression of joy but I choose to think of it as one. It’s not death that that makes loved ones wince, but suffering. I believe he suffered very little, I believe he was able to accomplish through his life a sense of accomplishment, to make a mark on the world in the way he thought was most noble; encouraging young minds to embrace critical thought as a cornerstone and the inherent morality that critical thought carries.

These are raw impressions, a bit stilted, in time memory, sentiment, and the cold realization that I will not hear a joke, a lesson, a song from him again will sink in and I will add something more like a tribute. There is a sense of the unreal right now, though we had seen his decline over the years. I didn’t expect yesterday to be the day. I mark the day and gather wool. I believe the kindest and most effective tribute is to remember the man as he was and why I loved him. It took me a lifetime to know him as he was and to love him and I am ill prepared, today, to take twenty four hours to sum all that up. I loved him as much for his flaws as his virtues.

My Grandpa always said, "I can only do this for another hour" every time he hugged me. I'd like to claim that hour, now. Though he is free from pain, we have now entered it.

we said our "i do's",he stomped a glass on march 26th,1950.we were young and in love and so innocent.we plunged into a magical mystery tour that lasted 64 years.

he never lost his new jersey accent,evident when he answered the phone at the voice library with his signature"how may i help you."?

One of my favorite memories of my Grandfather was the last time I was in Michigan for the family reunion at Macinac island. We had just arrived at 666 Gunson street after a 3 day drive and the four of us were experiencing that awful mix of being tired, excited and restless all at the same time. I remember after all the hugs and kisses and I missed yous and I love yous, we all planted ourselves on that lovely sun porch in the back. It was about an hour or 2 before sundown, and the backyard was glowing green and gold. The four of us just sat there, sweating and enjoying the chance to relax. Then Grandpa came out, and smiled, and took a seat in front of us, and without saying a word he started playing his clarinet. He played a beautiful tune, it was so laid back, and I remember thinking it was exactly what we needed at that moment. He played for about 5 minutes, then he silently folded his arms, crossed his legs and smiled. I could tell he was so happy to have us in his home. It was a really beautiful moment that I will never forget.

Another thing that ALWAYS comes to mind for me when I think of Grandpa is one of his hilarious jokes. Why did one bee get mad at the other bee? Because he stole his honey and necked her. Such a great joke – his humor will be missed.  

I will always have fond memories of watching Maurie and my father having great fun playing music together in the Geriatric 6. I also enjoyed having him as a professor at MSU. Our thoughts and prayers to out to the Crane family.

I did not know Mr. Crane but I know that he was a fine man. I know this because of the many stories I've heard about him through these many years. I know his is because for the last 28 years, I was honored to call his beautiful daughter my friend. He and Mrs. Crane raised one of the most amazing women in the world. Because Jennifer is who she is, I know that her father completed one of his greatest works in creating her. My love and prayers extend to the entire Crane family. This is a great loss for you all, but please know that a great cloud of I witnesses surrounds you with love and comfort. When Jennifer is here with us in Tennessee, we will care for her and hold her in love and healing light.

A few years back I asked for autobiographical words from family members, this was among the things my father sent me;

I never met any of my grandparents. I think my dad's parents died in Europe.
My mother's family was upper middle class. Her father owned a small department store in
the Black Sea port city of Odessa. Fleeing both radicals and anti-Semites in l902 they came
to the US, where they settled in Meridian, Mississippi. I think my Uncle Ban and Aunt Molly
were both born in Mississippi. There were four sisters (Molly, Mary, Celia, and my mother,
Luba). There were three brothers (Mike, Charley, and Ben). Mike and Charley were in the
Navy in World War I; Ben was just a boy. Sometime before World War I they moved up North.
My mother worked as a waitress and cashier in a retaurant whose name I never knew, but she
says that the composer Victor Herbert was a steady customer, so it must have been in
Manhattan. My fasther came from dirt poor farmers the area of Belitza. The closest city
to make it onto the map was Kovno, sometimes in Russia, but mostly in Poland. He and his
siblings came to the US one at a time in the first decade of the twentieth century. A sage
and a scholar and an extremely smart and good man, he found work as a plumber and helped
lay the sewer line of Hartford Connecticut at what was then the princely sum of a dollar a day,
six days a week.He put his kid brother. Bernard, through the University of Michigan medical school. Days after we entered the First World War he enlisted in the 101st machine gun battalion of the 26th (Yankee) Division, along with many othrerrash youngsters, many of trhem undergraduates
at Yale and Trinity College, Hartford. When these aristocratic guys came as middle aged physicians
and attorneys and businessmen to conventions in Atlantic City, they often visited Bill Crane, who had
honeymooned in AC, and when my mother compared it favorably to Paradise, pulled up stakes
in New England and moved there. It was a boomtown, and Freddy (born in '22), and I (born in '26)
and Bobby (born in '28) all graduated from ACHS, and went on to snappy schools like MIT and Princeton, although none of us were as sharp as our parents, who never finished high school. Your
mom's great aunt Harriet left her 10,000 dollars for college, which bought her a Bachelor's from Penn
and a Master's from Chicago, two good schools. I don't have a BA but I had a war and I earned an MA
at Chicago in '50 and a PhD at Illinois (where I started teaching college) in '53.Somewhere in
there I attended Villanova, which was the luckiest break of my life, because I ran into your Mother
on a bus going from Philly to AC. We have four marvelous children, whose names I forget, plus
five grandchildren and a couple of beautiful greatgrandchildren, all of them really nice people. In
March we'll celebrate Mom's 80th birthday and our 58th anniversary. We'll probably buy a couple
of Big Macs to help celebrate the fact that we have helped populate this earth with some genuinely admirable folks.


My Dad's brothers were Harry, Bernard, and Max. Harry's children were Herbert (Skippy), who welcomed you and Beth to the Great Northwest, Sidney (Smokey), Florences (Flossie) and Miriam (Mitzi). Herb was a combat infantryman in Europe, Sid flew bombers in the Pacific. You went to a party at Flossie's house in Margate. You don't know Mitzi at all. Herb does a lot with opera in Portland. Bernard had two daughters, Phyllis (whom you've met) is a court stenographer in Portland, Ruthie is a
concert pianist and author and ex-professor in San Antonio. Her husband, Sam Friedberg, taught
for years at Duke Medical School. He was a navy doctor in the Korean war. Their son Michael was
an attending physician in El Paso when I went to see my brother Bobby for the last time. He's
pretty sharp. Max had one son, Milton Crane, who taught at Harvard, Hunter, Wm&Mary, Chicago,
and George Washington. He wrote a lot of books; I read only three, "The Roosevelt Era", "The
Sins of New York", and "Shakespeare's Prose," which ALL doctoral candidates in English have
to read. Milton was section chief in the OSS during the war, and consulted with the CIA up until his death.You and Jon visited hgim in DC in '73. His son John blows oboe with the NYU Philharmonic. His son Peter, an attorney, lives near you. (Seattle, Maybe.) Milton's wife Sibylle was a holocaust survivor and a genuine linguistic genius..I went to U of C because Milton was there. Mom went because
I was there. Montel can't use any of this but I thought you'd like to know. If you need more send
me specific questions.


I’m sure I’ll have more to add, personal reflections. Call me superstitious but I find it unsettling to speak dead of the ill.

He is a veray parfit gentil knight.

My father passed away in his sleep this afternoon, June 1, 2014.

My earliest notions of God were modeled on my father. I was fortunate to grow up with a God who was taller, smarter, more handsome, and more generous than I deserved. He was a deep fount of unconditional love and possessed a wicked sense of humor. How wonderful it would be to say I was created in my father's image.