Henry Croope

Henry "Hank" Russell Croope, 65, peacefully passed away at his home November 4, 2013 with his loving family by his side.

Hank was born on August 10, 1948 and raised in Canon City, Colorado. He spent the better part of his youth hunting, fishing and enjoying Colorado's Rocky Mountains. In 1967 after enlisting in the United States Navy and just before shipping out for boot camp, Hank lost his right hand in an industrial accident that would alter his future. The accident prevented him from entering military service however, it certainly did not damage his spirit. While most men would have had a difficult time recovering from the loss of a hand, Hank's resiliency drove him to be a better, stronger and wiser person for it. Throughout his life, Hank would go on to accomplish more with one hand than most men could with two.

Following his accident, Hank took a job as a professional one handed gunfighter with the old west theme park Buckskin Joe's near Canon City. It was at the park that Hank adopted the nickname "Lefty", in a true testament to his enduring sense of humor and openness regarding his accident. During his time at Buckskin Joe's, Hank appeared in several Hollywood productions including a notable role in the classic film "Barquero" starring Lee Van Cleef and Warren Oates.

In 1969, Hank was introduced to Colleen Kay Jessen by Hanks sister-in-law Gladys. For Hank and Colleen, it was love at first sight; the kind that usually only happens in Hollywood movies. The two married in Littleton, Colorado on December 9th, 1971.

For Hank, his family was everything. He was hopelessly in love with and devoted to Colleen until the very end. His son Nicholas Russell and daughter Victoria Kay would give him five grandchildren, all of which were Hank's pride and joy. He was there for each of the first steps, first bike rides without training wheels and every first fish landed by each of the grandchildren. He taught us all to work hard, be respectful, honest and fair and never make excuses. Hank was a wonderful husband, dad and grandpa and he will be dearly missed.

Hank is survived by his loving wife Colleen, son Nicholas, daughter Victoria, grandchildren Alex, Christopher, Tyler, Devin and Maddie; and siblings Trudy, Barbara, Helen, Sheila and Larry. He was preceded in death by his mother Eva and father Harold.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 11, at 1:00 PM, Horan & McConaty Chapel, 3020 Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80211.

Please share your memories of Hank and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below