Wilbert Bert"" Croken, Jr.

Wilbert W. "Bert" Croken Jr., 90, passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, to join Mary, his wife of 57 years. Bert was born April 13, 1920, in Schenectady, N.Y. He was honorably discharged after World War II having served as radar man 3rd class on the USS Massachusetts. He then joined General Electric in New York engaged with the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory and worked there until he retired. During this time, he married Mary Ellen Vargo on May 10, 1949, and started a family, beginning with their only child, Patricia. Yearning for the Rocky Mountains and to be closer to his daughter and grandsons, he and Mary moved to Cedar Hill, building their home on top of the mesa at Dutchman's Hill, where he woke up every day to a view of the San Juan Mountains. While living in New Mexico, he engaged in many volunteer activities, most notably at Aztec Ruins where he received an Honorable Volunteer of 400-plus hours Award for his work in 1992 and 1993. Bert and Mary also volunteered for the BLM's ruin protection program. Bert was very active and independent over the years, staying busy with many hobbies. Bert is preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Wilbert W. Croken Sr.; his sister, Virginia Croken; and his beloved wife, Mary. Bert is survived by his daughter, Patti Smith and her husband, Kevon; his grandsons, Kyle Healy and Loren Healy and his wife, Savanah; and darling great-granddaughters, Analyse and Saylor Healy. Bert is also survived by his eldest sister, Betty Ryan; and his nieces and nephews. Military honors will be provided by Farmington VFW Post No. 2182. The family would like to thank all of the Dutchman's Hill neighbors who kept a watchful eye on Bert and all of the wonderful people who provided care and support to Bert over his life. Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec: 405 S. Main Ave. Aztec, NM 87410 (505) 334-9332.