McALLEN, RGV – The City of McAllen has announced it is to host a “Celebration of Life” memorial for City Commissioner Scott C. Crane at the McAllen Convention Center on Wednesday, December 17.
Doors to the exhibit hall will open at 3 p.m. and the memorial service will begin at 4 p.m.
Crane, aged 50, died of a heart attack on Sunday afternoon after running part of the McAllen Marathon earlier in the day. He was an avid runner and thought to be in great health.
Crane, a businessman, was in his third term as city commissioner and served on various community boards including the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the McAllen Boys and Girls Club. He is survived by his wife Sasha and school-aged children, daughter Taylor and son Diego.
Tributes continue to pour in for Crane.
Futuro McAllen President Nedra Kinerk said: “Scott was a longtime member of Futuro McAllen — even when I told him he couldn’t be a member since he was on the Commission. Scott still was a strong supporter of Futuro and of the many things for which we worked. We had many conversations on many projects, issues, and ideas. Scott was always available and listened to me whether we agreed or disagreed. Generally, we were in agreement as we both worked for “what was good for McAllen.” We have lost not only a good friend and Futuro member, but a strong leader.”
U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa said: “It was with great sadness that I read of the sudden passing of McAllen City Commissioner Scott Crane. Scott was a dedicated civic servant who worked diligently to make the City of McAllen a better place for everyone. His exceptional character and values were an inspiration to everyone who knew him and to all those he served for so many years. Scott leaves behind a legacy of great leadership and honorable service. My wife Marty and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Scott’s wife Sasha and their dear children Taylor and Diego, and to all of Scott’s family. May the Lord comfort them.”
Original story:
Tributes pour in for McAllen City Commissioner Scott Crane
McALLEN, December 15 – The City of McAllen lost one of its own on Sunday when City Commissioner Scott Crane died of a heart attack, soon after competing in the McAllen Marathon.
Crane, an avid runner aged 50, complained of feeling unwell and did not complete the race. He went home and later collapsed. He was rushed to hospital at 11 a.m. and was pronounced dead at 12:55 p.m.
Crane’s death shocked McAllen city leaders and marathon organizers because he was thought to be in great health.
Crane was a studious and popular city commissioner who represented District 1 since 2005. His brother Randy is a federal judge and his sister Debbie is a trustee of the McAllen school board. He is survived by his wife Sasha and school-aged children daughter Taylor and son Diego.
State Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and McAllen Mayor Jim Darling led the tributes.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Scott Crane, one of our McAllen City Commissioners. Life is so precious that we cannot take even a single day for granted. My deepest sympathies go out to Scott’s family and his loved ones. May you gain God’s strength during this tragic time,” Hinojosa posted, on his Facebook page.
“Our family is truly in shock over the sudden and tragic loss of Commissioner Scott Crane,” Darling said, in a City of McAllen news release. “Scott’s enthusiasm for bettering our city, especially our children, his leadership and caring for our citizens will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to Scott’s family and I ask that everyone remember Scott’s loved ones in their prayers.”
“I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Commissioner Scott Crane. He was a good man and a great leader for the City of McAllen. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sasha, children and family. I express my condolences to his family,” said Mission Mayor Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of McAllen’s best. We will miss Commissioner Crane; our condolences to his family,” the McAllen Chamber of Commerce posted on Twitter.
State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, said: “My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the entire Crane family. Scott was a pillar in the community.”
State Rep. R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra, D-McAllen, said: “Commissioner Scott Crane was a remarkable person, leader and advocate in our community. He always inspired the residents of McAllen and will always be remembered for the passion he had for his beloved community. In this time of mourning, our thoughts are with the family of Scott Crane. We wish the family strength during this difficult time. He will be sorely missed. God bless his beautiful family.”
Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal wrote: “Good Public Servants work tirelessly to better their community. McAllen City Commissioner Scott Crane was indeed this type of leader.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Scott Crane. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sasha, children and family,” said Casandra Garcia, Rio Grande Valley district director for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
Here is the City of McAllen’s news release in full:
Three-term District 1 Commissioner Scott C. Crane, an ardent community leader dedicated to the City, passed away Sunday afternoon after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old.
Commissioner Crane, an avid long-distance runner, suffered the heart attack after participating in the second annual McAllen Marathon – an event he helped to create and launch last year.
After feeling some discomfort, Commissioner Crane pulled himself out of the marathon in the morning, and went to his residence. Emergency personnel responded to his home just after 11 a.m., CPR was performed and then he was transported to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. He died at 12:55 p.m.
Commissioner Crane is survived by his wife Sasha and school-aged children daughter Taylor and son Diego.
“Our family is truly in shock over the sudden and tragic loss of Commissioner Scott Crane,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “Scott’s enthusiasm for bettering our city, especially our children, his leadership and caring for our citizens will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to Scott’s family and I ask that everyone remember Scott’s loved ones in their prayers.”
Crane was first elected as commissioner in 2005, and was most recently re-elected to serve his third term in 2013. Commissioner Crane also served on various community boards and supported other groups such as McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the McAllen Boys & Girls Club.
He was the owner of Carwash Carwash and Tesoro Metals Recycling.
