Jay Crandall

Nathan Jay Crandall, 77, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, with his family by his side.

Jay was born on November 18, 1946, in Huntington Park, California, to Elene Matilda Clegg and Gordon Edgar Crandall. When he was four years old, his family relocated to Great Neck, New York, where he spent the remainder of his youth. His dedication to hard work began early as he delivered papers, mowed lawns, and worked at his local library.

Jay served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden from 1966-1969. After returning, he attended BYU where he met and married Elizabeth George. They were blessed with six children and built their life around creating a happy home.

After attending dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago, they moved to Witchita, Kansas, where Jay served as a Captain in the Air Force for two years. They then made the decision to move to Idaho Falls and start a dental practice where he enjoyed serving the community for 35 years. His patients will remember his gentle demeanor and tendency to hum while he worked.

Jay was dedicated in his church service and held many callings including bishopric counselor, bishop, and stake president. He was unwavering in his dedication to the Lord and the people that he served; always striving for obedience while leading with humility, kindness, and love.

Jay loved to create experiences for his family. Many happy trips were spent at the family cabin they helped build in Island Park; always complete with a motorcycle ride, a canoe trip with the kids, and family games and treats.

After retirement, Jay and Liz served church missions in Palmyra, New York, and the Winter Quarters Visitors Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The missionary couples and sisters they served with will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Jay enjoyed working with his hands and could often be found with a toolbox by his side. He was continually analyzing how to improve, repair, or organize his surroundings. He and Liz developed a common interest in home building and renovation. They worked together to build their last two homes.

In addition to being a builder of homes, Jay was also a builder of people. Anyone who knew him well, knew that he was a trustworthy and responsible friend. He was a voice of reason. He also had a way of offering advice in a loving, logical, and calming way. He was also savvy with finances and would offer sound council to his children and grandchildren.

Jay is remembered for his wisdom and humor. He was full of anecdotes, "one-liners,” and dry wit. He was often quiet in a room full of people, but only those with the good fortune of sitting near him would benefit from his hilarious commentary.

Jay was a pillar of faith for his family. He led by example with his persistent obedience and taught us that "it is the living of the gospel each day that counts.”

Jay is survived by his wife, Liz; children, Carolyn (Tim) Turner, Shelley (Russ) Stoddard, Joyce (Ryan) Oler, Brian (Brooke) Crandall, Kristine (Tyson) Parker, and Lindsey (Ammon) Brisolara; brother, Dennis (Jane) Crandall; 22 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings: Virginia, Mary, and Clegg.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Idaho Falls Brentwood Ward, 2040 Brentwood Drive, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Rigby-Pioneer Cemetery.