Fred S. Crane, Jr., 66, left this world on November 8, 2017, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

A veteran rodeo announcer, Fred was an iconic figure in the crow's nests and at radio booths of rodeos, large and small, throughout the west. Fred was known for his way with words and his humorous one-liners, and he thought his obituary should say, "Someone left the gate open and Fred got out."

Fred was born on March 22,1951 and raised in Virginia. He moved west during his college years and eventually made Wilson, Wyoming his home before moving to Teton Valley, Idaho. Fred learned to ride, rope, and rodeo and became one of the "suntanned heroes of the golden west" he idolized. He was half-owner of the Teton Valley Rodeo, which he announced every Friday night of the summer, cheering on those who needed it most and offering colorful, quotable commentary that made the rodeo magical and every contestant feel special.

Fred was optimistic and inspired others to do what he called "Livin' the dream." He made all his friends feel valued and loved. Fred enjoyed cowboying and having a good time with good people, good dogs, and good horses. His house in Victor was always a welcoming refuge for countless friends Fred made feel like family.

Fred is survived by his beloved son, Cache, and his little sister, Cherri Harris, whom Fred loved as his own daughter, as well as by an untold number of people whose lives he touched with his cheerful attitude, contagious smile, and loving heart.

A memorial service for Fred Crane will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the Teton County Fairgrounds Fair Building, located at 1413 ID-33, in Driggs, Idaho, 83422, at 2 p.m. There will be an open microphone for anyone who'd like to share a story or memory about Fred.

Following the service, there will be a potluck in the same fair building. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite potluck dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Fred Crane Memorial Fund online at https://www.gofundme.com/4owone8, at any U.S. Bank branch, or mailed to: The Fred Crane Memorial Fund, c/o Cache Crane, P.O. Box 1008, Victor, ID 83455.

Donations will fund the Livin' the Dream (LTD) Idaho High School Rodeo Scholarships, a Fred Crane Memorial sign on the crow's nest at the Teton County Rodeo Arena, Teton County Fairgrounds Rodeo Arena improvements, and funeral costs.