Lynn R. Crews

Lynn Rufus (Pereira) Crews, AKA “Mr. Friendly”, was known for spreading cheer under his self-designated moniker “Dakota Maverick”. His nicknames offer just a glimpse of Lynn’s jovial spirit, and he was so much more: a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Lynn was born in Bombay, India, on December 18, 1964. He was the first child of Herman and Genevieve Pereira, soon to be older brother to Melwyn, Carolyn, and Selwyn. At the age of 10, his biological parents passed away. He and his brothers went to live at a Catholic orphanage for boys while his sister Carolyn went to a convent. In September 1979, at the age of 14, his life underwent another drastic upheaval: a new family, home, and country, unlike anything he’d known. Jim and Diane Crews adopted Lynn and his siblings and welcomed them to Hood River, OR, alongside their two children, Jeff and Heather. As part of the adoption process, Lynn was filled with pride and gratitude when Senator Mark Hatfield sponsored a private Congressional relief bill in his name, allowing him to surpass the adoption legal age limit and live in the U.S. 

He flourished academically while playing various sports at his new high school and graduated in 1984. With his fearless and ever-adventurous spirit, joining the U.S. Navy was his next big move. His naval service took him to Whidbey Island, WA, aboard the USS Constellation CV64, and overseas to Okinawa, Japan. Lynn dutifully served five and a half years in the U.S. Navy on active duty, followed by ten years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, earning the rank of Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer Second Class. 

Upon completing his active duty in the U.S. Navy, he pursued higher education and earned a degree from Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. He then spent ten years in Phoenix, AZ, working as an immigration officer for the Department of Homeland Security while enjoying the Sonoran desert landscape. Next, he moved to the opposite climate of Fargo, ND, where he spent time in the great outdoors and made many new friends (including fur babies Lynx and Dakota), continuing to spread his joy with everyone he encountered. Throughout his life he fulfilled his wanderlust, traveling extensively in America, Asia, and Europe. During his countless journeys, he cherished staying in touch with loved ones through messages and photos, sharing every adventure and making every moment count. It was in Budapest, Hungary, on June 24, 2024, that his worldly travels came to a rest. 

He leaves behind his parents, Jim and Diane Crews of St. George, UT, siblings: Melwyn (Heather) Crews of Roseville, CA, Carolyn (Scott) Grosskopf of Richmond, VA, Selwyn Crews of Concord, CA, Jeff Crews of Newport, OR, and Heather Simmons of St. George, UT; an uncle, aunts, nephews, and nieces. All who knew him were familiar with his cheerful smile, jolly personality, and adventurous spirit. He is greatly missed, and his memory will be cherished fondly. 

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2 PM, in Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND. A celebration of life will be held following the graveside service at the American Legion, 303 30th St N, Moorhead, MN from 3 – 5 PM.