John Douglas Crick

John Douglas Crick passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at Emerald Nursing and Rehab in Cozad, Nebraska at the age of 70 surrounded by family. Doug was born on February 23, 1954 at Cozad Community Hospital to Pervin and Mary Jane (Hogan) Crick. Older brother Rob was almost 10 years old when Doug was brought home from the hospital to Darr, Nebraska. 

He attended District 19 through 6th grade and then attended Cozad City Schools and graduated with the class of 1972. Doug participated in many sports and activities during his high school years. He loved baseball and once threw a no-hitter at a state legion game but lost the game. After graduation, he attended Hastings College where he made lifelong friends. His Bronc Hall friends remained by his side for over 50 years. After trying a few jobs in Omaha, Doug moved back home to Cozad. He went back to work at the mill until it closed and eventually went to work at Tenneco. This is where he met Raquel Cañas, and they were married on December 15, 1990.

Doug was a sports enthusiast. He was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and his beloved St. Louis Blues. He worked in the press box for Cozad High School football games for several years and he bowled on many leagues. Doug was one of Cozad’s best bowlers and enjoyed the 3rd weekend in October going to Omaha for the Mexican American bowling tournament, until it ended. Fortunately, Doug was able to pass his love of sports on to his daughter. Doug became a very proud sports dad, not just of Sammy, but of all her friends. 

His dad passed down an incredible work ethic and Doug was proud of the manual work he did to the best of his ability. Doug was a quiet guy until he became comfortable with you and then the sharp-witted and dry sense of humor shined. He had a big, contagious smile and the most infectious laugh. Above all, Doug loved big and loved deeply. Rachel and Sammy were the main recipients of his love, but he truly cared for his family, his friends, and his pets. He was a 34-year member of Cozad Elks Lodge #2250. Doug was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council for several years. 

Doug was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease on March 19, 2019. He became a resident of Emerald Nursing and Rehab almost one year ago and gained another family. He made others smile and brought joy and laughter to many residents and staff. This disease took a lot from Doug and his family, but it never took his appreciation and love for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws David and Amalia Cañas. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rachel; daughter Samantha and fiancé Dillon Higgins of Cozad; brother Robert (Judi) Crick of Papillion, Nebraska; nephews Scott (Jill) Crick of Aurora, Illinois, Ryan (Mandi) and daughters Makayla and Katie Crick of Bellevue, Nebraska, niece Cari (Seth) Fiore of Jericho, Vermont; sister-in-love Stella Beenblossom (Rex Crisman) of Gothenburg, brother-in-love Archie Cañas of Cozad, sister-in-love Coco Cañas, and all their families. Plus, many extended family members and very good friends. 

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with Father Ravi Gudipalli as celebrant. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.