Michael was born on March 2, 1942 to Frank and Gertrude (Bodell) Crabb in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Michael is the sibling of G. William Crabb, Gloria Osis, Diane Clair, and Frank Crabb, all deceased. He also has one sister, Donna Pastoor, who survives.
Michael married Barbara Meyers in June 1962 and they had two children, Timothy (Sandi) and Michael Ray (Marie). Michael is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan Wiant Crabb and together they had two children, Alexander (Shish) and Nicholas. He also has five grandchildren, Timothy, Alison, Phoenix, Jonah, and Micah Crabb. Michael had many great caring friends including Roth Woods, Val Wozney Archer, Shahzad and Amber Rauf, Cass Ormiston; and special cousin, Dean Johnson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other good friends, and his faithful dog, Izabella.
Michael was a veteran who served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Michael completed his education at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He also took Master level Art classes at Eastern Michigan University.
Michael worked in food services his entire career, including Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL; Long Beach State in Long Beach, CA; Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL; North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC; The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI; and retired from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. Michael loved working with his graduate students and employed many over the years from all over the world. He often brought them home to share their cultures with his family's traditions. Thanksgiving was a particular love of his and at one dinner there were five languages being spoken around the table.
He was a creative director who often included ice, butter, and chocolate sculptures into his presentations. Michael was a long-standing member of NACUFS – National Association of College and University Food Services. Michael also carved ice in Milan, Italy; Plymouth, Michigan; Fairbanks, Alaska; and many other contests and shows. His favorite was to carve ice for the children at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Michael was an accomplished watercolor painter and would display his artwork on the front porch for all to see. In retirement, he began to build boat models again, a love of his since boyhood.
Michael loved to travel. Notable trips were riding his bicycle from Ann Arbor to Portland, Oregon one year and from Ann Arbor to Boston the next. He also went to Nanisivik, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. There he ran a 52-mile double marathon.
Michael was a kind and generous man who found serenity in gardening.
Thanks to Angela Hospice who gave him peace in his last days.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northridge Church by online
HERE. or by mail to 49555 N Territorial Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170; Food Gatherers online
HERE. or by mail to 1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; or to Angela Hospice online
HERE. or by mail to 14100 Newburgh Rd. Livonia, MI 48154.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 7, 2023 from 1-4pm at The Crabb Home, 617 W. Hoover Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.