Roy Evan Critchlow

Roy Evan Critchlow, Bend, OR—Roy E. Critchlow, 93, died of natural causes on December 30, 2022.

He was born October 1, 1929, in Burns, OR the son of Lewis & Hannah (Nicholson) Critchlow.

Roy graduated from Crane High School, Class of 1949. He married his high school sweetheart, Ernestine Erquiaga, in 1950. They lived in Harney County until 1955 when they moved to Mitchell, OR and made their life in that community. They would’ve celebrated their 73rd anniversary on May 6th of this year.

Roy was a long-time ranch manager where he became a master cowboy, farmer, and roper. He retired from ranching in 1976 and went to work for ODOT in Mitchell.

Roy was an avid rawhide braider and blessed many homes with his works. He was a member of the Mitchell City Council, worked with OR Fish & Game and did many years of trapping. He was also an active member of the Mitchell Lions Club. He and Ernie participated in the Pinochle Card group at the Community Hall. They loved attending the Mitchell dances and would dance the night away.

One of Roy’s passions was building bird houses and he and Nancy B. developed a type of blue bird trail refuge on Waterman Flat.

It was always a pleasure for him to receive a call requesting his attendance at a spring branding. He was always kind to a horse and was respected for his abilities.

Roy had many friends in Oregon & Nevada and most of his family lived in Canada.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Howard Critchlow from B.C. Canada and his sister, Wanda Ash of Burns, OR.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Ernestine (Ernie) Critchlow, his two daughters, Sharon Brookshire/Rick of Canyon City, Kay Kerr/Steve of Bend, OR. Three grandchildren: Rocky Marsh/Sarah of Powell Butte, Dusty Marsh/Meg of Juneau, AK, and Nicole Humphreys/Brent (Bubba) of Salem, OR. Three great-grandchildren: Ryder, Cutter & Anona Marsh, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 13th at the West Branch Cemetery in Mitchell. Reception to follow at the Baptist Church in Mitchell. Arrangements by Whispering Pines Funeral Home, Prineville, OR.

Those who wish to remember Roy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Mitchell Lions Club, P.O. Box 214, Mitchell, OR 97750

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.