Mr. Richard Hurlbut Cross

Richard (Rick) H. Cross, age 71, of Maple Hill, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 4, 2016. Rick was born on October 7, 1944 in Bayshore, Long Island to Robert and Emily (Hurlbut) Cross. His life legacy continues on through his loving wife, of 49 years, Linda (Needham) Cross of Maple Hill, NC, and his 4 children and their families; Tim Cross, fiancé Laura and grandson Dylan Cross, of Myrtle Beach, SC; Michal Hovak and her husband Adam and grandchildren Aiden and Madelyn of New Hartford, NY; Nathan Cross and his wife Laura and grandchildren Rachel, Matthew, Daniel and Brenden Richard of Maple Hill, NC; and Jason Cross of Maple Hill, NC. He is also survived by his siblings Robert (Linda) Cross Jr; Allen Cross; Maggie (Jeff) Mattice; Dorothy (Gus) Mueller; Gardner (Kim) Cross and brother in-law Al Needham. A graduate from Cobleskill High School in 1962, Rick met the love of his life Linda Needham while attending SUNY Oneonta where he received his BS in Geology in 1970. He and Linda married on August 27, 1966 after Rick’s honorable return from the US Army in 1966. They settled and raised their family in Sloansville, NY until 2010 when they relocated to Maple Hill, NC. Rick was known both personally and professionally for his quiet strength, integrity, honesty, professionalism and forthrightness. His sense of humor brought life to any situation. He is remembered by his children for his love and encouragement to achieve anything. He fostered the love of learning, inquisitive minds and to think things through while questioning everything. He always said there are “no stupid questions”. He loved being outdoors and using his numerous “big boy toys” to further improve his properties. He passed on this love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He was also known for his strong faith in God and his strong ties with Christian Community Church of Richlands, NC, Rock Road Chapel of Berne, NY and Schoharie Valley Gospel Church of Sloansville, NY. He lived by his favorite scripture verses, Proverbs 3:5-6. Rick had a long work history, with the New York State DOT and the NYS Thruway as a geologist. After his retirement in 1999 he continued working as a consultant for Golder Associates traveling all over the country. Rick was known for several publications and his association with the Highway Geological Symposium. His family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from his extended family at Christian Community Church and too many other people to name individually. They appreciate your visits, hugs, meals and particularly your prayers. A memorial and celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Christian Community Church, 732 Nine Mile Rd, Richlands, NC on July 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM. A second celebration will be held at Rock Road Chapel, 96 Rock Rd, Berne, NY on September 3, 2016 @1:00 PM. Rick made several mission trips to Haiti and had developed a deep love for the people of Haiti. On his last visit he helped build a school in the town of Thomazaux. In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made the Thomazaux Center for the Needy of Haiti, in care of Christian Community Church, 732 Nine Mile Rd, Richlands, NC 28574. Arrangements are in the care of Coastal Cremations. Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on "Share a Memory."

Mr. Richard Hurlbut Cross

October 7, 1944 - July 4, 2016