We mentioned the passing of Paul Cribb in our January/ February issue. Just a few months after his death, his wife Hildy passed away. Paul and Hildy “loved” being a part of the 55+ Club and were included as founding members who worked very hard to build this club. Paul and Hildy were in charge of the Thursday card group, which was quite large back in the day, and Hildy taught many how to play Wild Canasta. Several members are still playing this game at Wednesday Evening cards. Paul was instrumental in starting our bingo group. He was lucky enough to receive the bingo machine from Holy
Name of Jesus when they closed their bingo and he babied that machine and fixed it many times and it still runs today! He would be very proud to know that the 55+ Club has the funds to purchase a new machine that will be used when bingo starts back up after the Civic Center renovations. Besides everything mentioned above, every Christmas Paul and Hildy would dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus and entertain club members during the club’s holiday party in December. They would come in early the morning of the luncheon and sit in the David R. Schechter Community Center lobby and welcome little children to visit, take pictures and of course tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas!
Paul and Hildy’s children were very proud of their parent’s involvement with the 55+ Club and knew what the club meant to them. To show their gratitude for the many years of happiness the 55+ Club gave to Paul & Hildy, they asked donations to be made in their parent’s name to the 55+ Club in lieu of flowers. In March of this year our club president received a donation of $6,000.00 for the 55+ Club in memory of their parents Paul and Hildy Cribb from all three of the Cribb’s children.
We were understandably shocked by this unexpected gift, but also humbled to be so generously remembered by such a loving and giving family. This donation is tucked safely in the club bank account waiting for the opportunity to use portions of it at proper times. We are still mulling over ideas how to best distribute this generous donation. There are many members who remember Paul and Hildy Cribb and perhaps would like to send a note to their children. If you so desire, please contact Louise Stevenson at 321/202-7337 or [email protected] for an address.