Final Salute

The Rev. Richard Alan Crist, 89, died September 29, 2024, in Lake Forest, IL.

He was born May 12, 1935, to the late Ralph and Ivy Crist and was raised in Chicago. Richard married Mary Baldwin on September 5, 1959, just a few months before he was ordained an Episcopal priest. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, and was deployed to Vietnam as a chaplain, also serving the Marines; later, as a reservist, he served with the Navy Seabees. Richard and Mary had three children and together created a unique family life filled with church activities, travel, outings, books and games. Richard was a role model to his children, demonstrating faith, patience, love and support at all times.

Richard spent more than thirty years as the rector of St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Prospect Heights, Illinois. At St. Hilary’s Church, Richard was a popular youth minister and with energy and humor helped many young people encounter Jesus. After retirement, Richard served at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Lake Villa, Illinois and other churches as an interim rector.

For many years Richard led the Words of Blessing ministry, which supported the prophetic gift of his wife Mary. Richard was a faithful priest who was a shepherd to many.

The interests, talents and hobbies of Richard were numerous but included model trains, military history, Mississippi River boats, travel, fine wine, cuisine, hobby fire trucks, ancestry, and British television programs. He enjoyed camping and boating with Mary at their vacation home at Woodhaven Lakes.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Elisabeth Crist and Cathy (Crist) Mack (both of Grayslake, IL); son-in-law, Greg Mack; grandchildren, Sarah (Charlie Salto), Grace, Annie (Alex Zuniga), Philip and Charlie. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Luke, James, Theadora and Aiden. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his son, Timothy; siblings, Beverly Foort and Donald Crist.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 (All Souls Day), at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048. There will be a Celebration of Life luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Mickey Finn’s, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave,, Libertyville, IL 60048.

In memory of his wife, Mary, donations may be shared with the Alzheimer’s Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.