Troy Watts Crosland

Troy Watts Crosland, left this world in the early morning of March 25th, 2024, at the age of 51.  He was a husband to one, son of two, father of three, brother to nine, and friend to countless. His strong spirit, capable hands, unique mind, and (self described) ruggedly handsome face will be greatly missed.

Troy was born on the first day of spring, March 20th of 1973, to Blaine and Jan Crosland in Delta, Utah. Troy took great pride in his family, blessed with exceptional parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins and of course, brothers and sisters.

As an unassuming, vibrant young boy, Troy did all the things a young boy should, explore nature, create inventions, and delight in getting his hands dirty. Growing up in Green River, Wyoming, he would hunt anything: lizards; snakes; frogs; fish; whatever creature he could find. He would spear-tip riling the neighborhood boys to go up to the backyard hills to catch lizards, all the while what he was really looking for was rattlesnakes. Troy and his brothers even built a raft and floated down the Green River, a story he often retold with nostalgic pleasure. From hunting to building forts to playing ball, Troy would proudly claim one of the best childhoods one could have. 

Troy’s family moved to Kemmerer, Wyoming in time for his high school years. He quickly learned to love Kemmerer, becoming a strong football, basketball and track athlete. Kemmerer loved Troy too, voting him both homecoming and prom king. Heavily involved in Boy Scouts, Troy was always proud to have earned his Eagle, the highest rank attainable in the scouts program and one of the most prestigious awards someone under 18 can obtain.

Kemmerer was also where Troy’s father helped him to graduate from hunting lizards to deer and elk. They would spend many successful summers here together hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, and, lets not forget, chopping wood. Troy proudly testified that the value of hard work and diligence was thoroughly instilled in him by his father.

Clearly Troy’s hard work pleased his dad as, after graduating highschool in 1991, Troy began working for him at Thermal West. He was punctual, and diligent. Troy liked working, and he also liked earning money. Or maybe he liked the new toys that money could buy. ‘If you’re not making money, you’re spending money.’ as Troy would say. But Troy wouldn’t just spend haphazardly. He did his research and was sure what he was buying was the best. No matter the hobby (or his individual skill for that matter), Troy’s toys were always the best.

It wasn’t all self indulgent splurging. Troy also worked hard and saved up to be able to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to the Land Down Under, Australia, and it must have been fate as this is where Troy was able to meet one of his greatest friends, Alan Cornwell. Alan of course was to be the one who would first introduce Troy to the love of his life, his Sweetpea, Amy. 

Troy and Amy were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on October 27, 1995. Together they would have 3 amazing children : Jill, Matt & Jenna, of whom Troy could not be more proud. 

The name Troy has two complementary origin stories, one being from an Irish phrase meaning “footsoldier” and the other being from the ancient city and site of the legendary Trojan war. Either way, the name is well fitting with Troy’s strength, passion, and readiness to defend his family and his values. Troy often said “I’m not very smart, but I can lift heavy things”. This was clearly humble hyperbole as after returning from his mission, Troy became enrolled in a nursing program at Utah Valley University.

Troy devoted over 25 years to his broad career as a nurse, assuming various roles and leading his family to numerous locations throughout his journey. After graduating from UVU, Troy’s first position as an RN was at Intermountain Health at Utah Valley Hospital Neuro Trauma Rehabilitation Center and he continued on to several other nursing jobs around Utah: Utah Co. Health Department, Utah State Hospital (as Nursing Director); Fillmore Community Hospital ER; St. George Regional Neuro Rehabilitation Center; 47 flights as fixed wing transport as ICU/Flight Nurse; The Queen's Medical Center in the Cardiac ICU in Oʻahu, Hawaii; and most recently, Red Cliffs Health and Rehabilitation as Director of Nurses. It was at Red Cliff’s where Troy was able to find a fitting environment for his son, Matt, to start work, carrying on the tradition started by Troy's father many years prior. Allinall, Troy spent more than three decades of his life serving others whether it was through his service in the church or his compassionate care as a nurse. He was a caregiver and the needs of others were his indiscriminant priority. It was more than a job for Troy. Whether it be someone suffering from an accident or a patient at the end of their life Troy offered them more than just care. He gave humanity, empathy, and friendship. 

As aforementioned, Troy lived a rich and fulfilling life with many hobbies and adventures. During his season as a cowboy, Troy and his family lived in a historic house built in 1871. They endured the Fillmore Utah air-conditioners-less summer heat and braved the frigid winters with only a wood burning stove to keep warm. But they had horses, mules and a beloved donkey, Sophi. Troy was especially fond of the mules. He rode all over Central Utah, and truly felt like his grandpa Watts.  

In Hawaii, Troy fully dove head first into the ocean lifestyle, immersing himself in new hobbies such as surfing and scuba diving.

Troy was an avid music fan. Amongst his toys included many great guitars, on which he would practice the same old riff to perfection. His fantastic vintage record collection serves as a testament to his appreciation for the lost art of experiencing a classic album on vinyl.

In St. George, Troy embraced his newest hobbies of canyoneering and rafting alongside his close friend Steve Wallenfels.  Troy and Steve embarked on two different 7 day river raft adventures. The first being the Grand Canyon with Troy’s eldest daughter Jill and second, Desolation Canyon with Matt and Jenna. Additionally, they enjoyed multiple runs down Westwater, near Moab. With ropes, harnesses, and an indifference to heights, Troy, Matt and Jenna explored nearly all the major canyons in Zion National Park and the areas surrounding St. George.

Troy wasn’t only an adventurer, he was also a story teller. He could make afternoon laying in the grass seem like an escapade through the Amazon. His praises of this world balanced with his brand of no-bullshit cynicism always seemed to find an original way to the sweet spot. 

While living in the Fillmore townhouse, Troy read Where Red Fern Grows to the family, laying together on the couch or in one of the kids’ bedrooms. When they reached the end of the book, they made a special event of watching the movie adaptation together. The Crosland family surely enjoyed the classics. Especially Seinfeld. That’s a classic right? “U Bet”, a Troyism iconic enough for his own light blue VW Rabbit’s vanity plates.

On the topic of cars, Troy relished “hitting the pavement” and going for drives. Troy and Brian Ashcroft would go out often. He’d call early in the morning and they’d be gone for hours, exploring nature, new developments, or just shooting the breeze. Brian would surely testify to the fact that, after a long drive with Troy, you would be left with enough knowledge, opinions, and wisdom to contemplate for many weeks to come. Moreover, you'd depart with reassurance of having a true friend in Troy.

Troy's approach to fatherhood epitomizes a beautiful fusion of timeless conservative values and innovative, forward-looking perspectives. He navigated the challenges of parenting with humility, never claiming to have all the answers or striving for perfection. Instead, he offered a steady hand of guidance, blending the wisdom of generations past with a keen eye toward the future, and brutal honesty exposing the world for all its truths. Troy's unconventional guidance enabled his three children to be equipped with a rare depth of understanding and resilience, a gift they will grow to appreciate more and more with time. 

Troy is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Amy Crosland, two daughters: Jill and Jenna; son: Matt; mother: Jan, (Blaine-Deceased); brothers: Travis, Ben, Bryan, David (Kristin), Spencer (Jan), Marshall (Katie); sisters: Darcell (Wade), Leslee, and Lynzee; many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Troy is preceded in death by his father, Blaine.

A public visitation will begin at 9:30 AM followed by the funeral services 11:00 AM, Friday, March 29, 2024 at the LDS Church building 1762 S River Rd, St. George, Utah. Digital viewing will also be available at the provided web link: https://zoom.us/j/98888105084