Bing Crosby

Edmond “Bing” Crosby III: restauranteur, story teller, Native American art dealer, a team roping cowboy with a knack for trouble and a heart of gold. He was an authority in all things American Indian. In short: a legend. Bing passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on January 4, 2019 due to complications from a stroke.

Bing was born in McAlester, OK. His love affair with Native American art began at just 15 years old when he worked in his family’s restaurants trading hamburgers for pottery and jewelry. That jewelry made its way into suitcases, which he packed up and took on the road. He’d visit numerous customers across the country, often taking the artists along with him. But as any true road warrior knows, the road comes with both obstacles and opportunities. In Bing’s case, when faced with a road block, he simply took to the skies. His turquoise was airborne. Bing was in the wholesale and manufacturing industry of Native American jewelry before touching down in Park City. He and his wife, Vickie, opened The Crosby Collection in 1990 which is still open to this day. Until recently, Bing worked six days a week, always accompanied by a four-legged friend.

Bingo, as many friends fondly called him, was larger than life. He was a consummate gentleman – a man who even in illness, still opened doors for his beautiful wife. A man who’d deliver a one liner that could make a room roar and in the same breath, envelope you in a wonderfully detailed origin story about his favorite pueblo potter. If you knew Bing, then you knew about his “colorful” vocabulary. The kind that could make a sailor blush. But that was him – unapologetically authentic. A true American original.

If you were lucky enough to call Bing a friend, then you probably have a funny Bing story. It’s just the way he was, and he was proud of it. Bing’s legacy can never be forgotten because it exists in those stories and in all of our hearts.

Bing was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Edmond Crosby II; his son, Matthew Crosby; and his beloved Krozdog. Survivors include his loving wife, Vickie of Park City, UT; his sons, David (Connie) Crosby of Albuquerque, NM and Chris (Heather) Crosby of Oklahoma; his constant companion, Lander Blu; grandsons, Cody Crosby and Clay Crosby of Albuquerque; and granddaughter, Cheyenne (Maverick) Thatcher of England; and great-grandson, Tenor Thatcher.

Thanks to the wonderful staff and the facility at Elk Meadows who loved and took care of Bing and his family.

Friends may visit on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Services will be held Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., both at FRENCH – Wyoming. WEAR TURQUOISE!!!

Pallbearers will be Cody Crosby, Clay Crosby, Keith Wallace, Ernie Fralie, Devon Pilney, Bryn Pilney, Wayne Berger, Kevin Yeager and Tyler Stoddard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Benny Aldrich, Gary Gordon, Don Swaby, Don Shoemaker, Robert Casey and Jack Whitaker.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in Bing’s name to Nuzzles and Company. Donate online at www.nuzzlesandco.org or via mail: 6699 N Landmark Dr, Suite B-103C, Park City, UT 84098.