Family and friends say final goodbyes to former Raleigh City Council Member Thomas Crowder
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Songs, prayers, and warm remembrances marked a celebration of life ceremony Saturday for Thomas Crowder. The former Raleigh City Council Member was only 58 years old when he passed away Tuesday after a long battle with testicular cancer.
Those who knew him say he was a man who loved his city and the job he held on the city council for ten years.
"He served until the very end. I know the last few days of his life he was still trying to make sure certain issues were being addressed and taken care of," said family friend Cathy Hedberg.
Crowder announced back in August that he'd exhausted all treatment options for his cancer. At that point, he asked that his wife, Kay, would be appointed to finish the remainder of his term representing southwest Raleigh.
"He has grown up in this town, he loved this town, this neighborhood that his church is located in, the whole city of Raleigh," reiterated Hedberg.
In addition to the service that took place Saturday at the Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, there was also a visitation held Friday at the Duke Energy Center, attracting fellow political leaders such as Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane and Congressman David Price.
For his loved ones, the turnout was a testament to the work Crowder did and the life he led.
"I think it shows how many lives he's touched by how many people have shown up to pay their respects," Hedberg remarked.
