Edward “Monte” Crisp
PHOENIX – Edward “Monte” Crisp passed away on September 27, 2018, surrounded by his family. Monte was born in 1949 in Scotia, California, the eldest son of Nellie “Toodie” Rose Finnegan and Wilburn Carl Crisp. He spent his childhood in California, his teens and twenties in Colorado, then settled down to build his life in Phoenix, Arizona.
He attended Western State Colorado University in Gunnison and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi and dedicated his life to building small businesses.
After getting his start in the elevator industry, Monte purchased the small Phoenix-based company Arizona Air Compressor. In three decades at the helm, he and his partner Pat Warnock expanded to multiple locations and entities, while also starting a vacation rental company in Rocky Point, Mexico. Monte was proud to see his life’s work continue at Arizona Air Compressor when he handed over the keys earlier this year to trusted friends and employees.
Monte was an avid outdoorsman. His hobbies included traveling, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting and anything else that involved a sleeping bag and a good story. He loved nothing more than sharing laughs with family and friends. He was an epic joke teller who often laughed while repeating the punchline.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Wilburn and Nellie, along with his long-time business partner and friend Pat Warnock.
He is survived by his daughters Erin Fries and Chelsey Crisp, grandchildren Marlee, Avery, Grayson and grandson on the way, brother Stephen Crisp, sister Lynda (Crisp) Ramage, sons-in-law Jeff Fries and Rhett Reese, sisterin-law Tracey Crisp and brother-in-law Jeff Ramage. As a mentor to many in the Crisp and Finnegan families, he leaves his legacy behind in dozens of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held overlooking the golf course at Red’s in Litchfield Park at 1pm on October 21st. (451 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340). In honor of Monte, Hawaiian shirt attire and great stories are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project. Visit www.hccfh.org for online condolences. A memorial service will take place next spring in Norwood, Colorado.