Obituary of Jeffrey Alan Cruse

Jeff Cruse, resident of Watsonville, a well-known and respected local guitarist, passed into the next world on Friday, Apr.10, 2015, following complications from long-standing health problems. He touched many hearts and made numerous friends through his music, his great sense of humor and his willingness to be of help to others. He had a deep love for Native American history and culture, which resonated with his love for the ocean and all of God's creatures. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jeff later lived with his family for two years in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan, as well as several towns in northern California before settling in La Selva Beach. He attended Rio Del Mar Elementary, Aptos Junior High and Aptos High Schools. The Santa Cruz area remained his home throughout his life. The development of Jeff's musical talent began with guitar lessons in 7th grade; by 8th grade he had formed a band called Snowblind, playing Alvin Lee and Santana covers, and in high school a fusion band, Stratus, playing many original compositions. He graduated from GIT—the Guitar Institute of Technology—in Los Angeles and went on to play for numerous bands in the Santa Cruz area and beyond. His facility in the genres of rock, blues and country made him the "go to" player for such band leaders as Larry Hosford, Ginnie Mitchell, Annie Cody, Jay Lingo, Steve Griswold, Mary McCaslin, Steve Throop and bands such as the Blue Aces and Broadway Blues Band. His own band, the Blues Benders, was very popular on the local circuit as well. He also recorded in the studio with a number of local musicians. Departing this world much too soon, he leaves behind his mother Ann Miller and husband Brian; father Lile Cruse and wife Michele Rivard; sons Travis Cruse, Justin Cruse and step son Joseph Castillo; brothers Mark and Randy Cruse; niece and nephew Charlotte and Nicholas Cruse; and special friend Linda Ferguson-Goulett. Our deepest gratitude to all who have expressed their love and condolences. Perhaps if we listen closely we can still hear his shredding guitar solos from the next world! A graveside service was held on Saturday, Apr. 18th at the Oakwood Memorial Park on Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz. A memorial celebration & concert of Jeff's life and music will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 starting at 8 PM at Don Quixote's in Felton. Cover charge is $10.