COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Happy memories and driving reminders of John Crean

As a close friend of John Crean’s for many years, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and tributes to this great man. His accomplishments are many, and his innovative and creative mind was active right up until the last days of his life.

What few may know is that the last several years he had teamed up with his daughter Susie and her husband, Steve Thomas, to bring to the marketplace a new RV concept that would once again change the face of the motor home industry. John said his goal was to build one more RV. It was going to be affordable and simple, just like the old days — but even better.

I was invited to be a part of his last dream as I drove him back and forth to Steve and Susie’s CT Coachworks plant in Riverside.

I witnessed the creative magic as they worked on this new-concept motor home — a motor home that would bring to the marketplace the first RV with full-sized appliances. No longer would RVs have to make do with pint-size kitchen appliances. Now all the real comforts of home would be available in a motor home.

Susie and Steve already had a successful business that required all of their time. Steve would “close up shop” at his plant, drive over to the new CT Coachwork plant and work through the entire night putting together the new-concept motor home.

With John’s health failing, everyone knew they were in a race with time. This summer the brand new Siena Motor Home made its debut to rave reviews. Previewed at RV shows around the country, the Siena is well on its way to realizing John’s last dream and revolutionizing the industry once again. We are all glad that he lived long enough to see the finished product and hear the accolades.

As we honor this great man and look back at the enormous accomplishments of his lifetime, I wanted to make sure that his last legacy, which motor home enthusiasts will enjoy for years to come, does not go unnoticed.

Through the love of his daughter and son-in-law, they made his last years productive and creative, no mater what health challenges he was facing.

As the new Siena motor homes hit dealerships across the country this year, more and more families will create wonderful memories in those coaches thanks to John Crean and Susie and Steve Thomas. I know I will smile every time I see one on the road as I remember my friend John and all those trips we made to Riverside.

a longtime Costa Mesa resident who recently moved to Huntington Beach, works as a Realtor in Costa Mesa. Routh’s father was one of Crean’s best friends and she grew up with the Crean family.