In Memoriam: Steven Crytser, 72

Chase International Banker for Two Decades

Steven Crytser, 72, passed away following an unexpected and rapid delicine in his battle with COPD on June 15, 2014, in South Carolina.

Steve led a life full of adventure that most of us can only imagine. He was a toddler with his mother in the jungles of the Philippines escaping the Japanese invasion during WWII and spent his teenage years in the Virgin Islands, prep school in Connecticut and International Christian University in Tokyo.

He went on to a 20+ year career with Chase Manhattan Bank (1965 – 1986), managing various overseas locations in Asia, Guam and the Middle East. He was also instrumental in evacuating Chase employees during the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam war.

Upon his return to the United States, Steve ventured into careers in the HVAC and commercial construction businesses before retiring. 
 
Raised on boats (his parents owned a yacht chartering business), he loved the ocean and sailed in many a major yachting race:  China Sea, Trans Pacific, to name but two. He won trophies galore. His interests were always connected somehow to the ocean, whether as a serious shell collector or as a boat designer.

Steve’s ashes were scattered in the ocean off the island of Edisto, SC, as the family sent him on one final sail.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, sons Morgan and Scott, and sister, Lynne.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Kent School.

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Anyone wishing to share a remembrance should send it to news@chasealum.org.

From Joe and Maureen McGinity: We’re very sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. We met Steve in Chase Guam and again in the Phillippines. He was an outstanding manager, great with staff and customers, and a credit to Chase. Steve was adventurous, and very good company. I can remember racing Steve in motorboats off the sunny beaches of Guam, occasionally sharing beers with him as we drove. I had the pleasure of meeting the Vietnamese staff of Chase Saigon when they arrived a Clark AFB in the Phillippines after Steve had somehow managed to get them a flight out shortly before the city fell to the Viet Cong.
Our condolences to Sue and the family.

From Hugh Balloch: Susan and I were saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the family.
     Steve and I became close friends at Chase Bahrain Saudi division from 1978-80 where we lived in a small compound of four houses (one was Steve’s) and six apartments (one was mine). We were drawn together as we were both bachelors and shared a love of sailing. Many nights were spent near the barbeque as Steve regaled his many exploits racing his Santana 20 in Guam and showing me his most amazing rare shell collection that he accumulated from over 500 dives in the south Pacific. He taught me to scuba dive in Hassan Mansouri’s pool; lent me his car when mine broke down and sold that somewhat derelict Alfa Romeo for me after I was transferred to London; and communicated regularly through his hysterical annual letters accompanying his Christmas cards.
     We miss him. 

From Tony Lord: Steve and I were neighbors in Singapore in the early 1970s. We were both blessed to live in two newly constructed "mansions" located on Ridout Road. He, his then wife, Anne, and Morgan, their young baby, were delightful neighbors and friends. Steve was one of those characters who was always fun to be around – with a glint in his eye and an easy laugh.
     Many years later, I was in Cairo on business for HSBC and was invited for dinner at the home he shared with the lovely Sue. To my great surprise, Steve sent his car to pick me up at my hotel, and when the door opened, who should be sitting in the car but the infamous and greatly loved Peter Bailey. Peter was in Cairo to introduce part of the CMB Global Credit Program to the up-and-coming Egyptian officers. I clearly remember the evening as being full of fun, and a lot of "do you remembers".
      Steve was always a hoot, and was someone you (a) always wanted to have as a guest at a party, and (b) always wanted to be working with you, as he had a great feel for people and was someone everyone wanted to be around.
      My sympathy to Sue, Morgan and the family – he will be missed. 

From Carol and Bert Habgood: Great professional and personal friend who for many years was our Saturday or Sunday wake-up call in the States when he was based in the Middle East.  Spent many hot hours with Steve traveling, meeting with investment prospects and then clients in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan. When Sue joined him in Bahrain, she was manager of the Intercontinental Hotel (with her prior Pan Am experience). They always took me to or suggested the best local restaurants wherever they were located. He was the only friend who, after lots of cocktails at our home, walked through a coffee table and backed into a 150-foot oak tree that was 3 ½ feet in diameter in our driveway when he was courting Sue.
     Without question he had the greatest seashell collection outside of a leading museum. Sand tables plus drawers upon drawers and shelves full of spectacular specimens collected from many seas and oceans – overwhelming!
     Back in the States Steve always wanted to get a boat and go back to his beloved sea again. This was especially evident when we last met at Christmastime in Las Vegas.<
     Our sympathies and condolences to Sue, Morgan and Scott.