07-05-2025
Former Idaho legislator Carl Crabtree dies after brain cancer diagnosis
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The late Sen. Carl Crabtree, R-Grangeville, works from the Idaho Senate floor at the Statehouse in Boise on Jan. 17, 2022 in this file photo. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)
Carl Crabtree, a rancher and former member of the Idaho Legislature who was known for his support of students and public schools, died Tuesday following a battle with brain cancer, state officials said.
Crabtree, a Republican from Grangeville, served in the Idaho Senate from 2016 to 2022.
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During his tenure in the Idaho Legislature, Crabtree supported literary instruction initiatives and pushed to make kindergarten available all day, not just as a half-day class.
During his final legislative session in 2022, Crabtree co-sponsored House Bill 731, a law that spells out requirements to screen Idaho students for dyslexia and provides dyslexia professional development training for educators. House Bill 731 received bipartisan support, passed both chambers of the Idaho Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little on March 23, 2022.
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield announced Crabtree's death in social media posts Tuesday night and issued a press release mourning Crabtree on Wednesday.
'Today, I lost one of my dearest friends and Idaho lost a true champion,' Critchfield wrote. 'Carl Crabtree was more than a colleague — he was a cowboy at heart, a fierce advocate for education and a man whose integrity shaped everything he touched. Carl's passion for serving Idaho's students and families never wavered, even in the face of his personal battle with cancer. From his work championing early literacy and dyslexia resources to his tireless efforts supporting educators, Carl's legacy will live on in the lives he changed.'
Former Idaho legislator was a 'Friend of Education' award recipient
The Idaho School Boards Association honored Crabtree in 2022 with its 'Friend of Education' award, and in 2023 Lewis-Clark State College honored Crabtree with its 'President's Medallion' award.
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After he was defeated in the 2022 Republican primary election, Crabtree worked for the Idaho Department of Education as director of intergovernmental affairs.
Before serving in the Idaho Legislature, Crabtree worked as a rancher, an extension agent for the University of Idaho, oversaw local 4-H programs in his community for decades and was active with several cattle organizations.
Before his recent battle with brain cancer, Crabtree had beaten esophageal cancer following a 2022 diagnosis, officials said
'Carl was one of the most genuine, hardworking and kind-hearted people I've ever known,' Critchfield wrote. 'He was a cowboy through and through — steadfast, loyal and full of grit. While I mourn the passing of my dear friend, I am deeply grateful for the time we shared.'
Information about memorial services was not immediately available Wednesday.
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