Critchlow

Joshua Dean Critchlow, 26, of Harrisville went home to be with the Lord Wedn-esday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Josh had fought a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis his entire life and had undergone a double lung transplant last year. Through it all, he never let his illness keep him from living life to the fullest.

Josh was born Feb. 27, 1981, in Grove City, a son of Paul J. Sr. and Sandra L. Henry Critchlow of Harrisville.

He was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School and the Butler Area Vo-Tech Class of 2000.

His involvement with the Harrisville area EMS and fire agencies was a lifelong passion. Josh became a firefighter with the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department at 17 years of age.

His career of helping people and saving lives as an emergency medical technician/emergency medical dispatcher began with the Grove City Rescue Squad prior to his employment with Superior Ambulance. Josh was one of the original strike team members of the PA Bureau of EMS /EMMCO West regional strike team, as well as an original member of the Superior Ambulance Special Emergency Response Team.

He was a member of the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatchers.

Josh was an inspiration to his fellow EMS and firefighters of the area. He also never knew the word "no." A close friend of his recalls a training session at the Butler County Fire School. Without fear of triggering respiratory distress from the smoky conditions, Josh was first on the nozzle for the first training burn they did.

He was a former member of the Millbrook 4-H Dairy Club and a member of the Harrisville United Methodist Church.

He loved being in the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.

He leaves, in addition to his beloved parents, Paul J. Sr. and Sandra L Henry Critchlow, two brothers. Paul Critchlow Jr. and his wife, Marla Smith and Jonathan D Critchlow, all of Harrisville; a sister, Amanda Critchlow of Harrisville; two nieces, Faith Bonzo and Ila Critchlow; and his maternal grandmother, Carole Henry of Prospect. He also leaves numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and countless friends.

Josh was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dallas E Henry; his paternal grandparents, Dean and Velma Critchlow; and two uncles.

<B>CRITCHLOW </B>— Visitation for Joshua Dean Critchlow, who died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007, will take place from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Harrisville United Methodist Church.A EMS memorial service will conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday by Superior Ambulance.Funeral services will immediately follow with Josh's pastor, the Rev. William E. Hastings, officiating.Burial will follow in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.The family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made, if desired, in Josh's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 810 River Road, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; or the Harrisville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 424, Harrisville, PA 16038.The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the<B> Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services</B>, Monaca.