Dr. John Richard (Dick) McCrum was born in 1920 in Edmonton. He completed his education in Edmonton, graduating from the University of Alberta Medical Faculty in 1945. After completing his military obligations, he joined Dr. Lyman Gamey at his practice in Sexsmith. He and his wife Betty, moved to Sexsmith in 1946. All five of their children were born in Sexsmith. Dr. McCrum was known for his expertise and excellent bedside manner. He was an enthusiastic curler, skier, and gardener. He and his wife served on the library board and helped develop the Anglican church. In the 1960s, Dr. McCrum was instrumental in building a community ski hill just north of town. Dr. McCrum left in 1969 and passed away in Edmonton on June 25th, 2008.
- Sexsmith Sentential, October 2008, p. 1-2