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RONALD CRAWFORD

December 30, 2010

Ronald Crawford

April 12, 1927 - December 30, 2010

Ronald Crawford passed away with his loving family by his side following a brief but hard-fought battle with lymphoma. Ron excelled at many sports and was an accomplished golfer who shot his first hole-in-one at the age of 20. During his youth Ron worked at various jobs – a regular ‘Ron-of-all-trades’. He was a rink rat at the Forum, worked in the Vancouver Post Office, the Princeton Brewery, the dining car of the CPR Vancouver-Banff route; he also delivered ice and planted every 3rd telephone pole along the Hope-Princeton Highway.

Ron attended Normal School to become a teacher, although those who knew him know he was far from ‘normal’. He taught elementary and secondary school in Princeton and Coquitlam and became a beloved principal as well as a mentor to his students, young teachers and future principals. He organized kite-flying competitions, sports days, original school concerts, staff parties and bonspiels, invented the infamous ‘jelly-bean tree’, pioneered the Open Area for teaching and with the help of the parents of James Park built the first adventure playground in the Coquitlam School District. It was while working as the Principal at James Park that his life changed forever; a beautiful, charming young woman in a miniskirt caught his eye and stole his heart. Together, Ron and Mo raised 4 children in an “A” frame house that they built on Silver Valley Road in Maple Ridge. Mo always told people that as a husband, Ron was ‘almost perfect’; his only faults being his inability to find the milk in the fridge and to hang up his coat. His last words to his children, whether on the phone or when they were leaving the house, were always “Remember I love you.”

His last twelve years were spent in Summerland where his quiet character positively affected those around him. Blessed with talented hands, he played the piano in a style all his own; to this day, “It’s a small world” is remembered as his signature song. His woodworking creations brought joy to kids and adults alike and could be found at the Summerland craft market and in the Carrot Top restaurant. Ron enjoyed lazy summer afternoons in the back yard while sharing his favourite drink of rye & coke with friends.

Ron developed a life-long love of wood-paneled station wagons, owning at least 13 over the years, but his crowning achievement was purchasing his burgundy 1994 Buick Roadmaster in which he could be seen cruising the streets of Summerland. “A true classic,” he used to say.

With the usual greeting “Hello there!” Ron was the constant communicator. He called friends near and far to report on family affairs and Summerland weather. His conversations always ended with an affectionate remark and a gentle ‘bye for now’. Ron inspired and encouraged his family and friends and most importantly, he remained a true gentleman and friend.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Mo (Maureen), and his children Kathleen and Kevin Crawford, Dawn Koeppel, Wesley Crawford, Ronnie Crawford (Kim), and Mosie Nicholson (Don). Ron was also adored by his grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Amelia and Isla. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm in the St. Stephens Church Hall in Summerland. Condolences may be sent to the family through his wife Maureen Crawford, 5517 Butler Street, Summerland V0H 1Z1. Email: ronandmo@shaw.ca



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