Mr. Harold Crawford

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Crawford on May 24th, 2012 at the age of 94.

Harold was born in Winnipeg Manitoba on September 25, 1917. Remaining to forever cherish his memory are his two daughters Colleen Jessiman (Duncan), Kelly-Ann Crawford (Neil Stern), as well as his grandchildren Duncan (Tressa), Patrick (Alexis), Shauna (Dave), Justin and Colin, Lindsay (Marc), and Jordan as well as his great grandchildren Aisha, Sofina, Draeson and Elissa. He will also be dearly missed by his sisters Toots(Nellie), May, Maureen and Joan as well as countless nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret (Hendry) who was the light of his life and his “beauty queen”. Harold and Margaret were long term members of Norwood United Church.

Harold enlisted in the Navy during the war and went east for training but was called back to Winnipeg to help his father at Crawford's Garage as it was deemed a necessary service to keep the vehicles of St Boniface moving in support of the war effort.

Harold spent his entire working career at Crawford's Garage at first helping his father and latterly as an owner with his brother-in-law, Bert Pariseau. They built it into one of the largest operations in Winnipeg and it had an enviable reputation for its service, quality work and fair dealing. The business was sold in 1976, at which time he took on the job of looking after his wife until her passing in August 2007. Subsequent to her passing Harold moved into The Seine Seniors Residence where he made many friends and spent time socializing with the staff and residents.

In his youth he was a good (so he told everyone) baseball player and later in life he and Margaret enjoyed participating in mixed curling at the Heather. Harold and Margaret enjoyed countless trips all over the world. They also shared many fond memories of their time spent in Phoenix and Palm Springs in the winters and at their cottages at both White Lake and Falcon Lake. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren teaching them many things. He was the “best” handyman, and loved to help all with home renovation projects and assist in fixing our cars and boats. He took special pride in helping with the restoration and ongoing operation of the Shauna Dawn, an 18ft 1946 Chris Craft runabout.

He was a charmer, and was known for having his comb in one pocket and his trusty Swiss army knife in the other. Those two items prepared him for whatever may come his way. Always in good spirits, Harold bestowed love, kindness (and probably a Werther’s candy) on all that had the great pleasure of meeting him.

Harold was a proud man who lived with integrity and honor. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything. He was affectionately known as “H” or Big ”H” to his grandchildren. His wife Margaret was his “honey” and his true soul mate. Their love for one another was an inspiration to all who knew them. His heart never completely healed upon her passing. He spent years lovingly helping Margaret through her struggles with Multiple Sclerosis. When she passed he not only lost his true love but his full time post as her right hand man.

He found a place in the heart of all that had the great pleasure of meeting him. He had a heart of gold. He was an inspiration to us all on so many levels. Somehow we wonder if we will ever be able to follow in his footsteps.

We cannot express the pain we feel at losing our father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. But in our hearts we know he is now with the true love of his life: Margaret. He is at peace and is no longer in pain or suffering.

We will never stop loving him and will continue to miss him forever…………….

Till we meet again Dad! We love you! Give our love to Grandma!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MS Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

A Sad Day on Earth, a Happy Day in Heaven!

A memorial service for Harold will be held at Green Acres Funeral Home on Friday June 1st, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow.