Timothy Richard Crawford

It is with great sadness that our family announce the passing of Timothy Richard Crawford on December 16th, 2025, after a long battle with multiple health issues. Tim waged a courageous and stoic fight with each challenge he faced, supported by his wife, family, friends and the many incredible medical professionals involved in his care over two decades.

Tim was born, the oldest of 5 children, on December 17th, 1953 in Lansing MI to Richard and Julia Crawford. After graduation from Grand Ledge High School, Tim joined the Navy in 1972 where he served on the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam conflict in nuclear power plant and electrical operations and later on the newly commissioned USS Texas. Maintaining his Master Electrician License throughout his life, Tim’s hunger for knowledge would see him also expand his career and licensure into Contracting, HVAC, Boiler Operator, NICET certification for Fire, Security, along with CCTV, programming and automation. Tim was especially skilled in his many project management roles were the compilation of this knowledge he possessed allowed him to better see the big picture of any job he worked on. And, Tim really did love sharing this knowledge with anyone who wanted to listen and learn. Throughout his working career, with many long days and nights, Tim pursued the one thing he always really wanted. In 2013, with great pride, Tim earned his Bachelor of Science degree.

But health would force Tim to retire from his career path earlier than he anticipated. It did not, however, take away his desire to help others as his health would allow him. Together with his wife, Tim became active in rescuing, rehabbing, and rehoming dogs with Capital Area Humane Society, and long term with Animal Placement Bureau. This new path would bring Tim joy to, not only help the dogs he fostered, but the people he met along the way. He could be found mending a fence or gate so a newly adopted dog was secure and then fixing a light switch at the home while he was there. The dogs brought Tim much needed laughter and, in turn, he made them feel less scared about life. They were all drawn to Tim’s calm, gentle nature and to find him with 5-6 dogs in his lap at one time, was completely the norm.

Tim leaves behind his wife and love of 25 years, Paula, Son, Daniel Crawford, two bonus Daughters, Amanda Bergstrom (Tyler), and Ericka Baer and two bonus Grand Daughters Amelia and Emmalyn Bergstrom. He is also survived by two Sisters, Catherine Crawford and Patricia Crawford, Brother Thomas Crawford (Teri) and niece, Taylor Crawford. Tim is preceded in death by his Father, Richard Crawford, Mother, Julia Crawford and youngest Brother Douglas Crawford. He also leaves behind three Aunts, two Uncles, many cousins, so many friends and “framily”, and lastly, his very sad little dog, Niblett.

As time moves on, we will yearn for and also celebrate, the kind, patient, generous, and incredibly funny man that was Tim. We are bereaved, but also fondly remember, the intelligent, creative, innovative problem solver with the “make it happen” attitude that was Tim. The pain of loss we feel in this moment is a testament to the connection and deep love we all had for him. So, for now, we will allow ourselves to mourn Tim’s absence. And, with time, we trust that we will find solace and joy in the many beautiful ways Tim touched each of our lives.

Tim found his happiness in the simpler things in life. And it was his desire to carry that into his final wishes. There will be a graveside service for immediate family in the Spring of 2026 and a celebration of his life, open to family and friends after, with date/location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations in memory of Tim be made to the Rescue that he loved, Animal Placement Bureau or National Kidney Foundation.

(The direct links for memorial donations are located below this web page under the "Donations" tab).