John Crawford

It is with great sadness that the Crawford family announces the passing of John CRAWFORD on January 12, 2016 in the presence of family members at the Victoria General Hospital as a result of illness and Lung Cancer. John was aged 89 years.

John was born in Kisbey, Saskatchewan on July 30, 1926 to Irish parents and was one of 11 children. In his early years he worked on the farm. In WWII he served with the Regina Rifles in England in 1943 and was prevented from going into Fortress Europe when an older sister informed the Canadian Army that he was only 16 years old. Following the WWII John went into the PPCLI serving in both the 1st and 3rd Battalions where he saw action in Korea 1950-1953, served with the 1st Battalion in Hemer, West Germany in 1956-59 and 1963-66. He also participated on United Nations duties in the Middle East and Cypress before retiring at the rank of Master Warrant Officer in December 1978 at CFB Esquimalt. John was a member of the Heritage Unit of the Korea Veterans and PPCLI Associations and the Royal Canadian Legion – Esquimalt Dockyard Branch.

Post-military, John worked with the Sergeant At Arms staff and as a messenger at the BC Legislature for several years.

John is survived by 4 brothers and his wife, Lorraine Margaret (Smith) of 65 years and 3 sons, Kevin, John and Jim and their respective families living in Victoria, BC. John was an awesome grandparent.

A private family service and cremation are planned in Victoria January 18 – 22, 2016.

Donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society in his memory.