In Memory of

Allan

Edwin

Crawford

Obituary for Allan Edwin Crawford

ALLAN EDWIN CRAWFORD 1928 - 2019
Allan passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, on Sunday December 22nd, 2019, at the age of 91.
Eldest child of Dr. Edwin Minter Crawford and Rachel Evangeline Woods, Allan was born in Montreal on September 6, 1928. He leaves to mourn his children Michael (Peggy), David (Jane), Marilyn (Shaun) and Laurel (Cory) along with 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Ian (Fran) and his sister Jean Oliver.
Growing up, Allan developed an interest in Agriculture, and obtained his BSc (Ag) from MacDonald College. It was during these years that he met Elizabeth Gardner, who he’d marry after completing his MSc (Ag) from Michigan State University. He and Elizabeth would spend the next 67 years together, until Elizabeth’s passing in October 2019.
Allan’s career began at Continental Can, then moved to Griffith Laboratories, where he retired after 32 years as VP Sales & Marketing, Kelly Robert’s Division.
Allan had many passions, and was a true leader. While at MacDonald College, he was Student Union President, and when Elizabeth was diagnosed with Parkinsons, he began attending the local chapter meetings, then volunteered to lead them.
He loved to read, and had a vast knowledge of history – a highlight being the time he shook hands with British Prime Minister MacMillan and Winston Churchill. Not even the Book of the Month Club could keep up with the number of books he would read each month.
He loved to ski, and was involved in the start-up of the Caledon Ski Club. He wanted to share this passion with others, so he enrolled all his children in ski lessons, and could be seen at the club every weekend. He truly loved skiing with his family and his many Caledon friends. He was so enthusiastic about skiing and sharing it with others that he became a ski instructor after he retired. He was able to ski well into 70’s, and even put off knee surgery so he could get in “just one more season”!!
Allan loved to golf, and was a member of the Credit Valley Golf Club. A regular on the course, he was ever in search of the elusive hole-in-one. Later, he would volunteer as a course marshal at Credit Valley and the Canadian Open.
Allan wanted to lead by example, whether as an elder in the church, or at work. He was a mentor to many, and would volunteer wherever help was needed: working at the annual church functions and maintenance projects at the church, Allan could be counted on to take charge, and lend a hand.
Whether Allan was your father, grandfather, uncle, colleague or friend, we will all miss his comradery, wisdom, insight, perspective, sense of humor and inspiration.
The family would like to thank Silverthorn Care Community of Erin Mills for their efforts in making Allan comfortable and their continued loving support.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church, Port Credit, ON on January 11, 2020 at 11:30am.