Mr. Donald Clarke Crawford

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald C. Crawford at Shepherd’s Gardens (Retirement Home) in Edmonton, Alberta, early morning of Monday, June 26, 2023. Don was born January 23rd, 1926, in Spring Coulee, Alberta to parents Goldie (Clarke) and William Crawford who passed away at a very young age. Don was only 3 yrs old, the youngest of a family of 6 when the family moved to Lethbridge after Goldie married Jim Rollingson. Don is predeceased by his parents and siblings, his first wife Irene, and both sons, Jim and Bob. Don is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 41 years, Sal, daughter Diane (Beattie) of Calgary, and Sal’s children, Suzanne of Las Vegas, Michelle and Tom of Edmonton. He will also be greatly missed by his 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, extended family and friends. His earlier years of acquiring experience in home building with Beaver and Nelson Lumber in various positions gave him the knowledge to start a Homes Division with Beaver, and then with half ownership of Imperial Homes in Edmonton. The late 70’s saw him starting his own company, Crawford Homes in Aldersyde, close to High River/Calgary, in partnership with his 2 sons and son-in-law. From there, Don ventured into the International market supplying a large home to Kuwait (a palace). Following his first international success and after lengthy negotiations, home packages were shipped to Japan, which led to building a factory in Hokkaido, Japan with Don as President and consultant for over 10 years. In the early ‘90s he shipped home packages to Germany, Russia, built a factory in Poland, and a large apartment complex in China. After 20 years in the domestic and international panelized home building industry he retired from the daily rigors of ownership. However, even at 71 yrs of age he still maintained various successful entrepreneurial activities for several years later, domestically and abroad. Before and after his retirement, Don found joy with his wife Sal, traveling worldwide for business and pleasure achieving a substantial travel portfolio. Cruising in the Caribbean, a six week cruise/excursion in SE Asia and his numerous business trips to Japan were his most favorite and memorable. Among his interests were golf, fishing trips to the coast, large and small family/friend gatherings, and entertaining on his deck in all of his homes. Playing crib with kids and grandkids, hockey and football games, walks on his treadmill and reading the Calgary Herald daily from cover to cover were common activities in the Crawford home. Don was a generous, caring and hard working person. Inside all of us who knew him he leaves behind a portion of his vast work ethic and unparalleled approach to business and life, which served us all well. He was always generous with his time, whether it be business associates, friends, children or grandchildren. He especially loved having lengthy conversations with younger family members, always inquisitive of what they were doing in their business and personal lives. Don’s inquisitive mind, great sense of humor and any time spent with him sharing many treasured memories, photos, stories and laughter over the years will be greatly missed. A Graveside Service will take place at the Highwood Cemetery on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Don's Life will follow at the High River Royal Canadian Legion from 2:00PM-5:00PM. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Tributes

Mr. Donald Clarke Crawford

January 23, 1926 - June 26, 2023