Robert « Bob » Arthur Crawford, affectionately known as “Mr. J.D.S.S.”, of Hanover, passed away peacefully at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound on Friday, September 7, 2018. He was 90 years of age.
Born in Amabel Township, Bruce County on October 20, 1927 to the late Ernest and Isabella (nee Fraser) Crawford. Bob had a great love of teaching. He truly was a staple at JDSS. He was admired by fellow colleagues and students alike. He would be seen around the halls of JDSS with a smile on his face and would interact with everyone. He also had a passionate faith in Jesus Christ that touched every aspect of his life. Bob’s other love was Millie, his wife of almost 65 years. They had a deep connection and love for each other.
Bob received a B.S.A. degree from Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph in 1950. He then went on to earn a Master’s degree in science from Michigan State University in 1951 and a teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Education in 1952. He taught high school science in Mitchell, Cooksville and Brampton before settling in at Hanover District High School in 1955, later to be renamed John Diefenbaker Secondary School. He logged 30 years there. He became Vice Principal in 1964 and then principal in 1967 until his retirement in 1985. After this, he worked with a developmentally disabled adult program for 5 years under the auspices of the Walkerton District Community Support Services.
Bob’s free time was devoted to his family above all, but there were many community needs, both practical and spiritual that filled his time as well. He was a dedicated Gideon, a long-serving member at Salem Evangelical United Brethren Church, Grace United Church and the Hanover Missionary Church in various capacities from the Food Grains Bank initiative to the outreach committee to teaching small group Bible studies. He also served as a member of the Neustadt Hillside Manor Board since its inception in 1991 and led Bible studies at the Hanover Care Centre since 1990. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Canadian Silver Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada “for worthy and devoted service to the field of education” in 1977.
Bob traveled overseas to Liberia in 1989-90 with a teaching team to upgrade Liberian secondary school teachers. He and Millie also served in Seoul, South Korea, for three months teaching English as a second language to missionary students at a Christian academy in 1996.
Survived by his dear wife and soul mate Mildred « Millie » (nee Grant) of Hanover. Proud father of Thomas (Teresa) Crawford of Meaford, Susan (Ike) Morinaga of Oakton, Virginia, John (Dagmar) Crawford of Goderich, Luanne (Richard) Hill of Winnipeg and Catharine Crawford (John Thompson) of Port Elgin. Bob always had a special way with children and loved to spend time with and encourage all of his 13 grand and 5 great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Eldred Crawford and sister Beulah Spencer.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Monday, September 10, 2018 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.
A Funeral Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Hanover Missionary Church, Hanover at 11 am. Interment in Hanover Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the The Gideons or to the charity of ones choice are appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Bob Crawford 2018.
Décès pour la Ville: Hanover, Province: Ontario
