Harold J. Crawford, 84, of Moncton, passed away peacefully at
the K.E. Spencer Memorial Home, where he resided, on Saturday,
December 10, 2022. Born in Moncton, he was the son of the
late Everett and Margaret (Johnston) Crawford.
Harold was a proud graduate of Oulton’s Business
College in 1957 and later went on to earn his Accredited Certification
with the Appraisal Institute of Canada in 1975. He was
honoured to work with CN Railway his entire career and gave 35 years
of service, mostly with CN Real Estate Division. In 1958,
Harold married the love of his life, Grace Richardson (passed away in
2016) and together, they lovingly raised their busy family in
Moncton. He was a devoted and proud father always, troubled
only by the loss of his dear son Doug in 1975. Harold will
be missed by his children Susan of Moncton; Nancy (Bruce) of Aurora,
ON; Janet (David) of Coldbrook, NS and Peter (Ginette) of Miscouche,
PEI.
Harold had a very special gift and an amazing light to
brighten any room he entered, jumping on the piano bench and leading a
sing song at a moment’s notice. He could sense
when someone needed a smile or a joke and was always available to
listen. Square dancing, Round dancing and Clogging were
activities Harold and Grace loved to do together, not only for the fun
and music but for the beautiful friendships that were made along the
way. Additionally, Harold was for many years an
active volunteer with the Moncton Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of
Canada, with Scouts Canada, as a Volunteer Fireman with the #3 Hose
Company (Moncton Fire Department), a member of PROBUS Club of Greater
Moncton, as well as serving his church community in a variety of
different capacities.
Music was also incredibly important to Harold and a gift he
shared generously. Over the years, he was a proud member of
the senior choirs of First Moncton and West Lane Baptist Churches, of
Mountain View United Church and of the Pte-du-Chene Summer
Church. Quartet and other solo-type music also brought
Harold great joy and he sang on most any occasion; certainly, some
folks anticipated the Christmas season to hear him sing ‘O
Holy Night’.
Sports and fitness too were a life-long passion for Harold
and he was known, on occasion, to challenge each of his grandchildren
to an arm wrestle (which he always won!). He loved to jog,
do aerobics, play tennis, softball, rugby and hockey, and for better
or worse, had an unfaltering love for the Toronto Blue Jays and
Toronto Maple Leafs. The teams that were his
favorite to follow however, were any team in which his grandchildren
were involved: volleyball, judo, football, golf, rugby,
basketball, hockey and soccer, ‘Bumpy’ was there
to watch it all with pride, or at the very least, to hear all the
details later … and certainly that pride was not restricted
to only their sporting endeavors. Bumpy was revered by his
grandchildren and will be missed by them all, Dan Cormier (Kimberly),
Adam Moody (Keavney), Kate Moody; Jennifer Sullivan (Matthew); Sarah
Pike (Stephen); Michael Bourgeois (Tanner); Madison Ross (Gregor),
Connor Ross (Ryley); Carson and Declan Crawford as well as by his four
cherished great-grandchildren Taylor, Andrew, Owen and Liam.
Additionally, Harold will be remembered always by his sister Lynne
(Bob) of Indian Mountain, sisters-in-law Barbara (late David) of
Shediac, NB and Kathryn (late Dennis) of White Rock, BC as well as
many nieces and nephews and other extended family
members.
Besides his parents, Harold was pre-deceased by his brothers
Ralph and Arnold (late Helen) and by his sister Phyllis (late
Frank).
Harold lived a busy and fulfilled life and though challenged
with many a health issue and frustrating disability, he never
complained nor felt sorry for his restrictions. He was an
example of positivity, strength and kindness to all he met, always
ready for a joke, a story or a fun-fact about his Jays or
Leafs.
Our special thanks, throughout the years, to the staff of KE
Spencer Home, for not only their wonderful care, but also for the many
card games, special memories and much laughter coming from
Harold’s room. It has been so
appreciated. Much gratitude as well to the Rehab Team of the
Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Centre (Fredericton) for their ongoing
support and excellent professional care.
Visitation with the family will be held at Fergusons Funeral
Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton on Monday, December
19th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A
service to celebrate and honour Harold’s life will be held
from First Baptist Moncton, 157 Queen St, Moncton on Tuesday, December
20th at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. J. Richard
Jackson officiating. Interment to be held in Fair Haven
Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney
Foundation of Canada, the ALS Society of NB/NS, the Stan Cassidy
Foundation, the Spencer Home Foundation or a charity of the
donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
1938 2022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Harold Crawford 1938 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick