Donald Reid Crawford

Donald Reid Crawford Sr., age 68, of Pickford, Michigan, died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on August 17, 2019. He was born on September 15, 1950 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Reid Wise and Ella Jean (Roe) Crawford. Don lived with his parents in Cedarville as a small child. In the early 60's the Crawford's settled on what would become the family farm north of Pickford. Don attended Pickford Schools, graduating with the class of 1968, then attended Lake Superior State College for a short time. Don married Beth Ann Galloway on July 22, 1978 in Alpena, Michigan. He and Beth eventually made their home on the family farm. He went to work for the State of Michigan as a Corrections Officer in 1985, retiring after 28 years of service in 2013. During his retirement, Don found special joy in being a “Boat Nerd”. That, along with his passion for photography, opened a new window in his life during his cancer treatments. He found it not only fun, but discovered peace and artistry in becoming a boat chaser and photographer. Many thanks to his fellow “Boat Nerds”, his family salutes you all. His life-long friend Carl Kalcec will be sending him off on his final voyage from Duluth, Minnesota in the near future. May he have fair winds and following seas. The Crawford family gives special thanks to his cousin Marjorie McDonald for sharing laughter, tears, and encouragement over the years. To the kindest heart to be found in a friend, thank you Vickie Manfrin. Also, a special thank you to the many MDOC officers he worked with during his 28 year career. You are truly a brotherhood to be loved, respected, and honored. Don’s unyielding determination, positive attitude, love of family, and very unique sense of humor, sustained him throughout his battle. Don is survived by his wife, Beth Ann (Galloway) Crawford; sons, Donald Crawford Jr. of Goetzville, Michigan and Jeremy (Jean) Crawford of Cedarville, Michigan; daughter, Heather (Jerome) London of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan; 10 grandchildren; many cousins; special niece and nephew, Lisa Roskey and Donnie Lockhart; brothers, Richard Crawford and Scott Crawford; and fur-kids, Barty and Bella. Don is preceded in death by his parents; Reid Crawford in 1990, and Jean (Ella) Crawford in 2014. A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family at later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2413 S. Linden, Suite A, Flint, MI 48532 or Hospice of the E.U.P., 308 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Tributes

Donald Reid Crawford

September 15, 1950 - August 17, 2019