It is with great sadness that the family of Roly Crawford, 78, announces his passing on Friday, Dec. 23, 2005 at the La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Roly was born July 9, 1927 in Purdysburn, Northern Ireland to David and Elizabeth Crawford. He came to Canada in 1948 and settled in Toronto, Ont. working as a bricklayer.
During this time, he met Elizabeth (Betty) Gillanders and they we married in 1952.
Together, they moved to St. Catharines, Ont., were Roly started working for Westrock as a construction supplies salesman. He worked his way through the company, becoming vice-president of sales, which took the family to Calgary, Alta.
While in Calgary, Roly joined Husky Oil, which took the family to Winnipeg, Man., Regina, Sask., and finally Thunder Bay, Ont. Roly and Betty chose Fort Frances for their retirement home.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, spending time with the Colour Party and serving as past president. He was an extremely outgoing man; he enjoyed singing, dancing, and telling jokes.
He was a Toastmaster and all-around entertainer.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Betty in 2002; and nine brothers and sisters.
Roly leaves behind his son, David Crawford of Calgary, Alta.; daughter, Denise and husband, Randy Wepruk, of Red Lake, Ont.; grandchildren, Danny and Erin Wepruk; his dear friend and companion, Willa Knotts; as well as extended family too numerous to mention.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at the La Verendrye Columbarium at the Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The family gratefully requests that in memoriams be directed to St. John’s Anglican Church Memorial Fund.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
