May 2, 1930 - August 5, 2016
"Still waters run deep" was often used to describe Dennis, a quiet man who preferred to not be the center of attention. Beneath his calm demeanor was a determination to live life to the fullest. Dennis didn't judge people, he gave unconditionally-qualities he embraced from his 35 year affiliation with Al-Anon. Dennis passed away peacefully at home, in the company of cherished family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dennis was born and raised in Vancouver BC by his late parents Walter and Edith Crawford. Growing up in Vancouver with brothers Jack & Ted, Dennis had a group of friends called "The Eight" that lasted over 70 years. It was in Vancouver that Dennis met his first love Marian Morrison and they were married on April 7, 1958. Dennis was a welder and Marion a teacher. In 1960, Dennis and Marian moved to Prince Rupert to jointly pursue teaching careers, moving to Courtenay in 1962 where Dennis was a shop teacher retiring from G.P. Vanier Secondary in 1990. They built and lived in their family home for over 40 years, lovingly raising their 3 children Ann, John & Robert in a close knit neighborhood that resulted in lifelong friendships with "The Gang" being formed by the families that grew up together. Ann brought Dennis and Marian a grandson, Chase, and step grandchildren, Bryanne and Miles Procter and Robert brought them a granddaughter, Serena Boutillier.
Travel was their passion with Dennis and Marian visiting Zihuatanejo Mexico annually for over 15 years. They were married for 46 years before Marian's passing in 2004.
In 2008 Dennis met his second love Julie McDonald who shared his passion for travel. Together they visited Europe, South America and in November their annual getaway to Guayabitos, Mexico. Gardening, entertaining and camping were also a big part of their lives together. Dennis and Julie were married on July 18, 2015, creating an extended family with Julie's daughters Denise Caruana and daughter Chenise, Suzanne Irwin, Lorraine Williams and her husband Steve Williams and family.
Dennis was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, kayaking, swimming and tubing down the Puntledge River, all of which he did well into his 80's. He cherished his daily walks with a group of friends known as "The Walkers".
Pre-deceased by his wife Marian Crawford (Morrison) and brother Ted Crawford, survived by brother Jack Crawford.
Forever in the hearts of his wife Julie Crawford (McDonald), children John Crawford, Robert Crawford and partner Leah Murphy, Ann Dyer (Crawford) and husband Peter Dyer, grandchildren Chase Procter and Serena Boutillier, step grandchildren Miles Procter, Bryanne Procter and Graham Dyer, stepchildren Suzanne Irwin, Denise Caruana and daughter Chenise Caruana, Lorraine Williams and husband Steve Williams and family.
Dennis was blessed with a loving family and numerous enduring friendships of over 50 years. "The Gang" will miss him dearly.
Memorial Service to be held at 2PM on Saturday September 3, 2016 at St. George's United Church
505 6th Street, Courtenay B.C.
A very special thank you to Dr. Bakshi, Dr. Daws and the attending nurses for their kindness and compassion.