The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
John William Crawford (Irish) passed away peacefully at Flin Flon General Hospital on Tuesday, January 27 at the age of 56 years, with his loving wife Liz and best friends Cathy and Dennis Herzberg at his side. John was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, to Alice and John Crawford. He and Liz got married in July 1971. He served his apprenticeship as a mechanic in a foundry and was very proud of his accomplishments. John and Liz emigrated to Canada in June 1975 and shortly after joined the Mechanical Department at HBM&S. He took great pride in his work and was a mentor to many of the young apprentices who went through the smelter. He had many interests and hobbies, his main objective was helping young children, showing them how to do things and being so proud when they finally mastered the task. He loved curling and liked to try his hand at golf. He always said curling was the closest thing to lawn bowling that he could find in Canada. John was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He joined Chatham Lodge, Co. Antrim N. Ireland in February 1975 and affiliated with Flin Flon Lodge #153 in the fall of '75, holding many offices as well as Master of the Lodge. He was also a member of the Pre-Cambrian Chapter and was First Principle, as well as Grand Representative of Manitoba in Idaho. He furthered his Masonic relationship to become a Shriner and once again he was President of that club. He was also Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and until his death was the Grand Representative of Manitoba in Massachusetts - quite an achievement for a man of his young years. His love for those who fought to bring us freedom led him to join the Royal Canadian Legion under his grandfather. He was predeceased by his father John, who passed away August 12, 1982. He is survived by his wife Liz, mother Alice, sisters Kathleen (Tommy), Dorothy, Betty (Raymond), Jean (Noel), June (Robin), Hazel (Hugh), and brothers David (Audrey), Alistair, Peter, and Lyle (Mary). A memorial service was held at the Royal Canadian Legion on Friday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. with Captain John Kirschman officiating. A memorial tribute was given by the Masonic Lodge, and some kind words expressed by Brother Graham Craig. Bob Collacott recollected many instances of John's life on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was followed by the Last Rites given by Comrade Grant Adams and Sgt. at Arms Don Zollen. Brother Wayne Sherwood from the Order of the Eastern Star gave a remembrance of John's life as a member, and a past Worthy Patron. The following poem was read by Cathy Herzberg. "A Tribute to a Want-to-be- Cowboy" I ain't too good at prayin' and you may not know me, Lord - I ain't much in the churches where they preach the holy word. But you may have observed me out here in the lonely plains, a-looking after cattle, feeling thankful when it rains. Admirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass. Aware of Thy kind spirit in the way it comes to pass. That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a friend. So here's ol' Spring comin' on reminding us again of Him who's brought goodwill into the hearts of men. A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if you'll hear my prayer, I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere. Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord, don't let no child be cold, make easy beds for them that's sick, and them that's weak and old, let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after, and sorta keep us on your side, in tears as well as laughter. I've seen old cows a-starvin' and it ain't no happy sight, please don't let no one go hungry, Lord, on Thy good winter's night - no man, no child, no woman, and critter on four feet - I'll aim to do my best to help you find them chuck to eat. I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord - ain't got no business prayin' but still I hope you'll ketch a word or two of what I'm saying'. We speak of happy endings Lord - I reckon you'll agree there ain't no happy endings for nobody that ain't free. So one thing more I'll ask you, Lord, just help us what you can, to save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man!" Pallbearers were all of John's friends. Memorial attendants were Lawrence and Janet Clark. Lunch was served by the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Memorial tribute were made to the Flin Flon Masonic Lodge No. 153 and the Royal Canadian Legion. Thank You I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to all those who showed so many acts of kindness, both to John during his stay in the hospital and to me when he passed away. A very special thanks to Cathy and Dennis Herzberg who were with me to the end, and then helped me in so many ways. Thanks also to Glenda and Crystal who in their quiet way helped to keep us all going. To the members of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Canadian Legion, and the Order of the Eastern Star - thank you so much for your participation in the memorial service. To the guys of the smelter repair crew - your visits to the hospital meant so much to John, and your presence (in great numbers) at the service showed what kind of friend you all were. Captain John Kirschman, thank you so much for your hospital visits and for conducting the service. To those nurses on the third floor who were so kind to John, you are a special bunch in my heart. Dr. Sethi and Dr. Amin, thank you for everything you did for John. A special thanks also to those who made donations in John's memory, sent cards, flowers and meat trays. "Why did God send him O so far away - Maybe to help some boy or girl who might have gone astray!" Sincerely, Liz Crawford and Family
