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MICHAEL CRAWFORD  Obituary pic

MICHAEL CRAWFORD

Born: Dec 11, 1944

Date of Passing: May 17, 2014

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MICHAEL CRAWFORD Sadly, Michael passed away peacefully and courageously at St. Boniface Hospital on May 17, 2014. The son of an Officer, Michael was born in Lancashire, England December 11, 1944 and came to Canada as a young child. Michael had numerous talents and an amazing variety of interests and hobbies. He found it difficult to "sit still". He was a true sportsman and loved being outdoors. He raised pigeons and exotic birds for over thirty years and was the founding member of the Manitoba Canary and Finch Club. He qualified as a soccer and boxing referee and was a judge for the Manitoba Boxing Association. He played lacrosse, football, competitive hockey and senior league soccer. He used his love of sports to be involved in the lives of his children, coaching hockey, baseball, soccer and lacrosse. As a gifted photographer he was rarely seen without his camera and his natural ability to capture the moment has left us many wonderful memories. He was an avid gardener and created many a beautiful oasis, where good times were spent with his family and friends. Michael leaves behind his beloved wife Sonja. Also mourning his passing are children Shannon (Jordan) Bonham, Michael (Nancy) Crawford, John Crawford and his step-daughter Rachael (Diano) Maroni. Also surviving him are his grandchildren (the light in his eyes) Erin, Paige, Grace, Kendall, Veronica, Serena, Jace and Brett. Michael was predeceased by his parents Robert and Constance Crawford, nephew Bobbie Racine, step-daughter Vanessa Collins, brother-in-law Peter Mrowiec and father-in-law John Mrowiec. As a strong advocate for the underprivileged, he worked in a variety of Social Service settings including Selkirk Mental Health Centre, the C.A.S. of Winnipeg, Child and Family Services for the Province and ended his working career as a Rehabilitation Counsellor with the Workers Compensation Board. Throughout his career his focus never wavered, he was the voice and advocate for those in need. His greatest love was for his family, friends and man's best friend Major'. He was our biggest supporter and loudest defender. He had a rare ability to connect with people whether coaching little league for his boys or spending time in the aviary with his grandchildren or sharing a quiet evening with Sonja. Michael dedicated his life to what he felt was most important, his family. He will be forever remembered and always missed. Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2014

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • A man I had to deal with when I had my injury that was not funny at all. The doctors hurt me Mike and I only hope your family might know how much you and Dave helped. You were the man, Thank you and see you sooner than later, Wayne. To your wife, thank you Dear for allowing us to interfere with your life. You should be Proud. - Posted by: Wayne Harapiak (Just someone who thought he was so very decent.) on: Jul 11, 2014

  • I always enjoyed interactions with Mike as he was very colurful and a genuine nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sonja and family. - Posted by: DENNIS ANTOSH (co-worker) on: May 30, 2014

  • Sonja, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have very fond memories of working with Mike, listening to his stories and sharing a love for animals. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Denise Antosh ((co-worker)) on: May 29, 2014

  • Sonja and family, Lorraine and myself were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, he was a true gentleman and the world will be a lesser place without him, stay strong, Warren and Lorraine Cahill - Posted by: warren cahill (friend) on: May 26, 2014

  • Dear Sonja, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Mike but after hearing about Mikes wonderful accomplishments and tributes I can see that Mike left the world a little bit better... - Posted by: Brandi Taylor () on: May 24, 2014

  • Sonja, it is the little things, the small, everyday occurrences that you will remember. The laughs, the stories, the smiles. And even though it seems like you can never recover from your loss, it is these very memories that will help push the pain away and bring back the smiles. Please know that we are thinking of you, and our prayers are with you. - Posted by: Trevor and Donna () on: May 23, 2014

  • The world lost a great man. I truly enjoyed every talk we had. Rest In Peace my friend. - Posted by: Jeff Hunt (Friend) on: May 23, 2014

  • Sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He truly was a great help with me and being my guy at WCB and got me all I needed and more. We lost a good one with Mike. - Posted by: Cheryl () on: May 22, 2014

  • Until the sun rises in the West and sets in the East...Goodnight my love. - Posted by: Sonja Crawford (Wife) on: May 22, 2014

  • My deepest sympathies to the Crawford family. I did not have the honor of personally knowing Mr. Crawford. Shannon made me feel like I knew him. She always had stories to tell me about her Dad. From those stories I could tell he was man who was very much loved and respected. I know he will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Brenda Jette (Friend and co-worker Shannon Bonham) on: May 22, 2014

  • I remember Mike standing up for what he thought was right! He never hesitated to take on a cause he believed in. Sonja, may you enjoy the many memories collected over your lifetime with Mike. I'm sure there are memorable and humorous ones and this you will keep. - Posted by: Peggy Jensen (co-worker (retired)) on: May 21, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great person and an advocate for the clients he represented. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. - Posted by: Tim Burridge (friend) on: May 21, 2014

  • I am so sorry for the loss, both to his family and all of those that cared for him. I met Mike last year when visiting Winnipeg to speak at the Dead Fish Order summer picnic. He came to visit me at the meet and greet and we had a lively discussion about freshwater shrimp and rainbow fishes. I did not know him well, but was impressed at his obvious love and passion for the hobby, and the deep respect all his fellow fish keepers had for him. - Posted by: Rachel O'Leary (fellow fish geek) on: May 21, 2014

  • Sonja, my deepest sympathy, so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, my prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. - Posted by: Barb Benoit (Co-worker) on: May 21, 2014

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

4000 Portage Ave. (Map)
Ph: 2048859715 | Visit Website

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