Obituary of CRAWFORD – Melvin Arthur

September 19, 1919 – December 25, 2009 Melvin Arthur Crawford of Calgary passed away at Southwood Hospice on Friday, December 25, 2009 at the age of 90 years. Mel was born in Hanna, AB to Bertha and Alexander and moved to Calgary in 1924 where he attended Connaught Public School and Western Canada Tech. He studied auto mechanics and wood working. Mel was a member of the Calgary Glider Club in the ‘30s. He began his thirty-eight year career with the CNR in 1940 with the Bridge and Building department, and then joined the Army in 1941. As a Sapper in the Royal Canadian Army, 2nd Division Engineers, he served in Great Britain and Northern Europe. He married Margaret McFarlane in Dunoon, Scotland on April 23, 1945 and returned to Canada in September 1945. Margaret joined him in Calgary as a War Bride in 1946. He resumed his career with the CNR in Calgary and from 1971 to 1978 he commuted weekly to the CNR head office in Edmonton, working as an Engineering Coordinator for the Regional Engineering/Bridges and Structures department. Following his early retirement in 1978, he became active in the CN Rail Vets, Canadian Legion – Horton Road #285, Sappers Club, and was involved in the Kerby Centre in Calgary. Until recently, Mel took great pride in maintaining his home, caring for his garden and socializing with a broad circle of friends and neighbours. Mel will be remembered as a caring dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Mel is survived by his son and daughter, Ron (Maggie) of Calgary and Linda (Mike) of Fenelon Falls, ON; grandchildren, Kim, Kelly, and Mark (Tannis); great-granddaughter Lily; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins in Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Australia, a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law in Scotland; and by his special friend, Glenys Goossens of Calgary. Mel was predeceased by his wife, Margaret in 2000; father Alec in 1960; mother Bertha in 1981; brother Cec; sister-in-law Viva; sister, Vi; and brother-in-law, John. A Gathering will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Family Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Mel Crawford, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.