CRAWFORD, Elmer Edgar
August 27, 1930 -
Red Deer, Alberta
July 4, 2017 -
Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that we announce that Elmer, beloved husband of the late Doreen May Crawford (nee Woitte), passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the age of 86 years.
Elmer loved cars from a very young age. He was born in Red Deer, and sold cars for Northwest Motors in Red Deer for many years. He was always easy to spot on the lot at Northwest Motors with his cigar in hand and his latest hat. Sometimes it was a Scottish tam, and sometimes it was a cowboy hat, but it was always a bit small. Elmer always joked that with a name like Elmer, a funny hat and a cigar, people would always remember him. And they certainly did. He earned the distinction of being one of the Top 3 Salesmen for Chrysler for all of Alberta in 1985 - quite an achievement for someone selling cars in such a small town!
His other passion was anything about John Wayne, whether it was a movie or a book. He even rode his horse, Baldy, to visit Doreen when they were first dating. He also adored duck hunting with his father and brothers. In his retirement, he spent hours on the computer writing stories for children, especially his grandchildren. He also loved to write stories about his dogs and grand-dogs. Playing with his grandchildren and grand-dogs was by far more fun than writing about them though.
An elm tree was planted at North Glenmore Park for Doreen in 2015. Elmer thought it was fitting to have an elm tree for Elmer's wife. A second elm tree will be planted beside Doreen's in memory of Elmer this fall, so they can be together forever. We are all a bit richer for knowing Elmer and a bit poorer for his passing.
Elmer is survived by daughters Joy (Marc) and Susan (Glenn); grandchildren Jordan, Jaime and Georgia; grand-dogs Heffy, and Gladys; brother Lloyd; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Doreen in 2015; his parents Edith and Paul Crawford; three of his siblings Harold, Melvin, and Edna; his dear daughter Anna in 1964; his favorite dachshund Schultz in 1993, and his favourite spaniel Sandy in 1962.
There will be a memorial celebration on August 27, 2017 in Calgary to celebrate Elmer's life, as it would have been his 87th birthday, details to be announced. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the World Wildlife Fund Canada, Suite 410, PO Box 26288 Brm B, Toronto, ON M7Y 4R1 Telephone: 1 (800) 267 - 2632, www.panda.org. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.