The world is down one gravelly voiced legend who lived a life of purpose and integrity.
It is with profound sadness that the family of Rex Crawford announces his passing on July 20th. He died peacefully at the CKHA Wallaceburg site in his ninety-first year surrounded by his loving wife and his three adoring daughters.
Rex developed a passion for helping others in his youth and continued to devote himself to that cause throughout his life. His love for his community and public service was only surpassed by his love and devotion for his family.
Rex was born February 25th, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Malcolm Crawford and the former Maude Skinner. His is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-eight years Ruth Anne, his daughters Jane (Matthew) Manneke, Judith (Brian) Glover and Sandra (Scott) Zavitz. He is also survived by six grandchildren, (Cameron, Courtney, Cole, Zachary, Mackenzie and Brynelle) and five great grandchildren (Reid, Spencer, Colin, Henry and Stella) all of whom brought much joy to his life. He is predeceased by daughter Carolyn (1963) and by sister Virginia (2015). He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews and their children. He missed his faithful and much-loved canine companion Dexter (2020) to his dying day.
Rex completed his secondary school education at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario. It was there that he developed the leadership skills which served him well throughout his life. He was forever grateful for the guidance and the mentorship that he received at St. Andrew’s. Rex also took extension courses from The Ontario Agriculture College in Farm Management as well as extension courses in farm engineering from Michigan State University.
Rex farmed in Dover Township growing tobacco, sugar beets, corn, bean, seed corn, oats and wheat. He managed 200 head of cattle during a 25-year period.
Rex served as St. Clair Conservation Foundation Director and was a member of The Kent Federation of Agriculture as well as The Christian Farms and The National Farmers Union.
His community service included Past President of The Dover Rod and Gun Club, The 55 Investment Club, Wallaceburg Jaycees, Ontario Jaycees, The National Jaycees, The Children’s Treatment Centre Board, The Public General and Sydenham District Hospital Boards, The St. Clair Conversation Authority as Water Management Chair, Lower Thames Conservation Authority as Water Management Chair, Three Lodges, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, ARC Industries in Wallaceburg and The Dresden Rotary as well as Parliamentary Education and Liaison Officer for New York State, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Rex was elected as Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve of Dover Township and served as Warden of the County of Kent in 1987. He also served as Chair of The Dover Disaster Relief Fund and Flood Prevention Committee and as President of The Kent County Municipal Association.
He received “The Man of The Year Award” in Wallaceburg in 1988 and The Rural Urban Citizen Award in 1988 from the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce and was also presented with The Friendship Service Award by The Royal Canadian Legion and the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition award from the Dresden Rotary Club.
He served local constituents as The Liberal Member of Parliament for Kent from 1988 to 1997. He was well known as an independent thinker who didn’t always tow the party line.
Rex was instrumental in bringing the Ethanol Plant to Chatham delivering a cob of corn to every Liberal caucus member including Prime Minister Jean Chretien. He had friends in all parties, often attending the Western BBQ hosted by then Deputy Prime Minister Don Mazankowski. He and a few other caucus members often had lunch with former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who contrary to popular opinion, enjoyed and supported MPs who spoke up for their constituents.
From 1998-2003, he was elected as a Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council Member, as well serving on the Health Board and the Fire Department Board.
Rex believed firmly in connecting with the people. He was often found in local coffee shops and restaurants listening to the views and opinions of others. He especially enjoyed his lunches at the round table at the Black Goose and was able to celebrate his ninetieth birthday there.
Rex was a lifelong member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Wallaceburg serving in the role of Elder.
Rex also enjoyed traveling to various locations throughout his life. Favourite destinations included Chile, England and Alabama. He also enjoyed many excursions to the closer destination of Frankenmuth, Michigan where he enjoyed their annual car shows.
Following his retirement from politics, Rex enjoyed spending more time with his family, gardening, bird watching, feeding his beloved squirrels and was the proud owner of his own fleet of classic cars. In a true act of love, he gifted each of his grandchildren one of his classic cars last summer. He took great pleasure in seeing them experience the joys of being a classic car owner.
Rex endured many health challenges in his later years. He dealt with a number of ail courageously never wavering in his desire to continue to enjoy life’s experiences. The family wishes to thank the staff of the CKHA Chatham and Wallaceburg sites for their care and compassion during his stays. We are blessed to have such amazing and dedicated health professionals in our community. Special thanks to Dr. Amster, who provided excellent care and concern. We also thank the staff of Bayshore Health Care, the EMS and fire department staffs. Forever grateful.
Special thanks to our dear friend Fran who truly was a beacon of light on many a grey day. We also thank our friend Donna who graciously provided time, care and compassion in the last year.
Rex leaves behind a true legacy of public service and devotion to his family. He stayed grounded to the end. In his own words, Rex summed it up very simply, “It has been a good life”.
Visitation will take place at the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME located at 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg (519-627-3231) on Sunday, July 24th from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at the Knox Presbyterian Church on Duncan Street in Wallaceburg on Monday, July 25h at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. If desired memorial donations to The CKHA – Sydenham New Site Campaign or Carlo Rossini Memorial Fund may be left at the funeral home 519-627-3231. Shared memories may be left at www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca.
