William Robert Crawford

With a contagious zest for life, William Crawford was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was a man of great character who was content in whatever life brought, living each moment he was given to the fullest. It was common knowledge that William felt like the luckiest man in the world to have found his soul mate with whom he shared his life for 64 years. He was also an involved father and grandfather who deeply loved the boys who will carry on his timeless legacy. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Telling them stories from his past and valued the time with them during activities and family gatherings. The memories William created with his family and friends will remain forever near and dear to their hearts.

The Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time in American history. Innovation fueled advancements in both the business and industrial sectors. We celebrated motion pictures that became available in both color and sound, and we cheered as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. These days were primarily prosperous ones until the crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling into the depths of the Great Depression in October of 1929. Nestled within this colorful decade was the year 1922 that was filled with unspeakable joy for one young couple from Cleveland, Ohio, as they announced the birth of their healthy baby boy, William Robert Crawford, on July 11th.

William lived in the family home, experiencing a childhood that was reflective of the times. As a young boy he moved with his family from Ohio to Wayne, Michigan, where he spent the majority of his formative years. As a student William attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School from his elementary years all the way through high school. As a high school student he established a deep love for sports, especially tennis and golf. William was such a gifted tennis player that he advanced his way through the state tennis tournament.

After graduating from high school, William continued his education at The University of Detroit. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force during the days of WWII. William honorably served his country during this time of great need, and with his military duties fulfilled he returned to Michigan.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was William’s introduction to the young woman who stole his heart. Her name was Marion Davis, and they met while attending a dance at St. Alphonsus Catholic School. It was love at first sight, and from the moment they met both William and Marion knew they were meant for each other. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married during the summer of 1948 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Together William and Marion were blessed with two beautiful boys, Douglas and Robert. They loved being parents, but they also remained sweethearts who always made sure that their marriage was a priority. William and Marion enjoyed life to the fullest as a married couple. They traveled extensively together including out West to see the mountains and abroad to destinations like London and Switzerland.

Throughout his life William was a man of many interests, and they were only made better when he was sharing the things he enjoyed with his loved ones. With his love for hockey, William was a manager for his son Robert’s hockey team. In 1972 he helped the travel team from Livonia win the state championship. William also liked golfing, and he spent as many hours out on the links with Robert as he could. As a tennis enthusiast he was part of a tennis league beginning in his late fifties and continued to play competitively into his early sixties. William was a music buff who especially enjoyed jazz and big band music. He had an amazing ability to hear a song on the radio and name the song title as well as the artist. Later in life he became an expert in photography, and it became his passion. William’s landscape shots were among some of his most breathtaking photos. He also had a love for cowboys and all things western, and he was known to sit for hours on end watching a movie with John Wayne or perhaps a war movie of some kind.

As a man who could find the silver lining along any black cloud, William Crawford was a joy to be around. He had his own special way of making others feel at ease and was generous and compassionate, too. William was lively and spirited with an unending desire to fully embrace every moment he was given with his friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished by those too numerous to count.

Crawford, William R. April 6, 2013 age 90. Beloved husband of Marion for 64 years. Loving father of Robert (Michele) and the late Douglas. Dearest grandfather of Nicholas and Tyler. Dear brother of Jean Ratchford and the late Jack. Visitation Tuesday 5-9pm at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (btn Merriman and Middlebelt). Funeral Wednesday 11:30am (in state 10:45am) at St. Genevieve Catholic Church 29015 Jamison (east of Middlebelt). To view William’s Life Story and sign the online guest book, please visit www.neely-turowski.com