Boyd William “Bill” Crawford
Dec. 30, 1924 ~ May 22, 2018
Longtime Meeker resident, Boyd William “Bill” Crawford, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Walbridge Wing in Meeker. He was 93.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2018, at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Meeker. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. A reception will be held at the V.F.W.
Boyd William Crawford was born the son of Malvin William and Ruth Willetta (Caldwell) Crawford on Dec. 30, 1924, on the original Crawford ranch on Strawberry Creek in Meeker, Colo. He spent his childhood and attended schools in Meeker. Bill graduated valedictorian of his class from Meeker High School.
Bill earned a full ride football scholarship to the University of Colorado, but gave it up to serve his country with the United States Navy during World War II. He fought in the South Pacific; flying every day from Guam to Australia to look for Japanese submarines.
Following his military discharge, Bill returned to Meeker to buy his grandmother’s ranch that was located seven miles up Strawberry. He enjoyed spending time on the ranch and taking care of his cattle and sheep.
On May 28, 1950, Bill married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Parkes, in Glenwood Springs, Colo. To this union, three children were born. The Crawfords resided in Meeker until moving to Monte Vista, Colo., in 1968. Bill accepted a job with the Colorado Potato Growers as a potato salesman. He was an excellent salesman and enjoyed his work until moving to Winnemucca, Nev., where he accepted a job with Winnemucca Farms from 1976-1986. He moved back to Colorado where he worked for Fagerburg Produce, Highland Nurseries and Dayspring Christian School in Greeley from 1986-2012. Bill and Margaret later moved to Castle Rock to be closer to their daughter. The couple returned to Meeker in July 2016.
Bill’s greatest passion was raising daylilies—hybridizing with a special interest in polytepals. His garden had more than 1,000 different plants and he was proud that he had the opportunity to register 20 daylilies that he cross-pollinated. Everyone knew that Bill was very protective of his flowers. Bill was the liaison for Houston Gardens in Greeley, Colo. He spent many years as a garden and exhibition judge traveling to Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City, Utah. He was president of the Northern Colorado Iris and Daylily Association and served as treasurer for Region 9 from 1995-2004. He also received the “American Hemerocallis Society” regional service award in 2004. He also enjoyed going to dances with Margaret. According to high school classmate, Nettie Fae Modlin, Bill loved to dance, and was the “life of the party.”
Bill was a member of St. James’ Episcopal Church, V.F.W., American Legion and a longtime member of the Lions Club. Above all, he was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Margaret Crawford of Meeker; two sons, Mike Crawford of Greeley, Colo., and Bob Crawford of Florida; one daughter, Linda (Joseph) Manzanares of Castle Rock, Colo.; one brother, Malvin “June” Crawford of Meeker; two sisters, Willetta Stanton of Lakewood, Colo., and Arlene (Don) Niles of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three sisters-in-law, Norma Oldland of Meeker, Naomi Parkes of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Pat Porter of Texas. He is further survived by two grandsons, Eric (Tera) Manzanares of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and John (Katie) Manzanares of Castle Rock, Colo.; five great-grandchildren: Brady, Avery, Marlowe, Jace and Owen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bob Crawford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Bill’s memory to one of the following organizations in care of Grant Mortuary: St. James’ Episcopal Church; Walbridge Wing; or to the V.F.W.
Condolences can be sent to:
Margaret Crawford, 200 Main #A-1, Meeker, CO 81641.
