About This Memory Space
This page was created for John William Crawford's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor John William Crawford's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew John William Crawford. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
John William Crawford crafted a remarkable journey from Depression-era grit to a life brimming with ingenuity, family adventures, and unwavering community spirit, leaving an indelible mark on those who crossed his path.
Born amid the economic trials of the Great Depression in Indianapolis, John embraced resourcefulness from a young age, juggling odd jobs like peddling treats and tinkering in garages to aid his family by fourteen. His education at Cathedral High School and Butler University, enriched by fraternity bonds and ROTC involvement, paved the way for military service. Enlisting in the U.S. Army, he thrived in post-war Germany as a commanding officer's trusted Jeep driver, gaining lessons in leadership that echoed through his days. A voracious learner despite self-diagnosed reading challenges, John immersed himself in historical tomes, mastering details with astonishing recall. His passions spanned golf's serene challenges, epic family explorations touching nearly every U.S. state and beyond, scuba dives, Polar Bear Club plunges in the Arctic, and cherished fishing escapades that wove enduring tales with loved ones and friends.
John's professional path sparkled with innovation during his 40-year tenure at Smead Manufacturing, sparked by a pivotal introduction in Wisconsin. As a standout salesman, he spotted overlooked issues and devised clever fixes that revolutionized filing practices nationwide, including alphanumeric systems, open-shelf medical records, and the signature red rope folder. Colleagues admired his bold humor, fearlessness in tackling core challenges, and mutual loyalty with the Hoffman family, culminating in a fulfilling retirement in 1998.
Photos of John's Life
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished moments unfolded on their 20-acre rural haven, where John and Sandy raised David and Diana amid horses, pets, and boundless escapades after their 1960 ski-trip romance. A rigorous yet bountiful guide, he instilled excellence and diligence in his children, urging them toward greater heights while opening doors he never had. His devotion rippled outward to grandchildren Christiana Grace Kategiannis, Katrina Lucille Crawford, Roxanne Giselle Crawford, Adam Emmanuel Kategiannis, and Ginger Rosemary Crawford, alongside sister-in-law Linda and a host of adoring nieces and nephews. Preceded by parents France Leo and Mary Josephine, and siblings Lee, Marie, Lois, Joan, and Charles, John's home blended Catholic commitment at St. Gabriel the Archangel with Sandy's Presbyterian roots in a tapestry of faith, inquiry, and profound respect.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from across John's circles weave a vivid portrait of a man whose inventive spirit, hearty laughter, and steadfast loyalty left echoes in workplaces, fairways, and family hearths alike.
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