Bernard Ray Crawford Sr.

On Monday, November 23, 2020, Bernard Ray Crawford, Sr., loving husband, father, and friend passed away at the age of 75.

Bernie was born on April, 9th 1945 in Gilman, VT to Eleanor Dodge (maiden Crawford) and Robert Grimard. He was a wholehearted family man, hard-working machinist, short-time restaurant owner, and aspiring improv comedian to anyone he encountered. On April 16, 1965, he married his life mate Shirley Marie Cecile Bilodeau. They raised one son, Bernard, Jr., and two daughters, Jackie and Michelle.

Together, Bernie and Shirley loved and enjoyed their quaint Maidstone, VT lake house to the fullest where they spent their golden years creating invaluable memories with family, neighbors, and friends. The holidays were especially precious to Bernie and he couldn’t share, gift, decorate, or celebrate enough -- lights galore and festivities of more. For all that knew him, playing pool or suspect poker games, blazing campfires, telling jokes of ages, and rocking pontoon rides to Johnny Cash with speakers blaring is how they’ll remember him. Bernie was a laid-back, humorous, loyal, fun-loving, kind, absolute joy who never gave up no matter the hardship he faced. Bernie was the definition of hope and inspired all whose lives he touched.

Bernie was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Jackie, son Bernard, Jr., and wife Shirley. He is survived by his daughter Michelle, grandsons Shane and Kody, twin great grandsons Kaleb and Keegan, brother Donald, and sister Teresa.

We will miss him ever so dearly.

Services will be held private. 

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