We are sad to announce the passing of our father, Harry Crawford, on April 12, 2024. He was surrounded by his loved ones. A celebration of life will be held, Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Loyal Order of Moose, 4750 N Montana Ave, Helena.
Charles “Harry” Crawford was born at the family home on Lamborn Ave in Helena to Robert Stuart and Eva Crawford. He was the youngest of three. He was 82 years old and passed away due to complications from a stroke.
Harry graduated from Helena High in 1960. He was the center for the HHS Bengals football team which was state runner-up in 1958 and 1959. Harry enjoyed the reunion with his teammates when they were inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame.
After high school, Harry spent two years in the Navy, stationed in San Diego. He returned to Helena and briefly attended Carroll College and played football for the Fighting Saints. He worked at Caird Engineering in the foundry alongside his father, Bob. He then began a career as a fireman at the Helena Fire Department with his older brother, Lee. He enjoyed playing Sparky the Firedog for local school children during Fire Prevention Week. He was one of the first firemen to become an EMT. Harry retired as the Helena Fire Marshall.
Harry’s first marriage to Mary Lou Garrett resulted in four children – Joe, Marti, Charles Samuel “Sam” and Stu. Harry later married Karen Anderson and was with her for 39 years until her death. Harry and Karen shared many adventures in Big Sky, traveling in their motorhome, and spending 17 winters ‘down south’. This union gave Harry three stepdaughters – Karrie, Kim and Kris. Karen preceded Harry in death in June 2018.
Harry and Karen had 17 grandchildren and he ran out of fingers and toes to count great grandchildren. Harry enjoyed watching his grandkids compete in various sporting events and state championships. He loved that one of his granddaughters was a Bengal cheerleader, too.
In addition to Karen, Harry was preceded in death by his parents Bob & Eva Crawford, brother Lee Crawford, sister Brona Lu Crawford, stepdaughter Karrie Wattnem, nephew and wife Chuck & Lindi Murray, and life-long friends Frank Ursich and Mike Cloud.
Harry was proud of the big Crawford family. He is survived by his children, Joe (Lori) Crawford, Marti (Bob) Pearce, Sam (Lynnell) Crawford, Stuart (Terri) Crawford; stepdaughters Kim (Randy) Kallestad, Kris (Chuck) Schommer; brother-in-law Bobby Anderson, sister-in-law Kathy (Jim) White; grandchildren Leana, Amy, Kelsey, Ragen “R.C”. Taylor, Logan, Drew, Matt, Dr. Tate, Tessa, Jake, Jessica, Cassie, Lindsay, Kaela, Jamie and Sam. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
Good bye, Harry, we’ll see you…Down The Road Again!
Memorial donations are suggested to RMDC Meals on Wheels or the Helena Sports Hall of Fame, PO Box 6302 Helena MT 59604-6302.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jim Backsrom says
Sympathies to the family. Harry was my oldest friend. If I had known about the gathering I would have been there.
Jim and Sally says
So very sorry about oh crazy Harry. What a guy. He is know reunited with his wife, family and dear friends. RIP Harry.
We bought the winter home from them. A lot there has changed as well. Thoughts and prayers to the family. 💔
Larry Ross says
I’ll miss you cuz!
My thoughts are now with your immediate family. I pray they will find peace during this time of mourning.
Trent Morley says
You will be missed , Harry ypu were always on of my favorites! Growing up a round the Coke-Bud Softball team are some of my favorites memories , Ypu and my dad always joking around , let condolences go out to your family and friends !! Hope you up there golfing and throwing your clubs buddy !!!!
Evy Burris Sass says
Harry sure had a fun outlook on Life, had lots of adventures, lots of friends. always smiling & lots to talk about. I bet he’d say “Whats the use of taking life so seriously. We’ll never get out of it alive anyhow.” He Loved his families & friends, cared about people & will be missed. From a Long time friend, Evy
Fritz Zettel says
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Brent Nicolay says
God bless you Harry, and condolences to your family. I have lots of good memories of you growing up, skiing at Belmont and Big Sky. You and Karen are missed.
Marvin mace says
I’ll miss you Harry, I always will remember your laugh when I told you I had a bad lie on the tee box. Your laugh and kind heart will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.