David LaVerne Crawford, 58, of Helena died unexpectedly at his home of heart failure on December 12, 2014. David was born on May 10, 1956 in Helena to James L. and Betty J. Crawford.
David grew up in the 6th Ward, where he attended Bryant Elementary and Helena Junior High. He graduated from Helena Senior High, Class of ’74.
While still in high school, David began his 40+ years in the automotive field; starting with Capital Ford as a custodian and working his way up to Body Shop Manager in 1982 through 1991. Moving to Great Galls in the spring of 1991, as the Body Shop Manager at Bison Ford until the summer of 1994, returning to Capital Ford until 1996, when he and Ray Rygg opened National Body and Paint Specialists in April of 1997, he found his true passion in working with the public and providing exceptional customer service.
David married Debra Taylor in 1981 then later divorced in 2002. Their first daughter, Justine Solvig Crawford was born in 1983, and their second daughter, Michaela Jean Crawford was born in 1985.
David enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, camping, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing and most of all spending time at Clarks Bay at Lakeside, jet skiing with his oldest granddaughter, KayeD. In the fall you could always find him either at a game or watching Griz Football. But his biggest joy in life was spending time with his two granddaughters, KayeD and Taighler.
David is survived by his two daughters, Justine (Logan) Redfield and Michaela Hendren; granddaughters, KayeD and Taighler; his parents, James and Betty; brother James Robert Crawford; sister Kathryn Jean Crawford, nephews James Jr. Crawford and Carson Robert Crawford all of Helena; Two aunts, one uncle and several cousins.
We will forever remember our Papa, grandpa, son, brother and uncle as he calls out to us, “Meet me at the Lake, I’ll bring the chicken.”
A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday January 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday January 10, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Smokey & Vivian says
Logan, Justine, KayD & Taighler, sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs are sending your way
Garry Brayko says
My sincere condolences on Dave’s untimely passing. Dave was a fellow employee, business associate, and friend for nearly 40 years. His infectious laugh will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Garry Brayko
Denise says
Justine & family,
I am so sorry for the unexpected loss of David. He was a very kind man and would always help out when needed. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying we will miss him and our hearts go out to you, your family and David’s many friends.
Denise
Art & Clara Gilreath says
We are sorry for your loss. David passed at a much too young age.
Our prayers and thought are with his family
Charles and Mary Taylor says
Justine & Family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are for the passing of David. He was a wonderful, patient and kind-hearted boss to both of our children. We will always remember him as a very hard worker who expected nothing less than the best from his employees, which was apparent every time you walked into his well-run shop. We will miss him so much! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
bill christianson says
Condolences to the Crawford Family,
Growing up in the neighborhood, all through school, dirt bikes, hill climbs, snowmobiles, trucks, times out at the cabin, perhaps some partying, jobs, business, careers, marriages, families and much more. Good times. From childhood to current Dave was a good friend, always a good guy. The loss seems untimely but he will be remembered. Again, my condolences to the family.
Kathleen Broussard says
Justine & Family,
We are so sorry about your Dad. He was an awesome guy and so good to me and my family. Ralph and JoAnn loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Allan Van Diest says
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Mike and Mary Fetter(s) Root & Family says
Crawford family and friends we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I’m sure you have so many wonderful memories that you will cherish forever. And know that the Guardian Angels will keep him safe until you meet again.
Susan Safford Family says
We are so very sorry for the loss of David. We didn’t know him well, but he did seem very nice. We know exactly what you are going through now and what you will go through in the future. May God Bless all of you and give you the strength you need at this trying time.
Jane burgess says
Justine
We were so sad to hear about your Dad. He was such a nice man. Know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very hard time.
Jane, jim and K.C. Burgess
St. Peter's Hospital Foundation says
Michaela and Justine and family. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Losing a parent, grandparent, is never easy, especially when they are so young and so unexpectedly. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Hold the good memories close to your hearts. Mike, Doris, Melissa, Lela
Dee Barfknecht says
To the entire Crawford family,
Heartfelt sympathy during this very difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss……my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dee Barfknecht
Bob & Carol Utick says
We are so sad to hear about David. We have known him for years and he will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are will you at this tough time. Hang on to all of the wonderful memories. God bless all of you and give you the strength to get through this.
Bob and Carol Utick
Mrs. Rusty Silversher says
To The Crawford Family,
I was so shocked to read about David. I always went to National Body to have my Acura fixed especially the front and rear bumpers. David was always there for me, even suggesting keeping the bumpers in stock for me at all times. He had a wonderful dry humor and a beautiful smile. Please accept my heartfelt condolences as the loss is profound. My thoughts and prayers are with the Crawford family.
trina says
I am sorry for the family loss of David. It was a shock to hear him go. My prayers goes out to the family at this time.
Doug, Gwenette, Taelor Ungerman says
Justine,
Our hearts just broke for you when we heard you had lost your dad. I can still see you dancing with your dad at your wedding. It was priceless. Think and speak of your memories often before you know it your tears will have turned to smiles. Sending hugs and prayers to you!
We love you!
Gwen Thennis says
Sue I am so sorry for your loss. Gwen
Ron Marcoux says
Justine and family – So sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a quality man and always treated us professionally and with respect. Our prayers are with you.
Jim & Betsy Phillips says
Justine, Michaela, and family
Our thooughts and prayers are with all of you. He was taken too young but just remember God must have had a better plan for him. He is in Heaven looking out for you as we speak.
We mourn his loss as well, he was always one of our kids.
Diana Howard says
Dearest Crawford Family~
There are no words to speak at a time like this. I am so so very sorry. We are all in shock of David’s untimely death. Just know that God had a better plan for your David!
Our family lived next door in which my brother JJ & I had the pleasure of growing up with Dave and hold many wonderful memories of your lovely family!
May the loving memories of your David overcome the pain and sorrow of your loss of your dear one. David will be missed immensely and remembered with our loved ones that have passed before us.
With much love and lots of prayers~
Diana, Dorie and Mikayla
Joni Brooks says
Justine,
Oh Justine. Christine just told me, I didn’t know. I am so very very sorry, I am at a loss for words, I am kind of in shock. Big hugs and prayers coming your way.
bj benjamin says
my prayers are with u
Gary Gernant says
i grew up with David in the 6 th ward. He was my first “best friend.” My heart has a hole in it. My sincere condolences to the whole family