In the early morning hours of May 26, 2018, after a long, beautiful life, Robert “Lee” Crawford passed away peacefully, leaving his family wishing for one more day.
Lee was born on October 4, 1930 to Robert S. Crawford and Eva Brockway Crawford. Along with his younger siblings, Brona Lu and Harry, Lee grew up in the 6th Ward attending Bryant and Helena High Schools. On the path to graduation in 1948, Lee met the love of his life, Jenny Meyer.
Lee and Jenny were married in 1948 and celebrated 66 years together before Jenny passed away in 2014. Together, they made Helena their forever home and raised 5 children; Bob, Dan, Tim, Nick and Ivy. It should be noted that Lee had FOUR wild Crawford boys by the time he was 21. Eight years later, their baby sister arrived to shake up the world as they knew it.
Lee worked as a freight handler at Northern Pacific Rail Road for 12 years before moving on to the City of Helena Fire Department for 22 years. After retiring from his favorite job, running the fire shift, Jenny and Lee opened and operated J. Crawford’s Yogurt Shop. Not one to sit idle, Lee retired from the yogurt shop and went on to spend 12 years working for Walmart.
Lee had a way of inspiring everyone he met with his wit, kind eyes, knowledge, zest for life, his remarkable enthusiasm to stay fit, and his contagious smile. Lee was genuinely happy to see you, and always had a story, quick joke or history lesson ready for all. As an avid reader, he made good use of his library card, and always had countless books lying around that he was reading.
Lee was a member of Crossroads Fitness for over 30 years attending classes 5-6 days a week. He said “you always feel better when you leave than when you came.” Lee truly loved his Crossroads family, and was given so much more than simply a daily workout.
Lee was abundantly proud of his children and grandchildren, and was especially fond of cheering on his great-grandchildren throughout the years. He had a fabulous way of bursting out in song or show-tunes at any given moment, and wished he or any of his family could’ve carried a tune. We all feel a tremendous loss, but Lee was the first to tell you what a great life he had. He often said, “Time goes by so fast. But, we sure have had a good time.” We sure did Grandpa~The Best Time!
Lee was preceded in death by his love Jenny, sister Brona Lu Crawford and daughter-in-law Doris Niven Crawford. He is survived by his children; Bob (Linda), Dan (Mary), Tim (Theresa), Nick (Connie), Ivy Robertson (Kerry), Brother Harry (Karen) Crawford and Dawn Piazzi. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren; Angie, Shane, Ryan, Dani, Travis, Christopher, Jessie, Jake and Amber, 14 great-grandchildren (and one more on the way), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families and a countless number of others that he touched with his welcoming smile and spirit.
Lee spent the last several years of his life practicing meditation and learning to live in the moment. He would want us all to remember…. “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow, So Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live!” ~Dalai Lama
The family would like to give a special thanks to Lee’s neighbors Michell and Red, his Crossroads family and all of his friends at Flowing Mountains who have been such an important part of his last few years.
A Celebration of Lee’s life well lived, is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with Burial to follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery. A Reception will be held at Jorgenson’s Restaurant, 1720 11th Ave., following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 1905 Henderson Street, Helena, MT 59601 or an organization of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Lee.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 1, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Friday June 1, 2018
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 1, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the burial
Friday June 1, 2018
Jorgenson's Restaurant
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Tom Naegele says
Entire Crawford Family,
Prayers of Support for you all as you Morn & Celebrate a very Fine man who I always knew as Mr. Crawford. He was a good man of Faith and will be missed. God Bless.
Lisa Bush says
My prayers for the entire Crawford family.
What a kind Man he was. I loved seeing his smiling face in the mornings as he was preparing for his morning workouts.
We will miss you Lee.
Mary Kay Bennett says
A role model to all of us.
Loved seeing Lee with his family on Sunday mornings at Perkins Restaurant.
And, Lee & Jenny together touched my heart ?
I will never forget you, Lee.
Blessings on the family.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Ivy, Kerry and Family,
So sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart sustain you during this difficult time. I’m here to do anything to help!
Love,
Bruce and Rhonda
Chuck & Mona O'Reilly says
Best disposition of anyone I’ve ever known. In his world there were only friends and loved ones. If only we all could be like that. Great guy.
Our condolences to all the family. Sorry we can’t be there for the sendoff, we know we will be missing a sad but happy event with great memories being shared.
Love to all,
Chuck (Butch to Lee) & Mona O’Reilly
Sandy says
Ivy and Family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Sandy Smith
Tom Juhl says
My condolences to the Crawford Family, R.I.P. Lee you will be missed y all…A GREAT MAN…..
Kim and Henry Flatow says
We always enjoyed talking to Lee over the years. Jenny used to visit when she walked by our house on her daily trek. I will especially remember the latest conversation at the Helena High basketball games. A wonderful man. Henry and Kim
Wendy Fox says
I remember seeing Lee walking to and from 6 am cycling class in the dead of winter. In class he always made people laugh, and the workout seemed easier then! He was and will always be an inspiration in my mind.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Crawford Clan. We’ll all miss Lee’s quick wit and winning smile. Even though he’s gone to the next stage what a wonderful legacy he leaves. Our thoughts are with you.
Rick and Jan
Patricia Peach says
To the Crawford Family:
Lee was such an outstanding individual. You became instant friends upon meeting him! As a member of Crossroads for more than 30 years, I can’t count the number of classes and visits we shared. Lee will be sorely missed and always much loved! Patsy Peach
Eileen says
To the Crawford family, Thinking of you and sending prayers your way
Joe & Eileen Donohoue
Marcia Wall says
Dear Crawford Clan as has been stated . . . my sincere condolences to all of you! Lee was a special guy for sure! Always smiling with a friendly wit and story! Highly intelligent and up to date on Helena news and “around the globe.” Mike and I are profoundly sorry that we will be out of town on Friday for his celebration of life, but you will be in our hearts and prayers as you find solace in the compassion of others. A beautiful tribute to a life worth living! Happy Trails Lee . . . your family and friends will miss you forever! Mike and Marcia Wall
Paul Meyer says
So glad I got to spend some time with him last summer at Kelsey’s wedding. His mind was so sharp as we reminisced about the past. He even drove himself out there. He remembered everything, even who I was and hadn’t seen him in years. I will always cherish my childhood memories of going to aunt Jenny and Lees house for Easter! Rest In Peace Lee and may God bless his family.
Steve Meloy says
To all the Crawfords , Lee was one in a million from a strand of DNA I knew well, loved and respected. I know he will be missed immensely as he seemed like one to live among us forever…and will. I am so sorry to have to miss his send off but want you to know of our friendship all the way back to tennis by the fire-station! A wonderful man in so many respects!
Kristy Gilbert says
Dear Crawford Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My sincere condolences to all of you. Lee was a wonderful person. Rest in Peace Lee.
Margaret Kauska says
Crawford family:
I got to know both of your parents simply by hearing wonderful stories from Ivy, which match some of my own family’s stories. What a wonderful life they have had, and now reunited.
May you find peace in your memories.
Ron Zeiler says
Sorry to hear about Lee. Lee was a great inspiration for all who attended the body pump and bike classes at Crossroads. We all had a lot of good times with Lee at Crossroads. He always had a word of advise, wisdom or a funny to tell. RIP my good friend and peace to the Crawford family.
Michelle Van Nice says
Ivy and family – so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayers.
Maggie Robertson says
Thinking of you all and sending love and light to help guide you through this very difficult time.
Gretchen Edelen says
Dear Crawford family,
Lee was a wonderful person who brought joy to everyone lucky enough know him. I so enjoyed seeing him at Crossroads and saying hello at Walmart. Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss of this dear person. Gretchen and Rick Edelen
John Risken says
One of a kind. One of the best.
Clancie Bordoli-Thennis says
To the Crawford family
I worked with Lee for all 12 years he worked at Walmart. Lee was a great person to work with and we had some great conversations and laughs those years we worked together. He was always glad to see me and say hi to me when he would come shopping. He will truly be missed. On a happier note he is now reunited with the love of his life. I am praying for you all during this time of sorrow but I know he is with his Lord and savior and having the time of his life. Blessings to you all.
Sandra Marcinek says
To all of the Crawford Family,
I am thinking of you in this time of your loss of your wonderful Father. I have so many memories of visiting with them and going to the Crawford Yogurt shop, which was my favorite and seeing them. Lee and Jenny were such beautiful people and such a blessing to so many. Hold close to your hearts the beautiful memories of them and their love for their family. Blessings to all of you.
Raynold Kunnary says
To the Crawford family – Lee will be greatly missed. He was great to be around. I will miss our talks at 5:30 in the morning at Crossroads. Take care and God’s blessings to your family.
Rest in peace, Lee.
Matt & Mary Kunnary
Rinay Bender says
Ivy and family – I did not ever meet your father but I have enjoyed the stories that you have told over the years. He sounds like an amazing person and I know he will be missed by you. My thoughts are with you and may he rest in peace. You have been truly blessed.