MEL CRAWFORD

1925 - 2015

CRAWFORD, MEL Mel Crawford, 89, of Washington, CT passed away peacefully on Monday February 23, 2015. Born September 10, 1925 in Toronto, Canada, Mel grew up there and moved to the United States after serving in the Canadian Navy in World War II. He lived in New England over 50 years. An award winning artist and illustrator, he had a wide body of work which included illustrating more than 200 children’s books, working as an artist for Disney Studios, and drawing many noted comic strips. He was inducted into the Canadian Cartoonist Hall of Fame in May 2014. Painting the sea and wildlife, though, was his true passion. His work was exhibited widely and is held in many prestigious collections. Mel’s work still inspires young and old. He considered himself very fortunate to be able to do what he loved his whole life. He is remembered by many for his humor, gentle nature and kindness. Mel is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 31 years; three sons, Gregory of Gaysville, VT, Neil of Southfield, MA and Lindsey Crawford of Sheffield, MA, a daughter Anne Crawford of Litchfield, CT, stepson Trevor Reynolds of Farmington, CT, a stepdaughter Heather Feinsinger of Simsbury, CT, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. His family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Valerie Manor in Torrington for their compassionate care and support of Mel during his stay there. The family will hold a celebration of Mel’s life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to New Milford Animal Welfare at 8 Dodd Rd, New Milford, CT 06776 or to the Resident Council at Valerie Manor at 1360 Torringford St., Torrington, CT 06790.