MICHAEL CRAWFORD

Michael Crawford (born Lancaster England April 24, 1933) dabbed his last stroke of paint on the February 5, 2026, at the age of 92. Mike was predeceased by his wife, Cynthia; and loved by his children, Martin (Laurie), Jennifer (Spencer Thomason), Belinda (Joe Seagram), and Michael (Claudia Clausius); grandchildren, Katharina, Nicholai, Kyle, Mackenzie, Sam, Matthew, William, Callahan, Thomas; great-grandchildren, Lena, Evelyn and Regan; niece, Susan (Geoff Palfrey); and their children, Morgan and Lewis. A former teacher, author, historian, academic journal editor, television series creator, union executive/magazine editor, and most of all artist, he will be sadly missed. Mike possessed a lively intellect. He was a voracious painter, printmaker, and sculptor who travelled widely and exhibited regularly. He loved good conversations over wine and cheese, was famous for offering mid-morning sherry, and was not above articulating outrageous opinions to provoke discussion. His humour always found its mark. He was impressively prolific in the innumerable projects he approached with gusto: art, tennis, grandfathering, model ship building, or walks throughout Toronto. His flair for life was matched by his cooking, something he enthusiastically believed to be the key to longevity. Who can forget his experiments of broccoli pancakes with maple syrup, chickpea curry cookies, mystery crockpot, fungus bread, or cricket protein crisps? Attending his family lunches was always… an adventure. Most of all, he loved his family, especially if he could entice them to relieve him of books or paintings (his own or by other artists he supported). His generosity, grace, patience and trust during his final two years was inspiring, and we send thanks to staff at Chester Village and Muhammad Azaan for easing his way. Mike will be missed with a smile. Celebration of life will be held in the spring.