Theodore Crawford

Theodore Paul Crawford

GREAT FALLS AND FORMERLY VALIER —Longtime Valier farmer, Theodore Paul "Ted" Crawford, 89, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2013 at Highgate Senior Living in Great Falls. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ted was born on August 12, 1924 in Valier, Montana. His parents were Theodore R Crawford and Cecilia Brophy Crawford. He was the oldest of three sons. Ted grew up in Valier, graduated from Valier High School and later joined the US Army where he served in World War II in the Pacific and was honorably discharged.

Returning from the service, Ted farmed with his father and siblings spending his leisure time in Glacier National Park, where he met his bride to be, Nina Rubye Collins. They were married on December 10, 1946 and raised two daughters and one son on the family farm.

Throughout his life he was very community oriented and served on the following boards; Pondera Medical, Blue Shield, Valier Cemetery, and the Teton Pass Ski Area Board. He also participated in the Community Club and a "several gallon" blood donor.

Ted was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. As a lifetime member of the American Legion Emmitt Ryan Post he held the offices of State Legion Commander and National Executive Committeeman.

His hobbies were cars, piloting small planes, and skiing. With his brother Jim he owned a chairlift at Teton Pass. His favorite past time was driving a Big Bud Tractor. Even after he retired in 1996 at the age of 72, he was active in the family farm and drove a tractor and grain cart during harvest until he was 85.

During retirement he lived in Surprise, Arizona where he biked and met many new friends during the winter and lived on the family farm in the summer. He later moved to Great Falls in 2000.

We will always remember his sense of humor and the smile he had for everyone he met.

Ted is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nina Rubye; his daughters, Carolyn Caylor of Portland, OR, Suzan (John Bizzell) Crawford of Layton, UT; son Theodore (Dianna) Paul "Tex" Crawford Jr. of Valier; five grandchildren; and one great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Valier.

Memorials in Ted's name are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101 or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com. SCHNIDER FUNERAL HOME