Carol Herwick Crawford McManus

1938 - 2021

Carol Herwick Crawford McManus

May 14, 1938 - November 1, 2021

Carol Herwick Crawford McManus died November 1, 2021, after a short battle with heart disease.

Carol was born May 14, 1938, in Grand Valley, Colorado, to Oren and Katherine (Slaymaker) Herwick. She attended Grand Valley schools. She was married to David L. Crawford on October 9, 1954, at Rifle, Colorado. Three children, David, Debra, and Carla were born to this marriage. Although Dave and Carol later divorced, they remained good friends throughout their lives.

Carol married Edward McManus on December 23, 1979, at Reno, Nevada. Mr. McManus died on July 1, 1985.

Carol was a state and local pioneer in the field of substance abuse treatment, beginning in 1966 when there were few programs available. She was the first director of the local Council on Alcoholism and then became director of Bridge House Addiction Recovery Unit from 1972 to 1994. She served on many national, state and local committees to promote the creation and funding for treatment and prevention services. Carol was the second person in Colorado to become a certified addictions counselor. She was also the first person in the state to pass the exams for advanced membership in the American College of Treatment Administrators. She enjoyed working with the law enforcement community to promote better cooperation. She served for 22 years on the Mesa County Criminal Justice Advisory Board. She also served for five years on the Brownson Memorial Fund.

Following retirement in 1994, Carol returned to her first love, Western Colorado history. She published two books, Ida, Her Labor of Love and Bess, A Woman's Life In The 1900s. She enjoyed giving talks about the rich history of Western Colorado and sharing stories with other natives.

Survivors include her daughters, Debra Roberts and Carla Lorimor, of Grand Junction. Her son, David Crawford, died in 2006. She also leaves four grandsons, Jacob Mahnke, Dane Crawford, and James and Ian Lorimor; four great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; two nieces, and three nephews.

It was Carol's wish to donate her body to CMU and did not want a public memorial. Memorial donations may be made to CLAWS, 2214 Sanford Drive #A5, 81505.