Mark Crawford

BENNINGTON -- Mark Francis Crawford, 85, a resident of “Foxfield” on Bluestone Road in Bennington, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at his residence following a brief illness.

Born in Rushville, Neb., Sept. 4, 1921, he was the son of the late General Dr. William Henry and Mary Loretta (Cushing) Crawford.

Mr. Crawford received his education in Rushville, Neb., and graduated from high school in Omaha, Neb. He later attended the University of California at San Francisco. Mr. Crawford was a World War II Air Force veteran. He served as a methods analyst for the Pentagon and was a vice commander of the D.A.V. in Washington D.C.

He also served as a Graves Registration Officer on the West Coast during the Pacific Theater of World War II.

After his time in the service, he moved with his partner, Theodore Doucette, to New York City and founded Art Work Specialties and Jet Age Designs. In 1962, they founded Pixiecroft Kennels. He later owned Mark Crawford Real Estate until his retirement in 1964.

Prior to moving to Bennington, Mark and Ted lived in Egremont, Mass., for 20 years.

In 1988 Mark and Ted co-founded the Bennington Area AIDS Project. Mark had a gift of relating and caring for people which was an important requisite for his work with the AIDS Project. In 1994 Mark and Ted started BINGO for AIDS which was a very successful fund raiser for the Bennington Area AIDS Project. Mark had a habit of standing at the doorway and saying “good night” to each and every one who attended BINGO, which endeared him to all.

In 1995 Mark and Ted were awarded the Presidents Award from the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce for the generosity and volunteerism in the Bennington Community.

Mark was also an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano. He is survived by his partner of more than 51 and 1/3 years, Theodore Doucette of Bennington, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a brother, William H. Crawford III; and a sister, Donata Crawford Dillon.

The funeral will be held from Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, at 1 p.m. where the burial office with Holy Eucharist will be offered.

Friends may call at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The entombment with military honors will take place at Mark and Ted’s mausoleum in Park Lawn Cemetery.

If friends desire, contributions in memory of Mr. Crawford may be made to either the Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center or the VNA and Hospice of the Southwestern Vermont Health Care through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201.

Information provided by the funeral home.