H. Michael "Mike" Crawford

H. Michael "Mike" Crawford was born in 1946 in Pewee Valley, KY., the only child of parents Lucille and Howard. Mike died of mesothelioma on October 11th, 2024, a few days shy of his 78th birthday. He died peacefully at his home with family by his side. He is survived by his wife Lucy, son Matthew (Brittany), son Benjamin (Katharine), daughter Carson McGraw (Brian), and grandchildren Henry, Oliver, Crawford, Fay, Freddy, and Harry. Mike spent his early childhood and teenage years in Shelbyville, KY. He graduated from the former Shelbyville High School where he was a capable student and standout on the football team. He spent considerable time on his grandfather's farm in Bagdad, KY where he helped milk cows by hand and worked in the hay and tobacco fields. Mike attended Hanover College and was a starting defensive end as a freshman. Mike met Lucy Frick his freshman year. The stars were aligned and Lucy and Mike were married in 1968, making Louisville their home. Mike completed his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, the first person in his family to obtain a college degree. Mike had a long and meaningful professional career in human resources administration. But his most rewarding, important, and challenging jobs were as a husband, a father, and a grandfather. The memories from those times were second to none. He traveled with family and Lucy to special places including Turkey, India, Nepal, many countries in Europe, and all over the U.S. Family summer vacations were exceptional.
A few years before retiring in 2001, Mike took up road cycling. Cycling became a passion. He was an active member of the Louisville Bicycle Club, having led and participated in many club rides. He especially enjoyed biking in the challenging Tour de Mad Dog 100-mile rides. Mike rode his bike in 49 states, including one 2-month ride across the U.S. He also biked in Nepal, Canada, and several countries in Europe. One particularly special trip was biking up Alpe d'Huez, one of the most iconic climbs in the Tour de France. By the end of Mikes riding days he had logged (club + personal rides) 153,868 miles (more than 6 times the circumference of the earth).
To say that Mike liked college sports is an understatement. He supported his team, the Kentucky Wildcats, win or lose, enjoying many football and basketball games with friends and family. Another one of Mike's passions was the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in Speedway, IN. Beginning in 1964, he attended his first race, and continued for 60 straight years. Mike worked very hard throughout his life staying fit and healthy. In addition to avid cycling, he loved to hike, being an active member of the YMCA, listening to music (lots of soul, rhythm and blues, and country!), reading books, listening to NPR, watching the PBS News Hour, reading the New York Times, watching movies, and enjoying cold beer in moderation.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on November 10, 2024 at the Parklands of Floyds Fork. The celebration will occur from 2-5pm at the Gheens Foundation Lodge, 1421 Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245. Mike's interment will be a private family ceremony at Floydsburg Cemetery in Crestwood, KY. If anyone wishes to leave a remembrance in Mike's name, donations may be made to any of the following organizations: The Parklands of Floyds Fork (part of Kentucky's 21st Century Parks), the Kentucky Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, or Kentucky Chapters of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.