Richard Don Crawford

1946 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Richard Don Crawford < >

Viewing:

Oct. 25, 2021
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Draper 9th Ward, 12353 South 600 East, Draper, Utah
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  • Service:

    Oct. 25, 2021
    12:00 PM
    Draper 9th Ward, 12353 South 600 East, Draper, Utah
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  • Richard Don Crawford of Draper, Utah, tragically passed away Oct. 19, 2021. While walking home, he was fatally struck by a vehicle. He was born on March 18th, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to Don and Naomi Crawford. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in 1968, attending both Provo and Hawaii Brigham Young Universities. He received his master’s degree in education in 1972 from Boston University. He received his doctorate in educational psychology from Brigham Young University in 1980.
    Rick was high school student body president as well as the lead actor in his high school plays. He attended BYU on a track scholarship. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he became an officer in the United States Army and spent 28 years in both active and reserve duty, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He loved working at the Corporation for National and Community Service, supporting federal service programs that benefitted Seniors and other needy groups in ten Western States.
    He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1967 and was faithful in a long history of service and devotion. Richard served as Bishop, Stake high counselor, Ordinance worker in the Draper, Utah temple, and as Stake Patriarch. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of serving a mission with his sweet wife Janet during 2009-2011 in the Sicily and Rome, Italy missions. Richard continuously shared his love of the gospel by kind word and deed to all those around him.
    In 1968 he married the love of his life, Janet Ellen Morr Garriga. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Oakland, California temple in 1969. Together they raised seven grateful children, Kimberly (Clark Larsen), Cori (Glen Page), Melony (Derek Swanson), Amanda (Wesley Jones), Kelly (Jeremy Miller), Christopher Crawford (Kelly Marie), and Robyn (Jeff Reynolds). They have 27 grandchildren. Jordan (Hunter) Vance, Simeon Page, Kanyon (Maddy) Larsen, Derek (Ashley) Swanson, Dallin (McCall) Swanson, Kirsten Larsen, Breanna (Jared) Rowley, Cooper Page, Sister Ally Swanson, Morgan Miller, Caitlyn Larsen, Elder Aiden Swanson, Bailey Page, Ashlyn Miller, Christian Larsen, Kara Larsen, Samuel Crawford, William Crawford, Mason Miller, Ava Reynolds, Abigail Crawford, Zachary Reynolds, Charlotte Crawford, Maximus Jones, Mattingly Jones, Skylee Reynolds, and Tristan Reynolds.
    He is preceded in death by his brother James Crawford. He is survived by his sister Beverly Crawford.
    Richard constantly talked about how blessed his life has been. To know him was literally to love him. He loved every person he knew including those he had only met moments before. He was a true disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ and wanted to share this love with everyone. He was the kindest man we have ever known, and he is deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
    Funeral services will be held Monday, October 25th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse at 12353 South 600 East, Draper, Utah. Public viewing from 10:30-11:45 with services at 12:00 in the chapel. Graveside service to be held from 1:30-2:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1959 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, Utah.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Sincere sympathy to Chris and all the Crawford family on the sudden loss of your Dad Richard. I will be keeping you all very specially in my thoughts and prayers Love aunt Judy (Ireland)


    - Judy Murphy

    Aunt Janet, Crawford cousins and family. Uncle Rick was so welcoming of my Dad, sister and I into your family. I remember how kind he was to me. While I can probably only count on 2 hands the times our families were together, Aunt Janet and Uncle Rick traveled out to South Dakota, to witness our marriage. Truly a special day for us having them in attendance he is truly loved and we will miss him. All our love to Aunt Janet, Crawford cousins and family.
    With love
    George and Misty


    - George Mandas

    Our sincerest condolences. I knew Richard from our service in the Draper Temple. What a kind and great man. He made my introduction to the temple delightful and interesting. There was no question that he valued me and my service. He took interest in my family and their well-being. Richard was loved, admired and greatly respected by all familiar with him. I have lost a great friend. We send our love and prayers to his family and loved ones.


    - Gregory Johnson

    Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family and especially to my sister, Janet. We held our brother-in-law, Rick, in the greatest affection and respect. The world has lost someone very special. He will be greatly missed.
    May the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help sustain you at this difficult time.
    Love,
    Elaine and John


    - John and Elaine Mandas

    Oh, Janet, I am so sorry. Sending you and your family heart-felt condolences and surrounding you all with prayers of comfort, peace, and love. We never lose the people we love - they live the rest of our lives with us in our hearts. I hope sweet memories will bring you comfort. ❤️❤️❤️ Marcy


    - Marcy Owens

    All our love and prayers are with you and your family. Rick is an amazing man and we are so grateful to have known him and felt his influence in our lives.


    - Cheryl MacKay & family

    Janet and family, I am so sad to read of Ricks passing. He was so kind. I pray you will feel of our Heavenly Father’s peace, love and comfort during this difficult time.


    - Debbie Campbell

    What a magnificent man! Everyone who talked with Brother Crawford came away uplifted and better because of the love he had for everyone! We love your Dad/Grandpa. He always found a way to have conversations with us at each of your family gatherings and we are just ward members. He always knew us when we saw him in the temple and would call us by name. What a great memory he has! We loved seeing him with his grandchildren. He was so involved with their lives and loved each one individually. He led by example and love, just like his Savior. We love that he gave our youngest daughter her patriarchal blessing and will cherish that special spiritual time with him. Our prayers and hearts extend to all his family and appreciate his love in our life! We love you and hope you can feel a measure of comfort and peace at this time. Thanks for sharing him with the world. ❤️


    - Christopher and Kimberly Coon

    Dear Brother Crawford left a lasting impression upon all of us who served with him at the Draper Temple. His kindness, love and gospel light touched us deeply. No doubt he will remain anxiously engaged in good causes. We love Rick Crawford.


    - Todd and Sharon Hansen

    I am fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Rick for many years during his time as the Utah State Director for CNCS National Service Programs. Rick was an extraordinary man. He had so much caring and kindness for everyone. His contributions to the world are many and he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and all who cared for him.


    - Vicki Jo Hansen

    Janet, Kim, and the rest of your sweet family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband and your dad Kim . Rick was always so very kind every time I saw him with you Janet, he always acted like we were old friends. I remember the warmth I felt of his spirit always. I so enjoyed our years at Alta View! It was our home away from home! I’m so very sorry for your loss. My love and prayers go out to you and your family. May you find peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ and our sure knowledge of eternal families.
    Teresa Wood


    - Teresa Wood (Whitebread)

    I received a call today from a member of WLHS Class of '65 regarding Rick's passing... We're trying to let some of our classmates (that knew and "hung out" with Rick) learn of the tragic accident.

    I'm so sorry for your loss... I remember some of our antics at West Leyden... in fact, Rick and I were standing together in the 4-color photo in our senior year book... he was a great guy and a dedicated member of every organization that he belonged to...

    Try to focus on all of the happy times you had with Rick... you still have pain but you will have a smile on your face...


    - Jim Hilliard

    We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He is an outstanding and loving man. We enjoyed our experiences with him over the years. He was such a great bishop in the Sandy East stake. He will be missed.


    - Steven and Kathy Postma

    Dear Janet,
    We are so sad to hear of your sudden loss. Your bright light and example of a loving couple will forever be in our memory, Genuine love and kindness blesses this world immeasurably. May the Lord comfort and bless you and your family. Love, Tom and Kathy Capece


    - Kathy Capece

    Jan and family I am so sorry for the loss of the most kind, loving, thoughtful man that I know (other than my dad) . My heart hurts for you all. Bishop Crawford was the best💜
    I send my love and prayers for your family 💖
    Love Kelli Whitehead


    - Kelli Whitehead

    Such a great loss for all of us that knew him. He was a wonderful Bishop and loved by everyone.
    Jan, wishing you and your family much comfort and peace at this most difficult time.
    Betty Ware-Barrus and Boys.


    - Betty Ware-Barrus

    Janet we remember you and Richard with love in our hearts as you looked after us when we came to Catania for Mission Conferences on our mission in Malta. You were both so kind to us as you fed us and took us around places. It is with sadness in our hearts that we send this message to you and your family at the passing of Richard, but you are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength.
    Lots of love from Jim and Chris xx


    - Jim and Chris Beresford

    Very sorry to learn of Rick's passing. I worked sporadically over 20 years with Rick and found him to be a consistent gentleman and examplar of how to lead a balanced personal and professional life. I hold him in the highest regard and cannot imagine the void in your lives. I will hold the kindnesses he showed me over the years in the brightest light of my memories of him. Peace to all.


    - Drew D Carberry

    Dear Janet and family
    I am so sorry for your loss. It is painful to lose someone you dearly loved. But be it known you are all loved by many and we are so willing to help you get thru this in any way we can. You have to understand our Father in Heaven has a plan for all of us, and the Prophet said in this last conference, that our days are numbered, he called Richard home exactly when he was supposed to. We love you.


    - Margie Decker

    Jan and family,
    My heart and prayers go out to you. I directed senior corps programs for 30+ years. I had the opportunity to work with Rick for all of those years. He mentored and supported me and I am a better person for knowing and working with him. He will always be remembered.
    God bless you


    - Dwight Rasmussen

    I am so sorry for your (and all of our) earthly loss. I cherish the visits we were blessed with when he and Rick would faithfully visit us in our home as he dutifully fulfilled his home teaching assignment. I have always been so impressed with him because even though he was dutiful, consistent, and reliable, his spirit was so strong and he brought Christ’s love into our home. He is an amazing man. I am a better person because he touched my life. Thank you for sharing him with me. We love your family so much.


    - Kristal Hirschi James

    Janet, I’m so sad to hear the news of your sweet Richard. What a wonderful and serving life he lived.. My condolences to all your family, your children and all your grandchildren. Such an unexpected tragedy. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love Bobbye


    - Bobbye Wetsel

    Dear Janet, Chris, Kelly, and family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was a kind and good man. Our thoughts are with you.


    - Owen and Rachel Murphy

    My my dear friend Janet. My heart is so full of love and sorrow for your loss. It seems like yesterday that we were working together at Alta View. I cherish those memories. Although I never knew your sweetheart, I felt the love that you have for this wonderful man. I hope that you and your family will find peace and joy in all that your love has created. Most of all may you look forward to the day you will be reunited and continue on together in the wonderful journey that was only the beginning, here on earth. Sending my heartfelt love and prayers for comfort.


    - Julie Christensen