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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CRAWFORD, Andrew (Andy) - On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Andrew Crawford (Andy), after reaching his 95th year, passed away in his home reuniting with Ilene, his beloved wife of more than 73 years. His humour and engaging personality will be missed by many but his stories will live on!
Andy, also affectionately known to many as grandpa, was born, raised, lived, and worked in Hamilton and was proud of it. The second of four boys, born to Lawrence and Elizabeth Crawford, Andy's life was filled with family, music, church, sales, great connections, a great sense of humour and many stories. Throughout everything, Andy was engaging and had an amazing ability to connect with others.
It's hard to tell what drove Andy to his music passion. It might have been the music and it might have been the parties and people that came along with it. His trumpet playing days included being a bandsman in the Royal Canadian Navy, later part of the HMCS STAR, during World War II and an entertainer in the Bobby Hurn band, the Morton Brown Band with regular performances at The Brant Inn and later the Burlington Top Hat Marching Band with his daughter Carol. Later he added the ukulele to the mix and led the Sackville Hill Seniors Ukulele Band to many performances around the city.
Early in his career, Andy followed in his father's footsteps with his start at Otis Elevator. Later, moving to his first sales job at McCoy Foundry and then finishing at Marks McKeough as both a Sales Manager and Hamilton Branch Manager.
Weekends included being a very active member of Eastmount Presbyterian Church (now Trinity) where Andy was a charter member, a Sunday School teacher and an active participant in the Couples Club.
After retiring, Andy was heavily involved as a municipal volunteer, first on the Hamilton Recreation Park's and Advisory Board and later as the Chairman of the Senior's Advisory Board.
As per Andy's wishes, he will be cremated. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 12th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Marlatt Funeral Home, 195 King Street West, Dundas, Ontario. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 13th at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. After the service, all are welcome to proceed to Grove Cemetery, 129 York Rd., Dundas for the burial of Andy`s ashes.
He will be greatly missed by his youngest brother David and his wife Arlene and his sister-in-law Joyce as well as many nieces and nephews. Andy was predeceased by his oldest brother Larry (Dawn), and third brother Peter (Joyce).
Andy is also greatly missed by his beloved son Robert (Joanne, predeceased) and reuniting with his children Donald, Douglas and Carol Sojnocki. Proud grandfather of Jordan, Kevin, Ryan, Brooklyn and Carson Sojnocki and father-in-law to Grant and Tara Sojnocki. (The Hamilton Spectator 08 Feb 2023)
Ships served in: HMCS STAR - Served in STAR during the Second World War as a Bandsman
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