Douglas LeeRoy Crawford, 81, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam, Washington.
Doug was born on Dec. 23, 1940, in Aberdeen to parents, Bill and Freda (Granger) Crawford. He grew up in South Aberdeen before moving to Bear Gulch in the mid 1950s. Douglas would spend over 60 years at the family home on Bear Gulch.
Doug attended school in Aberdeen, graduating from J.M. Weatherwax in 1959. He began working as a Longshoreman in 1958 in Aberdeen with ILWU Local 24. He became a foreman in 1977 and joined the Local 98 Foreman’s Union. Doug retired in 2003, after 44 years in the industry.
Doug was an avid elk and deer hunter and loved clam digging. He loved watching sports and coaching baseball. Doug also played slow pitch. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth teams when his son was young. Doug enjoyed watching his son, niece and nephews, and eventually his grandchildren play sports. You could often find him at Aberdeen games cheering on the Bobcats, and from home he’d be watching the UW Huskies, Mariners and the Seahawks.
Doug enjoyed a good meal too. He’d frequent Duffy’s for a plate of Swedish pancakes and a side of ham. He loved his navy bean soup, fresh bread, German chocolate cake, razor clams, crab and corn on the cob. Come spring time he’d buy at least one flat of Spooner Farm strawberries for strawberry shortcake.
Doug had a great devotion to his family and friends. He will be remembered by his generosity and big heart. He loved to help those he could, and be there for his family and friends. He had such a warm smile and always had a good hunting story.
Douglas is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Freda Crawford; his sister, Barbara Balodis and brother-in-law, Stan Sliva.
Douglas is survived by his son, Robert Crawford (Brenda) of Montesano, Washington; sister, Sue Sliva of Montesano, Washington; and two grandchildren Gage Crawford of Silverdale and Cadence Crawford of Montesano.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Aberdeen Elks, 1712 S. Boone Street, in Aberdeen, Washington. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
