Stephen G.   Crawford

Stephen G. Crawford, 72, of Newport, Vt., and formerly of Stratford and Trumbull, died December 2 in Bethel, after waging a courageous fight with cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jane (Holmes) Crawford.

Stephen was born in Newport, Vt., on May 12, 1933, a son of the late Vernon and Effie (Drew) Crawford.

He is survived by his four children, Shari Lockhart of Newtown, Lee Crawford of Lakeville, Brian Crawford of Houston, Texas, and Bruce Crawford of Atlanta, Ga.; sister, Sandra Sheppard of Bradenton, Fla.; and 11 grandchildren, Hannah, Colin, Kara, Brian, Bilan, Emily, Samantha, Alex, Sarajane, Anabel, and Francesca.

Stephen grew up in Newport, Vt., and Marlboro, Mass. He graduated from Boston University where he met his wife Jane and started a successful career with the newly emerging Xerox Corporation in Rochester, N.Y. Subsequent transfers within Xerox took the family to the Chicago area, a three-year assignment in Boston, and then to Trumbull and Stratford where he and Jane lived and prospered for nearly 30 years. After retiring, Stephen realized his lifelong dream when he purchased his dream home upon the shore of Lake Memphramagog in his hometown. Summers were spent enjoying the lake view and winters were spent with good friends in Venice, Fla.

Steve was a giver; he gave his time and money generously. He donated blood, was a Big Brother, and he invited exchange students into his home from Japan, Denmark, France, and Columbia. He was compassionate in helping those less fortunate; he even befriended stranded hitchhikers. He loved the outdoors, whether setting the pace on brisk summer hikes through the forests of New England, or skiing down the chilly wintry slopes of the White Mountains.

For those who wish, memorial contributions in Steve’s name may be made to Dr Ira Byock, Palliative Education Fund, Dartmouth Hitchcock MC, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon NH 03756.

A memorial service will be held in Newport, Vt., when the snow clears and the water of the lake that he and Jane loved is warm.

The Cornell Memorial, 247 White Street, Danbury was in charge of arrangements. To light a candle of hope and remembrance visit the website at www.CornellMemorial.com.

The Newtown Bee      December 17, 2004