Obituary of Bernard Crawshaw
In Loving Memory
Mr. Bernard Crawshaw, of Delhi, died on Thursday, June 15, 2023 surrounded by his family, at home, as he wished. Bernie was born May 31, 1931 to Herbert Dyson and Mary Agnes Crawshaw in Brighouse Yorkshire England. Educated at Huddersfield College, Manchester University, teacher training in Liverpool England, the Sorbonne University in Paris and the University of Western Ontario He spent two years in the British Army, three in Reserves and four in Army Cadet Forces as well as being involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He was a loving husband, father, tinkerer, teacher, landlord, community motivator and great friend to Haiti through the bookstore IVIX in Fernlea and supporter of various social justice organizations. After having met and married Patricia in 1960, he encouraged his family to move from England to Australia before settling in Delhi with temporary decampments to Quebec and Switzerland. He was a proud teacher and librarian at Delhi Secondary School, Valley Heights and Port Dover Composite. He would marvel after retirement at how many former students he would meet in his day to day activities. Through his involvement with the former Optimist Club, Multicultural Club and as a foster parent, badminton player and of course IVIX, he knew most people around for miles. Few people would know that he was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal (awarded to those who showed kindness, spirit and tremendous sense of duty) as Bernie was a very humble man. Raised in a family of moderate means, he felt it important to help others whether it be tipping a server $5 for a $2 cup of coffee, providing affordable rent to those who needed a hand, or committing decades to improve the lives of teachers and students in Haiti. Bernard was married to the Late Pat (Butcher) Crawshaw (2022) for 62 years. She was his great love, computer tutor, memory prompter and best friend. Bernie will be sadly missed by; son Jonathan, daughter in law Chrysta Mayhew and grand children Declan and Alex; son Simon Crawshaw; and daughter Fiona Kay (Late Paul Kay, 2013) and granddaughters Meg and Leah. The family is extremely grateful for the friendship of Bernie’s chosen son Larry Cowan and wife Keri-Lynn Wilbur Cowan. Along with Chris Hutchinson, caregiver extraordinaire, they brightened his days and made it possible for him to live independently at home with a constant supply of coffee and fish and chips. Friends may call at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) for visitation on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please join us, in bright clothing as Bernie loved, for a celebration of a life well lived. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Alban's Anglican Church, Delhi following the visitation on Monday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Larry Brown officiating. Interment in Delhi Cemetery. No flowers please. Memorial Donations can be made to IVIX Books, 1271 Highway 3, Delhi Ontario, N4B 2W6 and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.
