It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joshua William Crawford, 41, at the Dulcina Hospice in Calgary, on July 23, 2023. Josh is survived by his wife Tracy and beloved children Emilia and Bennett, his parents Debby and Jim Crawford, his siblings Andrea McPherson (Dan) and Joseph Crawford (Allison), his grandmother Evelyn Crawford, and his nieces and nephews: Iver, Gwen, Etta, Connie, Finley, and Sullivan. Josh is predeceased by his grandparents Grace and Gordon Clark of Medicine Hat, and William (Bill) Crawford of Olds.
Josh was born in Olds, Alberta where he grew up with a love for his rural community. He graduated from Olds High School and played quarterback for the Olds Spartans. He went on to play football at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia for the Acadia Axemen. Josh was happiest in the outdoors, and it was his passion for skiing, mountain biking, running, hiking, fly fishing and bow hunting that brought him back to Alberta. His love of the mountains led him to the town of Banff where he taught skiing and mountain biking. While there, he started the Bow Valley Riders, a freeride mountain bike group. He also developed a passion for cooking while working in the kitchens at Earls and Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub. He later moved to Lethbridge where he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. It was in Lethbridge that he met the love of his life, and his future wife, Tracy.
After graduation, Josh and Tracy spent a brief time in Airdrie before moving to Calgary where they grew their careers, their family, and their home together. Josh’s love knew no bounds, and his children, Emilia and Bennett, are his proudest achievements. As a family they enjoyed many trips together and with friends and family to mountains, beaches, canyons, cities, and lakes. Josh poured his heart and creativity into Capt'n Crow Landscaping which allowed him to share his love of the outdoors with others. He loved working outside with his dog Lucy at his side, and excelled at transforming outdoor spaces into retreats that gave people a reason to spend more time outside. His landscaping work across this province and beyond will remain an important part of his legacy.
Josh’s trademark smile and booming laugh were vibrant and full of life. His passion and enthusiasm were infectious, and he always had a hug and a story to tell. He took great pride in living a healthy lifestyle and encouraging others to do the same. Everything Josh did was driven by his love and devotion to his family and friends, and he never missed an opportunity to tell people how much they meant to him. Family, friends, and neighbours were always welcome around the table and he loved to gather people together to share good food. He was in his element with a good playlist in the background as he was flipping meat on the barbecue and pulling pizzas out of the oven. In Josh’s eyes, the more the merrier.
Our hearts ache as we mourn his loss, but we will treasure our memories and celebrate the life he lived–a life that made an impact, and a love without end.
A memorial service will be held at Eden Brook Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to Josh’s family through email transfer to [email protected] or a donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in Josh’s honour.
