CRAYFORD, Thomas Gerald

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1954 – 2022

Thomas Gerald Crayford came into this world on April 29, 1954, the oldest of 5 siblings born to Laura and Richard Crayford, and on May 12, 2022, he passed away.

Tom was raised on the family farm near Lundbreck, Alberta, and started working as a sheep herder during his summer breaks at the young age of 12. In his youth, he became fast friends with his cousin, Jordie Price. And, he was also a fabulous basketball player. He graduated from Livingstone School in 1972, and eventually secured employment nearby, with the City of Pincher Creek, as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Tom was a social fellow, and he liked to spend time with many friends, including lifelong friends Gary Hackler and Tony & Ginnette.

In 1984, Tom found employment in construction in Langley, BC, and in that same year, on a trip to Fernie, BC, Tom met Millie Morton. Soon after in 1985, they married and Tom’s only son was born, Ryley Richard Roy Crayford. From 1991-1999, Tom was working for West Coast Aggregate Gravel, where he met Rich Vernon, yet another lifelong friend. After that, he worked for Rich’s parents building a yacht. Unfortunately, a boating accident in 2004 took Millie from Tom and Ryley. Tom moved on to work for Mainland Sand and Gravel, and he continued to work there until his stage 4 cancer forced him to retire. But, that didn’t keep him down either, he beat that cancer and, afterwards, continued to work.  Working hard, even through hardship, was a fundamental element of Tom’s personality, even if it was delivering newspapers, Tom did it with tenacity.

While he was living in Abbotsford, BC, there was a group that would get together at Tim Horton’s, to laugh and talk; Tom – not one to pass up a good conversation – joined in and soon was one of them. It was here he met Elaine. They’ve been together ever since, married in 2013, and later they moved to Alberta. In 2018, they left the ice and snow of Alberta winters and headed back to warmer weather in BC, they were able to enjoyed 4 more years together. Although Tom’s health took a turn for the worse once again, he kept up his spirits for most of it, and he gave love and friendship freely. Friends and family are going to miss him dearly.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Elaine (and her children); his son Ryley, whom he is so proud of; his siblings dear to his heart, Nancy, Gary, Laurie, and Jim (and each of their families); and his many cherished friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held towards the end of June in Abbotsford, BC, details to come. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice, in Tom’s name.

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