CRAWFORD, NEALE - Following a courageous battle with cancer, Neale Crawford of Perth-Andover passed away at the Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital on July 7, 2012. Neale was born in Anfield, NB on November 2, 1938. He was the son of the late Harold and Ina (Tompkins) Crawford. Neale leaves behind his wife Kathrina Crawford (Chapman); his daughter Lori Clarke (Bev Bennett) of Fredericton; his son Jeff Crawford of Toronto; his sisters Betty Green of Wapske, Joan Hawes of Cambridge, ON, Glenda Stickles of Bathurst, NB; brothers Vaughn Crawford (Mildred) of Plaster Rock, Clifton Crawford (Sylvia) of Perth-Andover; and his four-legged friend Pansy. He was also "Papa" to Melinda Sue Millard (Mark) of Kincardine. He was predeceased by his parents; infant brother Dale Crawford; his sister Phyllis Ferguson. Neale was an all around athlete. During his high school years speed, strength, and accuracy were his trademarks. He spent countless hours in the gymnasium shooting hoops, on the "frog pond" crafting his wristshop and the lazy days of summer mastering his pitching skills. In the late 60's to early 70's he was a registered hockey referee. In 1974, he founded the Senior Men's hockey team, the Perth Raiders, part of the Saint John Valley Men's League. In 1992 he was inducted into the Plaster Rock Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Elite 1953-54 Tobique Valley Hockey Team.
Resting at St. George's Anglican Church, Plaster Rock, with visitation on Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 1 to 3 pm with funeral service to follow at 3 pm. Rev. Bonnie Leblanc officiating. Interment will follow in the Plaster Rock Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Southern Victoria Cancer Assistance Fund, the Plaster Rock Community Cemetery, or to St. George's Anglican Church building fund would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover and Plaster Rock.