Obituary of Kenneth Eric Crawford

Crawford, Kenneth Eric

Kenneth Eric Crawford, 88 of Strathroy, Ontario (and many places in between) passed away on March 12, 2021 at Strathmere Lodge, Strathroy.

Ken was born in Milton, Ontario in 1933 and was raised by his grandparents David and Nettie Crawford. Ken lived in Mount Brydges for much of his youth and met his wife Diane (Axford) Crawford at high school there. Ken worked at many jobs during his family years, following opportunities as they came up. He got his start in farming though a job with Cuddy Farms and he eventually became a successful farmer of over 1000 acres and six turkey operations in Middlesex County and later a well-known farm leader. He was chairman of the Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency (now Turkey Farmers of Canada) and then General Manager of the Ontario Turkey Producers’ Marketing Board, and finally Executive Director of the Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency. In this role, Ken travelled extensively as he participated in world trade negotiations in Europe and the US. He knew many federal ministers of agriculture personally and was honoured with a Poultry Science Scholarship in his name at the University of Guelph.  Ken was a Kinsmen earlier in his life, a municipal councillor, bookkeeper, trucker, cash crop and poultry farmer and a forefather of the supply management system. He was an unstoppable agent of change who was never satisfied with the status quo. Following his successful career as a farm executive, he retired to Severn Falls where he volunteered for the federal PC Party and the OSPCA, and then to Goderich where volunteered for the legion and finally to Strathroy where he was involved with the VON.

Ken is survived by his wife Diane to whom he was married for 69 years and predeceased by his sons Brett and Ricky. He is survived by a large family who have many cherished memories; including sons Kevin (Brenda), Sheldon (Liz) and Nathan; and daughters Valerie (Tim) and Lynette (Dave); and grandchildren Brent, Tanya, Chuck, Candice, Brittany, Jeremy, Derek, Jeff, Brian, Stephen and David and many great grandchildren including two namesakes.  

At this time, cremation has taken place. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Strathroy VON Adult Day Program or to the Ken Crawford Poultry Science Scholarship at the University of Guelph.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Denning’s of Strathroy for their wonderfully compassionate service and aftercare. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.