Douglas Emrick Crawford

AUBURN –
"The task ahead of you is never greater than the strength within you" unknown
For Doug Crawford, whether the task was at work, at home in his gardens, during his daily runs, one of his several marathons or facing the illness that changed him so much in the end, strength was a constant in his life. Douglas Emrick Crawford, 79, of Auburn, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13th in the quiet of his home in Auburn, with his wife and caregivers at his bedside.

Doug was born in New York City, son of the late Francis and Mildred (Emrick) Crawford. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Connecticut and entered the field of commercial insurance. Doug worked as a broker for many years with Traveler's Insurance in Hartford, Johnson & Higgins Insurance, Boston, Carlin Insurance, Natick. He retired from Eastern Insurance, also in Natick. He fostered many long-term client relationships and friendships with his customers, many who followed him to each of his new positions. An avid runner, Doug never could pass up the opportunity for a good run. Whether it was a quick 5-mile trek around the neighborhoods of Auburn with his two dogs in tow, or during one of his 9 completed Boston Marathons, Doug found a personal strength and peace that only runners tend to understand. He also loved working in his yard and gardens as well as completing projects at his beloved summer cottage retreat on Little Bear Island in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

He will be forever loved and truly missed by his beloved wife of 30 years, Dr. Gabriele Goszcz; his children, Raphael Goszcz Crawford and his wife, Dr. Alison Portnoy and their children, Nathalie and Case of Houston, TX, Dr. Christopher Goswick and his wife, Emily and their sons, Gideon and Levon of Marlborough and Kim Crawford Kubilus and her husband, Jim of Watertown and their children, JD and Charlotte; his two sisters, Vicki Williamson of Dayton, OH and Katie Crawford of Albuquerque, NM; and his nieces and nephews, Alex, Amy, Sonya ad Eric. Doug was predeceased by his two sons, Kevin and David Crawford.

Doug enjoyed participating in the adult daycare at Dodge Park, Worcester for four years. His family would like to thank his many caregivers through the years; in the earlier years, Matt Harville, Laurie Hehir and Susan Mason and most recently, Jim Bissell, Michael Lynch and Donna Renaud, as well as the team members from Beacon Hospice, Mike, Jeff, Casey and Stacy. Without their compassionate care and assistance, Doug would not have been able to remain in his beloved home for so long. Also, a special acknowledgement to the many loving and caring friends who helped Doug continue with his routine as normally as he could. And finally, the Alzheimer's Association/Massachusetts & New Hampshire Chapter for their constant support, as well as resource information and help provided to Doug's family during his illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor and remember Doug while visiting with his family on Sunday, August 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, with a Life celebration memorial service to begin at 10:30 a.m. His family requests that instead of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.callahanfay.com