Robert “Bob” Lee Crawford, 78, passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2026.

Bob was born on July 6th, 1947, in Alpena, Michigan to Lewis and Betty Jane (Fandale) Crawford.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy Claus Crawford; son Adrian (Kimberly) Crawford, step-daughter Aimeee (Eric) Smith-Weiland; granddaughters, Hailee (Shawn) Conner, Darian (Jonathan) Robinson, Elizabeth Weiland, Hanna Crawford, and Emmie Crawford; great-grandchildren, Kendall, Harper, Carter, Molly, and soon to be baby girl; siblings, Duane Crawford, Lewis (Kathy) Crawford, Alan Crawford, Barbara (Bill) Vogt, Karen (Mark) Mellingen, Connie (Clay) Spragg and Tammie (Mike) Mattish; many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Betty Jane; his late wife, Janice Crawford; grandson, Chase.

In 1973, Bob founded Crawford Forest Products, beginning a lifelong career in logging that would become much more than a profession-it became a family tradition. His dedication to the timber industry inspired generations of his family, turning logging into a way of life. He later established R. Crawford and Son Logging, a business he proudly operated until the day of his passing. Today, that legacy continues through his son, Adrian, whose work in the woods stands as a testament to his father’s passion, work ethic, and love for the logging industry.

While logging was Bob’s livelihood, family was at the heart of everything he did. One of his greatest joys was the annual gatherings at the Fly Ranch Hunting Camp. Every hunting season, family and friends traveled from near and far to share in the tradition that was about far more than the hunt. The camp was filled with laughter, stories that grew better with each telling, lifelong friendships, and memories that will be treasured for generations. The camaraderie found around the camp was truly special and reflected the kind of man Bob was – one who brought people together.

When he wasn’t in the woods or hanging around camp, Bob found peace on the water. He loved spending time on the lake, enjoying quiet pontoon rides and taking in the beauty of northern Michigan.

Bob will be remembered as a hardworking logger and the patriarch of a legacy built with determination, integrity, and love. His influence lives on not only through the forest but through the family traditions he established and the generations he inspired.

His memory will forever echo through the pines, around the table at camp, and in the unmistakable sound of a chainsaw that is carrying on the Crawford Logging Tradition.

The graveside service will be Friday July 24th, 2026  at  Hillman-Rust Cemetery, at 2 pm.  Following the service, all are invited to join together at Good Times Tavern (formally Ike’s Bar) Hillman for food and drinks and to share your stories that Bob loved to tell!

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.com