John Graham Crawford

John Graham Crawford passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024 in Everett, WA. He was born January 3, 1936 in Perth, Australia. In 1948 John and his brother Kevin traveled by ship from Australia to the US to be reunited with their mother and stepfather in Everett.

John attended South Junior Middle School in Everett, where he would meet his future wife of 68 years, Emma (Simonson). Both John and Emma graduated from Everett High School in 1954. They were married in Everett in 1956 and had two sons, Kirk and Mark.

During high school John developed a passion for carpentry and upon graduating went into the construction industry, where he would enjoy over 50 years, starting as an apprentice carpenter to owning Crawford Construction. Whether providing minor carpentry repairs, cabinetry, or custom home construction, John’s pride in craftsmanship gave him tremendous satisfaction. John was very appreciative of the many loyal customers and various relationships he developed over his career.

John attended Faith Lutheran and Prince of Peace Lutheran in Everett. Through teaching Sunday school, serving on various boards, and singing in the choir, his faith and church community were always an integral part of his life.

John enjoyed many activities and interests in his lifetime. He swam at the beaches in Western Australia as a boy and later taught his grandsons how to swim during summers in Eastern Washington. He coached and assisted with his sons’ baseball, basketball, and soccer teams. John enjoyed taking the family on ski trips, camping, fishing, hiking, and boating on Lake Entiat. He was an avid nature photographer and was a member of the Puget Sound Camera Club. He loved reading and discussing Australian and World history, biographies, and non-fiction adventure. Throughout his life Australia, and his relatives that remained there, always held a special place in his heart. He was able to return twice in his life to share it with Emma and Kirk.

John is survived by his loving wife, Emma; son, Kirk, daughter-in-law, Nancy, and three grandsons, Reese, Ryan, and Neal; and son, Mark, daughter-in-law Debra, and granddaughter, Caitlin.

John will be remembered for his integrity and hard work, for his great sense of humor, and for enjoying the simple pleasures of time together with family. The lessons he passed along to those who were a part of his life will remain for years to come.