Louis “Tinker” Crawford of Bradford died December 25, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 30th at Long Lake Lutheran Church with Rev. Matt Flom officiating. A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, December 29th AT LONG LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, and also one hour prior to the service Monday at church. Interment will be in Long Lake Community Cemetery.
Louis Paul Crawford “Tinker” was born November 2, 1937 in St.Paul, MN to Martin “Ducky” and Katherine Crawford. They lived in White Bear Lake, MN and then moved to Cambridge, MN in 1947 where he attended Cambridge High School.
Tinker had many interests. He owned a construction company specializing in excavating and owned and operated an Auto Parts Pro Store in Isanti. Tinker loved his classic cars and had many.
Tinker was a passionate man with all that he did. He was a great friend that would do anything for you and be there for you know matter what, (while telling you how he felt and what to do). He was a dad that always took care of his kids and made sure they were able to do and be all that they wanted. He was a devoted husband and caregiver. He was a big brother and uncle who always gave his wisdom and advice, and he was a proud “Grandpama” that taught them his humor and shared his life experiences with them while being their biggest fan.
Tinker had his own language and he shared it with all that knew him and eventually most of us were all renamed with our own special nickname.
Tinker passed away peacefully on December 25, 2013 Christmas Day at his home in Bradford, with his family at his side at the age of 76 years, 1 month and 23 days. Tinker struggled with shingles for the past year then was diagnosed with lung cancer November 2, 2013 which ultimately lead to pneumonia.
Tinker fought hard to overcome his illness, he was never a quitter. We did not expect this to take him from us so suddenly. Sadly it did.
Tinker was preceded in death by parents, Martin “Ducky” and Katherine Crawford, brothers; Martin “Bic” Jr. and Lige “Willy” Crawford, George “Uncle Sam” Crawford, and son Todd Crawford.
Tinker is survived by wife Sandra “Missy” Crawford, daughter Tammy and Doc Thronson – Bradford, grandchildren Jade “Jademahooey” and Raynee “Rayneema” Thronson, sister Annie “Roni” Larson – Cambridge, sister in law Lola “Crash” Crawford – Cambridge, brother Eddy “Swede” and Eileen “Leeno” Crawford – Cambridge, brother Alan “Rastus” and Mary Crawford – International Falls, special nephews Brian “BC” Crawford and Charlie “Charlie Blucose” Crawford, very special friends Jim “Big Jim” and Wendy (tinkers “Idol”) Englund – Bradford, many special nieces and nephews, and many many good friends and special neighbors and relatives.
Tinker made a great impact on our world…he will be missed.
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Tinker’s death. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs.
Sandra and Family,
God saw Tinker getting tired,
And a cure was not to be,
So he wrapped his arms around him, And whispered ” Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So he gave you rest,
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
And while You were sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain,
We could not wish you back,
To suffer that again.
RIP, We love you Tinker
Sandy and Family – I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of time spent with Tinker. May everyone be able to find joy in the memories. Tinker is now at peace. God Bless. Love, Wanda
Sandy and Family,
Nancy called us Christmas morning to give us the bad news. I am glad I had a chance to talk to Louis by phone around Thanksgiving. He told me then how painful the shingles was. Louis, Little Martin and I spent quite a bit of time together from 1947 on. Louis and I were with Little Martin when he drowned. Now Louis is gone too. We’re so sorry.
Garry, Karen and Elizabeth Pierce
We couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law ever. Tinker has always been there for us and always greeted us with a smile and lots of conversation. We will miss him terribly.
so sorry for your loss glad i got to see you sad it was at clinic when i was with my mother in law ( she passed on nov 27 th not long after i saw you ) they are not hurting anymore are hearts can be at peace knowing this take care hugs and with the love of god and friends and family you will find peace in all this
Sandy, Tammy, Doc, and family, sending you my deepest sympathy on the passing of Tinker. I always looked forward to seeing him when I visited Ron and Louise. He was a character, and made me laugh. He was a great guy, and will be missed. Love to all of you.
Alice
Sandy and Family You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of Tinker. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor to us for over 35 years. I have a lot of memories of him and you, always there for Jerry and I. I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven will really enjoy having a very special person like him. Always remember, he will be watching over you and your daughter and her family. Love Judy
Tinker always had good car advice and help. Sometimes when I stopped he fixed things before I knew it. Always loved seeing him in his shop, happy as a clam. He always had a beer for me. He also sent me lots of crazy emails :) He was his own man and original as they come.
Gary and I go way back with memories. of Tinker and Sandy, we used to double date before we were married, the late fifties. Our children would spend time together at their farm in Bradford.
Tinker’s mom and mine were sisters and we kind of grew up together on weekends and summers. Tinker always had nicknames for everyone–I always called him”Tinker-Bell” and
That is how I will remember him. Our thoughts and love go out to Sandy, Tammy and family.
Love, Gary and Nancy Godeen