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Passed away suddenly on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg at the age of 84. Darling husband of Evelyn for 57 years. He will be dearly missed by his children Malcolm (Mariann) and Emma (Ira), his grandchildren Fraser, Madeleine and Ella, and his younger brother Alan. Bill was cherished by his extended family in Canada and in the UK. Bill relished and enjoyed his work and his music with the same passion, exceeded only by his love for his family. After qualifying as a Metallurgical Engineer in his native Glasgow, he worked in Ottawa for the Government Mines branch and back in Glasgow for engineering company Babcock & Wilcox before starting in 1972 at Eldorado (later Cameco) in Port Hope. He enjoyed a long career there, retiring in 2000, and remained close to many work colleagues. He joined the Concert Band of Cobourg in 1973 and founded The Royals swing band in 1976. Known affectionately as “Cobourg’s Tommy Dorsey”, Bill was a cornerstone in the musicianship, community, leadership, and family that makes the Concert Band of Cobourg so special. The family invites you to a celebration of Bill’s life on Saturday, September 7th. Please drop by anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, Reception Room, 30 King Street East, Cobourg. A private interment will take place at a later date for family. In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Bill’s 46 years of music making in our community, the family appreciates donations to The Concert Band of Cobourg. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com
I recall playing in the Kilties (Concert Band of Cobourg) and the dance band with Bill in the 1970s and early 1980s. He got in touch with me a few years ago and we shared some recordings. Always a great person and fantastic musician. Condolences. He will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
I was at the Celebration of Life for Bill today. I worked with Bill for about 10 years, 1990-2000, he was great to work with. As a fellow Scotsman we got along well. Today I met Evelyn, Malcolm and Emma, we had a chat about Bill. He sure was a lovely man. I would like to say how touching the speeches from Malcolm and Emma were, I know that Bill would have been very proud of them. John
Emma, Malcolm and family,I’m so very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I recall how when we were in high school we went to a Royals dance with your Dad at helm. What a special time it was. I feel for your loss and I hope all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. I’m sorry I can’t attend today’s special celebration. I’ll be thinking of you all. Lori
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
Emma and Family,On behalf of all the TCS Faculty you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We hope to make a donation on behalf of your Dad's great service to the Cobourg Band, an integral part of his life. Let the music and memories live on,TCS Faculty 2019
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
To the entire Crawford family - Please accept our sincerest condolences on behalf of all present and past members of the Ron Marenger Big Band in Peterborough. Bill was such a welcome asset to our band and specifically Trombone section. We looked forward every Thursday to hearing Bill's dry humour and wide accent. He gave and took teasing well and always had a grrrreat joke that set the tone for rehearsal!We missed him in the winters when you went to Arizona - and we were really jealous as we fought the snow to rehearsal. We are very proud and privileged to have known and played with Bill! We know you have many happy memories- what more could you ask for? Take care of each other! Cydney and RMBB members
Dear Emma and family,We are so sorry that your Dad (husband, grandpa, friend) has passed on. He left such a beautiful legacy in his children and grandchildren and in the musical community. His passion and community leadership will live on!! Love and hugs,Alie
It was a pleasure to be friends of this true gentleman for many years . We will miss you Bill especially when we hear " String of Pearrrrls"being played. R.I.P. friend. Anne & Sel.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
Sincere condolences for the loss of this lovely man and ardent musician. May your memories sustain you and lessen your loss with time - Laurie
Evelyn, Emma and Malcolm, we were so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed!
Bill was a wonderful man and fantastic musician. He was so supportive of John and John thought the world of him. The world has lost two great men in Bill and John this summer. I am so sorry.
God luv ya Emma and fam. He was 50% of the reason I fell in love with Em. Wish I was closer. Sending you all my love ????.Shea xx
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Concert Band of Cobourg
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Uncle Bill was a lovely man and will be missed. Sorry we couldn't be there. All our love Lynn and Glenn