In Memory of Grant Crowley

Grant grew up on the eastside of Vancouver, living in a house on the grounds of the family business, Avalon Dairy.  He took great pride in the achievements of his civic-minded parents, Everett and Jean, whose legacy left a lasting impression on him as well as the East Vancouver community. He loved to tease his older sister, Merrilyn, and more than once joined his younger brother, Lee, in a bit of trouble. One of the constants in Grant’s life was his enduring friendship with Don Holm, his best friend since childhood. He also cherished the memories of summer visits spent with his Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Doug, and their three daughters.  

During his time at Gladstone Secondary, Grant was more inclined to be found on the soccer field or a musical stage than with his textbooks.  Despite his family’s deep connection to Avalon Dairy, Grant rode off as a young man to join the RCMP, beginning a career that would take him to various small communities across Canada.

It was during his service in Ontario that Grant met his future wife, Claudette (née Lacombe), in the cafeteria of a small-town hospital - a spot rumoured to be the best place to meet a cute nurse!  The two soon married and started a family, eventually relocating to Ottawa. Family photographs of Grant in a Santa suit, complete with polished RCMP boots— became a perfect symbol of his commitment to both family and career.

Grant longed to return home, and so he moved his family to Vancouver in 1975. They settled in a cozy house down the street from Avalon Dairy and his parents.  Grant and Claudette were generous hosts, and their home quickly became a lively hub for friends and family, and the preferred place for out-of-town guests to land.   
Family time for the Crowleys included bowling, camping, and spending time at the family cabin at McLeese Lake. Grant was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand, and loved to tinker away at things.  Over the years, the Crowleys welcomed two dogs into their fold, along with a guinea pig, a bird and countless fish.  Despite an often-gruff exterior, Grant always lit up when he spotted a chubby baby or a fuzzy dog. In his later years, he became a devoted “grand-paw” to Lucy, happily sneaking her bits of bacon from his plate.

Grant could have a big heart, though he struggled with how to express his softer side.  He was raised in a time where work stress was often managed with dark humour and emotions were masked with unhealthy habits.  He chose to retire early from the RCMP, and began to devote more time to volunteering. Grant was proud to be a long-standing member of the Vancouver Lions Club.  He especially loved helping families pick out their Christmas trees at the Lions Club tree lot, and more than once gave a family in need a substantial discount if they fell in love with a tree that was beyond their means. He was the neighbour who would clear driveways without expecting thanks, and was known to patrol the neighbourhood in his robe and slippers if he suspected anything amiss outside.  And he even got interviewed on the news in this ensemble, much to the chagrin of his wife!

Grant enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his son, Stephen. The size of the stories may not have always matched the weight of catches brought home, but he always came home with a smile.  He often encouraged his kids to watch nature shows so that they "might learn something", and faced off with a crossword each morning with a pen in hand.  He and his daughter Michelle, shared a love of reading, and often swapped piles of fantasy and mystery books back and forth. Grant proudly remembered taking his children to every Star Wars movie and was always willing to pull them along on a toboggan to the nearest snow-covered hill.

Grant was known for doing things on his own terms, and his stubbornness often complicated his life.  But through it all, Grant’s family and friends loved him.  And he will be deeply missed.