William McNeil Crawford of Piedmont, CA, died in the company of his family, March 19th, after a valiant battle with cancer. Crawford served for many years on the boards of Bay Area Seafarer's Service, Episcopal Charities, and Episcopal Homes Foundation. He was a deanery representative and was the bishop's representative to the Deptartment of Missions. At St. Paul's, Oakland, he had several tours on the vestry, was an usher/greeter, youth group advisor, hospitality and special events coordinator, family camp organizer, and a volunteer for Senior Resources and Meals for St. Mary's.

Crawford was born February 29, 1936 in Bukidnon, Philippines, on the Del Monte Plantation. As a child Bill was interned with his family at Santo Thomas University in Manila during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines for much of WWII. He attended Brent School in Baguio, PI; Thacher School in Ojai, CA; and the University of California, Berkeley – Go Bears! While a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he met Kate Abernethy and they were married in 1959.  Bill was a devoted father to Neil, Hugh, Katherine and Sarah (payroll administrator for the Diocese of California), and an amazing Papa to seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Anita Thomas and James McNeil Crawford, and his sister, Joan Crawford Hodge. He will be missed by his brother, Jay; his nieces, Anne, Beth and Audrey; and their children.

Bill was a consummate host, a master chef, and his home was a welcome place to all who knew him. He was a font of knowledge both useful and bizarre. He loved to travel the byways with his wife and faithful dog. A dedicated volunteer, Bill shared his time and talents with many organizations including the Episcopal Church, the Guardsmen, E. Clampus Vitus, Scouts, and any group in which his offspring were involved. He was Northern California Director of the Western Military History Association and member of BACEPOW (Bay Area Civilian Ex-POWs.)

A memorial service was held on Monday, March 24 at St. Paul's, Oakland.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org)  or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Oakland.