Businessman Ruel Crawford remembered for integrity, family values

WESTERN BUREAU:

A subdued atmosphere hung over the Ridgemount United Church in Mandeville, Manchester, yesterday as relatives and well-wishers said farewell to businessman Ruel Alphanso Crawford, a former Master Builders Association member and a board member of the Southern Regional Health Authority.

Crawford, who died on September 24 at age 74 after a lengthy battle with cancer, was also the father of Dwight Crawford, deputy mayor of Montego Bay in St James and the St James Municipal Corporation’s councillor for the Spring Garden Division.

During Wednesday’s service, which was officiated by host pastor Reverend Anthony Chung, tributes were provided in spoken word and in musical presentations, all preceded by an organ-driven song service that included tunes such as I’d Rather Have Jesus, The Lord’s My Shepherd, and Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.

In delivering his remembrance of his father, Dwight Crawford outlined the senior Crawford’s discipline and commitment to community service, resulting in his involvement in the Rotary Club and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.

“I remember him saying all the time, ‘Death before dishonour.’ His honour was first, and he was a very respectful man. I think the lessons I have learnt from him have made me who I am,” said the younger Crawford. “He was a service club kind of guy, and I think he spent more time doing service to his community than to himself at times, for which I think he would be proud to say he did it his way.”

Daughter Kimika Crawford recounted how her father was very protective of his five children, as well as determined to see them grow into responsible members of society.

“Daddy was always strong. He was a hard-working man, someone who showed his love not just through words, but through commitment, sacrifice, and presence. No matter what was happening in life, he always said, ‘I am determined to be there for my children,’” said Kimika.

“Being a father who was constantly teaching his children about life was not something he took lightly; it was his purpose, his joy, and his greatest responsibility.”

Born in John’s Hall, Clarendon, on June 24, 1951, Ruel Crawford took on several noteworthy roles throughout his life, including membership in the Junior Chamber International’s Mandeville chapter at age 26, and subsequently working at the Alpart alumina plant in St Elizabeth until its closure during the 1980s.

He was also a managing partner in C&L Construction Limited, and served on the boards of the Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, the Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester, and the Mandeville Regional Hospital. Additionally, he was active in the Jamaica Labour Party’s Area Council 3 divisional meetings.

In presenting the eulogy, engineer and long-time friend Roydell Williams remembered Crawford as a man who valued honesty, hard work, and initiative.

“Integrity and hard work were his pathways to success in life, and in this regard, he would be successful at anything he would focus on. He instilled this attitude into his children’s upbringing, and his mantra was, ‘Keep being who you are, and let no one and nothing distract you,’” said Williams. “Ruel always wanted to ‘happen’ to things; he did not like when things happened to him.”

Ruel Alphanso Crawford is survived by his children Ruel Jr, Kimika, Dwight, Jhanelle, and Ruel John.

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com