Raymond Crawford,70

"Rainey" Crawford passed away on May 7th 2022 at the age of 70. Ray was born in Baltimore Maryland on September 3, 1951 to Barbara (DiLorenzo) and Raymond Crawford. As a small child Ray moved with his family to Bennington Vermont where he attended St Francis de Sales school and later graduated from McCann Vocational School in North Adams, MA. As a boy, Ray was an active member of St.Francis de Sales Church in Bennington where he became an outstanding alter boy. Some thought he might even become a priest but his siblings and people close to him knew there was no way they would allow him in! Ray found the outdoors to be his second home. He learned to hunt, fish and trap and practiced his craft throughout the green mountains of Vermont. With his dog Red by his side, Ray won many trophies and prizes for his hunting abilities.

While in his early 20s Ray was in a horrible car accident. The accident caused a severe brain injury and left him in a coma for an extended amount of time but somehow he made his way back. Although he could no longer hunt, he was able to relearn many of the everyday skills he needed to survive. Ray's dream was to explore Alaska and with the help and support of his mom, that dream was made possible. He returned after several months with many stories of his Alaskan adventure that he shared with all who would listen. Ray completed a retraining program in welding and went on to work at local companies in North Adams and Pittsfield for many years.

Over the past several years Ray’s body and mind began to decline, leaving him in a wheelchair and needing round the clock care. His family, with the help of The Brain Injury Center, was able to move Ray to a home managed by BCARC. There he received round the clock care from the many wonderful staff. A special thank you to Dan who made Ray’s favorite Italian foods and Erin for her gentle way with Ray and to you both for treating him with respect, patience and kindness throughout his 3 years at the Old Cheshire Rd residence.

Ray is survived by his devoted sister Debra Lane and his favorite brother-in-law Rick Lane of Shelburne MA., his brother Andy Crawford and partner Missy Cottrell of Bennington VT as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on May 28th at 11:00am at Flynn &Dagnoli Funeral home, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. The family invites guest to join them following the service at Ray’s nephew’s home for a light lunch and sharing of stories. For directions please speak to a family member.

Ray’s ashes will be spread throughout the mountains in Vermont at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made at the BCARC website or by mailing a check to Berkshire County Arc, attention: David Singer 395 South St. Pittsfield MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.