Dale Lee Crawford

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away Monday, September 9, 2013 at age 79 and is now celebrating his eternal life in heaven with his savior Jesus Christ. Dale was born on December 29, 1933 in Raton, NM to William and Ruth Crawford and had an older brother William. While growing up in Raton, Dale met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara ("Barbie") Mitchell whom he married in 1959. Dale graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1956 with a degree in architecture. While at UNM, Dale joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and many of his fraternity brothers remained close friends for 60 years. Dale was commissioned an officer in the Air Force in 1959 and served until 1962 when he began his architecture career in Albuquerque. During a 45 year career, including 33 years as the owner of his own practice, Dale designed buildings throughout New Mexico, including many prominent architectural landmarks, and earned numerous design awards. He was an active member of the American Institute of Architects and an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Dale was an active member of the Central United Methodist Church for 60 years and designed many renovations of the church. He took great joy in being in the church choir and valued his friendships with choir members. Dale loved to snow ski, play golf in retirement, watch western movies, and listen to opera and country western music. Dale and his wife, Barbie travelled throughout the world and have been blessed with tremendous friendships. He was a wonderful father to his three sons: Kelly, Kevin, and Keith, joining them in Boy Scout campouts, Philmont treks, fishing trips, and skiing. Dale took great joy in watching the families of his three sons grow and was known as "Pops" to his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbie of Albuquerque, NM; son, Kelly and his wife, Robin of Dallas, TX; son, Kevin and his wife, Maureen of Mercer Island, WA; and son, Keith, and his wife, Debi of Portland, OR. Dale is also survived by 8 grandchildren and a great granddaughter: granddaughter, Katie Gold and her husband, Mark Gold of Houston, TX and great granddaughter, Emma Gold; Bridget Crawford of Chicago, IL; Travis Crawford, a student at Texas A&M; Mitchell Crawford, a student at Sewanee University; Jamie Crawford, a student at Texas A&M; Clayton Crawford, a student at Birmingham Southern College; and Oliver and Emmett Crawford of Portland, OR. A celebration of Dale's life will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013, 3:00 p.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd NE, 87106. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Central United Methodist Church.