Obituary of Allan Benson Craswell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Allan Benson Craswell, peacefully, with family by his side, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. 

 

Allan was born on June 27, 1933 in Strasbourg, SK to Benson and Ada Craswell. He grew up and lived on the same farm from 1933 to 2009, when he and Shirley retired and moved into town.  Not many people can say they lived in the same yard for 76 years! Allan took his 12 years of schooling in the old brick school in Strasbourg, which was three miles away. As there were no school buses then, Allan would walk, bike or ski to school. When Allan graduated in 1951, he stayed at home and worked with his Dad grain farming and raising cattle. 

 

Allan and Shirley (Parker) were married on July 27, 1956.  Benson and Ada had moved to Strasbourg, so Allan and Shirley lived in the farm home. Twins Ray and Ron were born in November 1957 and Gerry in April 1963. 

 

Allan loved the farm.  By the 1980’s, Ray and Allan were farming together. The farm was growing.  With new methods and grains and machinery, farming was changed. One thing always remained the same though, John Deere tractors!

 

Allan was always active in the community, volunteering in many ways, especially with the curling club. At 84 years old, he curled the 2017-18 curling season. Allan was also active in his church, including teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir; was instrumental in building the new United Church, helping with the maintenance of the church, playing the organ (a skill and passion he resurrected in his 40’s) and doing anything else that needed to be done. He was always willing to help out a friend, neighbor or a complete stranger. It was not unusual for Allan to form lasting friendships with people that he first met on the street and with whom he struck up a conversation. If you knew Allan at all, you would have had his hand on your shoulder, seen the twinkle in his eye, had him tease you about something, or likely heard him say “here comes trouble”. In his later years, he spent lots of time at the hotel coffee shop playing cards with his buddies.

 

In 2018, Allan became a resident at the Last Mountain Pioneer Home. Early on he was active with the activity programs, and kept busy with jigsaw puzzles, painting, playing games, and whatever else was being offered. He always looked forward to the residents’ bus trip to the ice cream store!! Our family would like to express our utmost gratitude to the staff at LMPH for the care they provided over the past years.

 

Allan was predeceased by his parents, Benson and Ada Craswell; brother, Bob Craswell; sister, Marg Lanman; and nephews Evan and Bob Lanman and Tom Blakely.  He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley; his children: Ray (Marilyn), Ron (Adele) and Gerry (Karen); grandchildren: Kevin (Melanie) and David; Shanda (Damian) Laventure and Courtney (Adrian) Cochet; Cody (Roberto), Matthew (Jess), Sawyer (Lanna), and Annie (Ty); and great grandchildren:  Alice, Chloe, Dreyden, Jace, Griffin, Ollie, Lynyx and Benson, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought great joy to Allan’s life, as he brought joy to theirs.

 

A family graveside service will be held for Allan on Friday, December 11, 2020. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Allan may donate to the Last Mountain Pioneer Home Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, or a charity of their choice.