In its inaugural year, Powell River’s Sports Hall of Fame will induct one team and eight athletes who have had a lasting legacy. In the weeks leading up to the gala, taking place June 15 at Hap Parker Arena, the Peak will profile the inductees, giving more insight into their accomplishments and contributions to the fabric of the community.
Born in 1941 in rural Ontario, Bob Crawford first came to BC in 1960 to play for Powell River Rodmay Regals.
“He grew up just outside of Timmins in South Porcupine,” said his daughter Ann Marie Milne. “He had a rough upbringing, but he was really smart in school and always very good in sports.”
Despite being put ahead two grades, Crawford was unable to graduate, said his brother Gordon.
“We lived in a situation where he had to quit school,” he added. “It was a shame, but he had to go to work.”
Both Crawford brothers went to work in the local mines, but remained avid hockey players.
“Where we came from hockey was everything,” said Gordon.
Other young players from the South Porcupine region had come to Powell River to work and play hockey. Bob heard there were good-paying jobs to be had and that it was beautiful. Together with his friend George Chambers, Bob moved to Powell River in 1960, with brother Gordon following him a few years later.
Bob’s original intention was to make some money to go play hockey in Europe, but soon after arriving he met his future wife, Coree.
“That was it,” said Gord. “I remember back in those days you had to be 21 to get married or else get your parent’s signature, so I signed Bob’s marriage licence.”
Bob and Coree had three children and together built a life and lasting legacy in the community.
“He started playing here and I guess he had leadership qualities,” said Milne.
When Regals coach Andy McCallum suffered a career-ending injury, Bob took over.
“Dad was playing at that time and he became a player/coach,” said Milne. “That’s the first year they went on to the provincial championship and the next year they went all the way to the Canadians.”
During this time Bob was also heavily involved in coaching minor hockey.
“He wasn’t just coaching the Regals,” said Milne. “By the time my brother came into hockey he started coaching a core group of probably 12 kids all the way through from when they first strapped on skates right until they went to the midget provincials.”
Some of the players Bob mentored from age five to 18 went on to international hockey careers and two of them were in the NHL, she added.
After the Regals won the Canadian championship in 1969/1970, minor hockey soared in popularity in the community. Bob became head coach of the program and also started running hockey schools for it. The time commitment was great, added Milne.
“We never got to go on summer holidays because Dad took two weeks off every year from the mill to donate his time to the hockey schools,” she added.
Helping young people develop as athletes and gain self-confidence was a huge motivator. He saw from his own life experiences the benefit sport could have in transforming lives, said Milne.
“He found that sport was his saving grace as a kid from a really difficult life; that was why he gave so much to others,” she added. “And he always had a soft spot for kids who were having a tough time.”
In addition to hockey, he coached softball and he and Coree were majorly involved in volunteering for cystic fibrosis charities. His contributions to the community as a coach, player and citizen were well recognized, said Milne.
“He was the very first person to have his [hockey jersey] number retired,” she said. “They had a Bob Crawford night at the arena and there were so many people who appreciated what he did. That was his biggest accomplishment.”
After a successful career at the mill and retirement spent travelling with Coree, Bob passed away in 2014. He is remembered by many in the community for all he did.
“Bob gave everything back that he got from this town and more,” said Gordon. “He was a great coach and father and a great contributor to this town. I’m very proud of him.”
