Ronald L. Crawford 76, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2019 of pneumonia and COPD in Yuma, AZ. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lila Crawford who were long time Cottage Grove Residents. He leaves behind his loving wife Brenda Shepherd, cousins Jack Stockton and Billie Rutledge of Texas, mother-in-law Irene Shepherd and friend Bob Atkinson of Canada, brother-in-law Warren Shepherd and wife Sheryl.

Ron graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until 1963. He spent much of his Navy time on Guam.

After the Navy, he was recruited by the Oregon State Police and faithfully served as a Sergeant for the next 30 years until his retirement in Salem, Oregon.

As a retiree, Ron got a beautiful new motorhome and began traveling to the Arizona desert with his wife. They eventually bought a second house in Yuma, Az and became snowbirds. While there, they met many wonderful friends and enjoyed many “happy hours”. Ron was a member of the Cottage Grove Elks, Moose, Eagles and American Legion.

Ron enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle through the Columbia Gorge and was saddened by the fire that devasted that area. He also was an accomplished pilot and received his certification in 1975.

In his earlier days, he played steel guitar in a country western band in Cottage Grove. He loved music and especially dancing, practical jokes and armadillos. He will be missed by all and his spirit will continue forever after.