Artist, film-maker, raconteur, Curtis James Crawford, has died on April 27, 2024.
Born to Glenn and Gail Crawford in Belleville, Ontario on July 31, 1957. Curtis demonstrated an early aptitude for art, particularly cartooning, which eventually led to a successful career in animation and film-making.
Curtis studied classical animation at Sheridan College in Oakville where he also played for the Bruins varsity men’s basketball team. He was known to take a hard foul. Or two.
Curtis and Anne were married in Lakefield in 1989 and together raised three outstanding children — Joseph, Anthony and Elise — of whom Curtis was immensely proud. He was a loving, supportive, protective and generous father. His family came first.
Curtis went on to supervise major animation projects in Tokyo, Seoul and New York City. His foray into film-making proved equally rewarding, successful and impactful.
Curtis was an avid rugby player, starting in 1977 with his hometown club — the Belleville Bulldogs — and leading to a long association with the Ottawa Bytown Blues for whom he was, at various times, player, choir master, president, committee member, sponsor. Through rugby, Curtis developed and nurtured lifelong friendships. If Curtis Crawford was your friend, you had a friend you could count on. For life.
Curtis was a voracious reader and loved to travel. He was practically unbeatable in contests of trivia. His staunch backing of the Pittsburgh Steelers started in high school and remained unwavering throughout his life. Curtis was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. And, he wished the Montreal Expos had never left Canada.
Curtis revelled in the company of family and friends. He enjoyed a good steak, a fine cigar, a glass of wine, a favourite old rugby song and a good laugh. Always a few great stories.
His was, truly, a life well-lived. And Curtis will be truly missed by those who loved him. As his favourite musician, Neil Young, would say “Peace and Love”.
Safe journey, “Big Gorn.” Skén:nen –“peace and serenity” in Kanien'kéha (Mohawk)
Celebration of life to be held on Sunday, June 16th 1 – 4 pm at 1035 Bank Street Ottawa- Second Floor.
Digital Guestbook
Michael Giunta
Will McDowell
It is many years since I played rugby with Curt and the other memorable Bulldogs in the early/mid 80s. It was obvious then that he was an exceptional person, with a diverse set of talents and a wicked sense of humour. Thinking of some of his stories, told in that slight drawl, makes me smile as I write this. All the best to the family. May God bless and keep him.
Neil Bregman
I was shocked to learn of Curtis' passing. I had the great pleasure of working and conspiring with Curtis over the course of many memorable years. He was a big man with a big personality, filled with kindness and laughter. I will always remember him fondly.
Angie Sakla~Seymour
Rest in Paradise. Working with you and seeing you at our showcase meant so much. You will be missed.
Pierre David
Curtis directed many movies for me and our companies. He was a joy to work with! Understood exactly the marketplace we were aiming for, able to prioritize the shots we needed to get in our hectic schedules, very good with actors, smart with editing, he was all in all a wonderful collaborator. And did it all with joy and smiles…. He so much enjoyed being on sets… You will be missed, my friend….
Robert Stephenson
Greatest director I’ve known. Always a good friend. Interesting and intelligent. He will be missed .
Frédéric Edwards
We spent many long hours on set together. Curtis was a nice man. RIP big guy.
Gordon Yang
I will always cherish our friendship and our fun times working on the film set. With such an infectious laugh and good spirits, you brighten up our days. You will be dearly missed my friend, but never forgotten.
Mike Bass
He was the very definition of a gentleman. Rest in Peace Curtis.
Sarah Rizk
I am soooo saddened to hear of this great guy passing away ... I was blessed to know this very welcoming, fun, caring human being. We met on set and then had a meeting to cater many of the films he Directed and with Don his sidekick during those years...I thank him for helping me break into the industry of film and believing in me...I will always cherish those moments...copy that Curtis!
Curtis was a great neighbour and a fantastic storyteller. He will be missed be those who knew him.