Ronald "Ron" Crawford

Ronald Crawford was born on October 13, 1958, in Glendive, Montana, to Alvin and Dianne Crawford. He spent his early childhood in Glendive until 1965, when the family moved to Mills, Wyoming, where he grew up and discovered his lifelong love for the outdoors. A proud Boy Scout, Ron learned the value of hard work, friendship, and adventure — and he never missed the chance to sit around a good campfire, swapping stories and soaking up the simple joy of being outside.

In 1972, the family relocated to San Diego, California, where Ron began carving his own path. It was there that he landed his first job as a mechanic — a perfect fit for someone who could fix just about anything. In 1976, Montana called him home once again. He settled in Bozeman, started his family, and built a life grounded in laughter, loyalty, and hard work. Ron spent many years in construction, framing homes across the Gallatin Valley and leaving behind both craftsmanship and friendship in every project.

Ron was happiest outdoors — hunting, fishing, camping, or simply taking in the view. He could tell you where the fish were biting, which ridge held elk, and had a story for every trail, campfire, and river bend. Whether sitting in the cab of a truck or beside a crackling fire, Ron was right where he wanted to be: surrounded by good company and the Montana landscape he loved.

In later years, he found a special joy in riding shotgun with his daughter, Megan, and his little granddaughter, Annie Mae, tagging along on whatever adventure the day had planned. Those drives — full of laughter, stories, and a few pit stops for snacks — were some of his happiest moments.

One of Ron’s proudest and most unforgettable moments came when he decided to ride Space Mountain one last time. Despite every warning sign imaginable — and even with his oxygen machine in tow — he couldn’t resist the thrill. He rode with a grin from ear to ear, cracking jokes and hassling everyone around him just enough to get them laughing too. That was Ron in a nutshell: fearless, funny, and full of life.

He loved to say, “Life’s too short,” and he lived it that way every single day — with humor, grit, and a heart that never quit.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Dianne Crawford. He is survived by his daughter, Megan (Travis) Roy, and granddaughter, Annie Mae; his son, Cameron Cook, and grandson, Holland James Cook; his sisters Barbara Snider, Beth Crawford, and Lanise Gusta; and his brothers Rusty Crawford and Todd Sexton.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Sunday, November 9, at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center. It will be a potluck in true Ron fashion — he loved trying new foods and believed there was nothing better than a good buffet. Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Cook River Bottom off River Road to lay him to rest in his final resting place.

It’s all about the miles, not the years.