CRAWFORD
Lloyd Allen

January 5, 2024
Age 91

The family of Lloyd Allen Crawford sadly announce his passing in the early hours of January 5, 2024 at the age of 91, at the Drumheller Health Centre, Acute Care.
Lloyd was predeceased by his wife, Marge, in 2010, as well as his parents, Paul and Edith, his brothers; Mel, Harold, and Elmer, and his sister, Edna.
Lloyd is survived by his children: Tara (Terry) Costain, Deanne (Cliff) Sharpe, and Danny (Trish) Crawford; grandchildren Jennifer (Matt) Roddy, Jeffrey (Sarah) Costain, Daniel Costain, Christina (Mike) Graham, Laura Costain, Elynn (Matt) Johnson, Tyler (Meranda) Sharpe, Shawna (Heath) Lane, Cindy Sharpe, Lindsey (Jack) Stanway, Brandon (Chloe) Crawford, and Joshua Crawford; along with 19 great grandchildren and a large extended family.
Dad was born in Red Deer, AB in 1932, the youngest of five. Dad spent his youth playing golf and hockey, fishing, hunting and working at the family car business in Red Deer. He worked briefly with the Bank of Nova Scotia, before spending over 30 years as a Probation Officer with the Province of Alberta. Dad was instrumental in starting the “Fine Options” program, which allowed youth to work off their fines by providing community service. Retirement found Mom and Dad running a Bed & Breakfast for 10 years.
Dad loved the outdoors right up to his passing. His last fishing venture was this past June, sitting on his stroller and enjoying a “bevvie”. We often took drives in the country to look for birds and other wildlife and made sure to end the trip with an ice cream cone.
Dad loved to read news and fiction. He was mentally sharp right to the end. We are so grateful for this.
Dad was affectionately known as Papa by his grandchildren, and as Big Papa and Papa HaHa by his great grandchildren. Dad was purposeful in leaving us with a legacy of humour and laughter. Even when enduring his painful health challenges and various scans, Dad would make a “funny face” to try and brighten everyone’s mood. Dad was always able to laugh at himself – he had a lot of material to work with! He was intentional in ensuring great moments and memories were being made.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday, January 13, at 10:00 a.m. A reception to celebrate his life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow, will be held at Badlands Community Facility. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation. We are grateful for the exceptional care that Dad received at the Drumheller Health Centre and for support of our family and friends.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.

SLEZAK
Henry ‘Grant’

May 30, 1960 - Neepawa, Manitoba
December 29, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Henry ‘Grant’ Slezak passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, after a long battle with lung cancer. Grant was born on May 30, 1960, in Neepawa, Manitoba, to Lawrence and Verla Slezak. He spent most of his school years in Neepawa. After high school, Dad headed west to find fame and fortune. Having a love of the land from farming with his dad, uncles, and cousins, it wasn’t surprising that he sought work outdoors with men and equipment.
It was there, on his first pipeline job, that he found his passion in the Canadian oil and gas industry. In 1981, after an accident that required extensive time off, he headed home for some TLC that only a mother can provide. It was during this time off that he would meet his future wife and partner, Leann Beth Slezak (nee Drayson). Mom and Dad were married, and for the next 39 years, they loved, laughed, and raised their family, fighting through the good times and the bad, making mistakes, making bigger mistakes, but eventually realizing they were far better off together than apart. Adding to the mix, Andrew Cody was born in 1984, followed by Michael Ryan in 1987.
Dad remained at home while the boys were young, taking jobs where he could. His best times were spent with his boys, being a Beaver leader with Boy Scouts, a hockey and baseball coach, camping, or just hanging out. The opportunity to move back west came in 1992, and off they went.
Dad and Mom built two companies, both oilfield-related; the first didn’t last long, but they persevered, and out of sweat, hard work, and a love of doing what you do, their last company has survived 25 years and counting.
Besides his loving wife and partner of 40 years, Dad is survived by his sons Andrew and Michael, his grandchildren Arianna Rose and Caden James, who gave him so much joy and pleasure, his sisters Bev (Ken) Donaldson and Tannis (Barry) Slezak, his brother Rick (Laurie) Slezak, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. Dad was predeceased by sisters Dawn Leann Wharton and Sharon Leigh Buchanan.
Dad wasn’t a big “in lieu of” type of guy, but if you need to spend your money, spend it on your family, take them out for dinner, raise a glass to the old man, recall a memory, and live your life to the fullest.
Funeral Services will be held at St. James Parish – Okotoks (338060 32 St E, Okotoks, AB T1S 1A2) on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00PM with reception to follow immediately after.

McInnis & Holloway 403-243-8200