John Lewis Crabb, age 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Stratford General Hospital on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Born in Ottawa, ON., son of the late Lewis and Roberta (Dunn) Crabb, John is survived by his true love and best friend of 44 years, Hélène Fortin Crabb. Proud father of Julie (Allison), Stéphanie (Joseph) and Charles (Mira). Grand-father of Daniel, Benjamin, and Sophie Lavoie.
John will be fondly remembered by his sister Mavis (Millar), his niece and nephews Mark (Pam), Michael, Danna (Nicholas) and Paul as well as his brothers-in-law Jean (Isabelle), André (Nancy) and Michel Fortin.
John pursued a career in journalism first with the Ottawa Journal and then the Wall Street Journal. In mid-career, he turned to speech writing mainly for cabinet ministers and senators. He was also speech writer and communications officer for Texaco Canada in Toronto for 10 years.
John loved baseball. As a child, he played pickup ball in Ottawa and continued playing for decades, most memorably with the Alta Vista Ritchies in the National Capital Baseball League. He also coached countless Little Leaguers, leading several of his teams to league championships. He seemingly always had a ball in his hands, experimenting with new grips that he would workshop with his grandchildren, much to their delight.
He loved music and soon after moving to Stratford in 2013 he became a yearly subscriber to the Stratford Symphony Orchestra and INNERchamber.
John was a kind man and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and supported everyone in all their endeavours. John had a deep sense of humour; there was always laughter when John was around. His words might have been amusing but they were always full of wisdom. His thoughtfulness will be so deeply missed by his whole family.
In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation will take place and there will be a celebration of life at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to INNERchamber Stratford or to Carleton University School of Journalism through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
