September 23, 1942 – January 19, 2024

Longtime Steamboat Springs local, Matthew (Matt) Crawford, passed away at the age of 81 on Friday, January 19, 2024 after a valiant battle with mesothelioma. He died peacefully at his home in the company of his family, overlooking the mountains he cherished.

Matt is survived by his wife and love of his life, Verna Crawford. Both were born and raised in Western New York (Buffalo area). In December of 1978, Matt & Verna pulled up roots to move across the country with their 5 kids between the ages of 9 and 17. They arrived in Steamboat during one of the most epic snow years in Steamboat’s history. Upon arrival, the whole family went straight to FM Light & Sons and bought 7 pairs of Sorels! The rest is literally history. The Crawford family quickly integrated into the community and began their new life full of thrilling adventures. Verna worked for Ski Corp with the perk of a family ski pass and every Crawford kid learned the art of powder skiing – lean back, but not too much!

Matt’s professional career unfolded from journeyman electrician in Buffalo to journeyman at Glow Electric in Steamboat, a 2-year stint as the Routt County Electrical Inspector then ultimately as master electrician and proud owner of Countryside Electric for 32 years. He was widely respected by his peers for his quiet intellect, calm demeanor, detailed craftmanship and for being a fair and honest businessperson.

Matt loved to ski in any format: downhill, backcountry and skate skiing. Back in New York the whole family skied every weekend at Holiday Valley ski resort. Matt’s dream was to move to Colorado for softer snow and a more laid-back western lifestyle. He loved skiing the trees at Steamboat Ski Resort (Shadows, Twilight, and Triangle 3 were some of his favorite runs). Summers were marked by Matt’s enthusiasm for cycling with the goal of riding 100 days per year! He started the season early with road riding or biking in the desert until the snow melted, then he’d hop on his mountain bike to ride the local trails. In his slightly younger years, Matt participated in over a hundred mountain bike races across Colorado plus the Steamboat Town Challenges.

Matt was an avid outdoorsman all his life; his early days as a beaver trapper, hunter, and fisherman – a true “Field & Stream” kind of guy. Matt was passionate about sharing his love of the outdoors with his family and friends. Family adventures included skiing, camping, hiking, fishing and chasing rainbows.

Matt was born in Buffalo, New York to Matthew (Matty) Crawford and Eleanor Cuffe Crawford. Both Matt’s parents died in a tragic car accident along with Matt’s brother Mark in 1962. Matt is survived by his of wife of 63 years, Verna Crawford, his children: Jeffrey (Jeff) Crawford, Colleen de Jong (husband Michael), Cheryl Carmichael, Matthew Crawford and Donald Crawford (wife Missy). Grandchildren: Olivia Crawford (husband Kelly), John Carmichael, Matthew (Matty) Carmichael (wife Marissa), Devin de Jong, Troy de Jong and Mary Crawford. There are also 5 great grandchildren plus a baby boy on the way.

Matt was always healthy and athletic, rarely drank and never smoked a day in his life. He died of mesothelioma, lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, typically found in 1970’s construction. He had a strong will to live and battled the cancer for as long as he could. Matt lived his very best life. He seized every possible moment and created a life so rich that it will forever echo through the mountains he loved and the hearts he touched.

At Matt’s request, there will be no public services or memorial.