ROSS CRAWFORD

In this edition we would like to feature Ross Crawford. Ross was born and raised in the Glencoe area and later graduated from Ridgetown College. With his job, he has lived in many areas in the Southwestern Ontario area, and currently is residing in Ingersoll.

Ross started his Masonic journey in 1996 being initiated in January, passed in June, and raised in November of that year in the St. John's Lodge #68 in Ingersoll. This rapid advancement speaks well of Ross's ability and dedication to do whatever he puts his mind to. In the Spring of 2000 he received his 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite. Encouraged by his father-in-law, Don Shackleton, and his brother-in-law, Harry Hewbank, he was encouraged to look further into Shrinedom and thus became a Shriner in 2000 at the Sarnia Ceremonial and joined the Aylmer Shrine Club.

Ross became a Love Bug Unit member in 2000 and volunteered as a spare driver whenever different bugs needed a driver. In 2001, he purchased a 1965 tan Volkswagen Bug-Deluxe from Noble Clifford Inch (deceased). Clifford and the '65 Bug were one of the originals when the Unit started in 1980 and was plated "BUG 101". It was originally purchased in 1965, by a relative of Cliff's, that lived in Brooklyn, New York. The car was adopted by Cliff and immigrated to Canada in 1978 with 27,000 miles on it. Over the years, the car has travelled to many locations from Sault Ste. Marie to Orlando, Florida as well as countless parades in local communities in Southwestern Ontario.

As he travels to different events he is amazed at the number of people who comment, "I used to own a bug like that." Ross is currently second Vice President and the person in charge of regalia orders for the unit.

Ross and his lovely wife, Joyce (Shackleton), have been married for 20 years and have a son, Scott, and a daughter, Krista, both of whom are very active in sports, music, lessons, etc. Ross has been a Field Representative with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario for 14 years. He is also actively involved with the Ingersoll Pipe Band as a piper. The Crawford vans, very seldom, have a chance to cool down with this active family.

Watching his father-in-law's passionate involvement and getting to know the rest of the Nobles in the Unit, made it easy for Ross to see that it was something in which he wanted to be involved. Their enthusiasm for camaraderie surpassed by a dedication to raise money to help kids locally and through the Shrine Hospitals for Children has reinforced that decision. That's what it is all about.

Ross would encourage any Shriner with an interest in the Love Bug Unit to call and talk to us.

Featured in Mocha News: February 2005 Edition