February 9, 1951 – December 20, 2021

Thomas was born in Long Beach, California to his loving parents William and Jane Crawford. His large family was made up of twelve siblings. Thomas began his professional career as a mariner at fifteen years of age and was deeply dedicated to his family legacy as merchant mariners and maritime educators. His second home was the ocean, sailing as Master onboard Matson Navigation’s MV Mokihana, formally the President Monroe from 1988-2019. In 2020, he transferred to Matson’s RJ Pfeiffer. Thomas has sailed with Masters, Mates and Pilots since 1976 and became a full book union member in 1982. He passed at 70 years of age while at sea.

Thomas was a man of many words. His insatiable curiosity drove him to pursue new passions at each stage of life. He loved bird watching, music, sailing, gardening, composting, astronomy, food preservation, history, Greek mythology, and soccer. His brain was a sponge for all things new. He was an avid storyteller, taking all that listened on an experiential journey, infusing each story with an equal dose of wit and pragmatism. Thomas was a brilliantly charismatic and captivating man. He loved people, he loved teaching, he loved his profession, and he adored his family.

At the age of twenty-eight, Thomas met his beautiful wife, Maria Crawford. They married soon after and moved from California to Lopez Island, Washington with their two eldest children Maribel and Michael. They welcomed two more children in the years that followed, Jane and Moira. Thomas and Maria built a strong community on Lopez Island that soon became family. Their home became a lighthouse for everyone around them. Thomas was a fiercely loyal and generous friend. The loss of his presence is felt by many, and his legacy will be long lasting. Thomas is survived by his loving wife, proud children, and adoring grandchildren, Nathaniel, Maeve, Francis, and Maia.

Please share and send stories and photos of TBC to tcrawfordchronicles@gmail.com. Memorial details pending.