Stephen Everett Crawford

Obituary Stephen Everett Crawford, 74, previously of Eastport, Maine, passed away peacefully September 6, 2022, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. He had resided in Beaufort since 2012. Born in Pawtucket, RI, the fifth of seven children to Earl Smith Crawford, Jr. and Ruth Helen Oulton Crawford, he developed a love for music and the ocean at an early age. After getting his degree in Wildlife Science from URI, he joined the Peace Corps and served as a volunteer and trainer in India. Upon his return, he attended graduate school at OU for Zoology, where he met Judy Collins, a fellow teaching assistant. The two were married in 1976 and settled in Shawnee, OK, where Steve operated Catfish Acres, a catfish farm. They had two daughters, Tobey and Lura. In 1989, the family moved to Washington County, Maine and made Eastport their home, where Steve cultivated nori and established a seaweed farm, Coastal Plantations International. Through his work in aquaculture, he became active in conservation and speaking on climate change. An active board member of the Schoodic Chapter (now Fundy) of the Audubon Society for many years, he also organized the Quoddy Spill Prevention Group. Later, he would establish the Environmental Department at the Passamaquoddy Tribe and served as the department director for a decade. He also served as Chair of United South and Eastern Tribes and was appointed by President Obama to the inaugural board of the National Ocean Council. In addition to his love for nature, he was also a very spiritual man, becoming a Reiki Master in 1997 and practicing tai chi daily. He enjoyed playing the piano, reading, fishing, gardening, and woodworking. He is survived by daughters Tobey Crawford Connor and husband Michael of Sullivan, ME, Lura Jackson and husband John of Beaufort, NC and Calais, ME, and grandsons Jasper and George Connor. He is also survived by sister Nancy Allen and husband Art of Bend, OR, brother Robbie Crawford of Kennewick, WA, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Judy, his parents, sisters Jane Schrader and Marilyn Spencer, and brothers Bruce and Rick Crawford. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Stephen Everett Crawford