Carol Jean Vendell Crawford

CAROL JEAN VENDELL CRAWFORD Birth Date: May 4, 1929 (Ogden, Utah) Death: November 22, 2016 (Centennial, Colorado) Married to: Ralph Parkinson Crawford (August 26, 1950, Ogden, Utah) Mother to: Darryl (Kim), Adrian (Ralph) and Scott (Kathy) Grandmother to: Brett, Jeremy, Garrett, Ryan, Matthew, step-grandmother to Samantha and Will Great Grandmother to: Leonardo, Kaiden Carol grew up in Ogden, Utah, the only child to Arthur ""Scotty"" and Kathryn Vendell. Carol's mother (Kathryn) taught her the importance of a loving family. Her father (Scotty) taught her to enjoy life. She acquired her pension for reading from her father, as well as his love of golf. Carol's hobbies as a child continued for years as an adult. Even though she was a gifted writer and artist, as a child she wanted to be a concert pianist. She could see herself playing at the most famous concert halls in the country. Carol Jean started playing the piano at the early age of five. By the time she was in third grade, Carol was actively recruited to play at school assemblies. Carol's interest in writing started at an early age, but it was during her senior year in high school where she received her first of several national writing awards. Her love of writing remained with her for her entire life. Along with her love and talent for writing, Carol Jean developed an interest in art. She had always loved to draw, but around nine years of age decided oil painting would became her favorite medium. Carol was invited to show her work at several exhibitions in the Denver area. By far the most prestigious and most honored was being asked to enter paintings at the Denver Art Museum. After graduating from high school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Utah. Years later she received a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Colorado State University. Carol's greatest professional achievements would have to be in the classroom and as a district administrator. Carol started her teaching career teaching Latin at Arvada West High School. After a less than satisfactory year of teaching Latin, she began her many years of teaching English. When asked what she enjoyed the most about teaching, she would immediately respond by saying, ""the kids."" ""They were funny, brilliant and dear sweet people."" She remained at Arvada West for eleven years before accepting the position as Jefferson County District's Language Arts Coordinator. While as District Coordinator, her biggest accomplishment was the writing and completion of the K-12 English Curriculum. She thoroughly disliked the many meetings that were required of her but that was offset by love and admiration for the people she worked with. She retired after 22 years in education. Carol's achievements were many — she was a prolific writer, talented artist, accomplished pianist, inspiring teacher, dedicated administrator, competitive card player, energetic chocolate eater, but most importantly, she was a supportive wife and a loving mother and grandmother. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 12, 2016 at the DoubleTree by Hilton- Denver Tech Center, 7801 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 (303-779-6161). Parking at the DoubleTree Denver Tech Center is complimentary. The most convenient parking, in relation to the reception, is located on the west side of the hotel near the Zink Restaurant entrance. Any set of doors on the west side of the hotel can be used. Upon entering the hotel, please follow the signs leading to the Indigo Room on the first floor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arvada West High School Foundation, P.O. Box 1677, Arvada, Colorado 80001, Attn: Carol Crawford Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please leave memories of Carol and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.