Rod Crawford, 71

Rodrick M. Crawford, 71, “Hot Rod” passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, doing what he loved — spending time out on his ’57 Hughes Craft, the Silver Maw Paw, on Lake Pend Oreille.

Rod was born Feb. 19, 1954, in Denver, Colo., to Marvin and Edith Crawford. He grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where he attended school and developed a lifelong love for skiing and athletics. Rod competed on the alpine ski team, skied Nordic Combined throughout high school, and qualified for the Junior National Championships in Middlebury, Vt., during his senior year. He was also senior class president, a strong pole vaulter on the track team, and played football for the Steamboat Springs Sailors.

Rod moved to Sandpoint with his family in 1979 and quickly became a vibrant part of the community. Over the years, he worked for Parks and Recreation, Rainbow Realty, served as a volunteer firefighter, and for decades delivered the Daily Bee on his beloved paper route, which he treated as both service and exercise. He later founded and ran his own successful home management business, RMC, for more than 30 years. For over 25 years, Rod also proudly served as part of the security team for The Festival at Sandpoint, where his presence and spirit became a cherished part of the Festival.

He found joy in skiing, boating, running, hiking, playing music with his longtime friend Mac MacDonald and their band The Baldy Mountain Boys, and swan-diving off the cliffs at Green Bay with his sons. He loved evenings of “wine time” with his partner, Susan, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. Rod also gave his time as a coach for the Special Olympics ski team, a role that reflected his generous heart and passion for giving back. Known for his playful spirit, Rod loved to joke and play pranks on people — always bringing laughter and lightness into the lives of those around him. He was truly a lover of life and of people — a best friend to many, and a source of joy, laughter, and love wherever he went.

Of all his roles, none brought him more pride than being a grandpa. He adored his nine grandchildren and supported them wholeheartedly — showing up at their sports events and competitions, cheering them on with pride, always making sure the little ones had the coolest bikes and showing pictures wherever he went. He was the most fun grandpa anyone could ask for, and his joy in being part of their lives was unmatched.

Rod was deeply beloved by his family, his friends, and his community. He gave so much of himself — his time, energy, and love — to anyone who needed it, and his kindness left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Schwartz of Sandpoint; four children, Beau (Suni) Crawford of Coeur d’Alene, Cody (Amy) Crawford of Edmonds, Wash., Kaylene Crawford of Liberty Lake, Wash., and Josie (Owen) Sherwood of Las Vegas, Nev.; Susan’s children, Katy Anderson and Elaina Rushing; grandchildren Chance, Karsyn, Reese, Finn, Declan, Chloe, Bella, River, and Florence; his mother, Edith Crawford; and brothers, Greg and Gary Crawford.

A celebration of Rod’s life will be held at a private residence for dear friends and family in the coming week.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice, or to one close to Rod’s heart such as the Special Olympics or local animal shelter.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Rod’s memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com or on Facebook at "Remembering 'Hot Rod' – A Sandpoint Treasure."