Nearly two weeks ago a number of social media accounts I follow blew up with news of the passing of a hockey player many of us knew here in Albuquerque.
Derek Crawford, Crow, skated for the New Mexico Scorpions of the Western Professional Hockey League from 1996 to 2000.
Crow was part of the early days of the ECHL, then the East Coast Hockey League, where he played for the Greensboro Monarchs and Dayton Bombers.
To give you an idea of his personality, it was as a player for Dayton that we came to know Derek when he visited Columbus to take on the Chill or we traveled to Dayton with the Chill Booster Club.
How often do you know a visiting player in the minors to the point where you can visit, even briefly, and just talk?
So, when Crow showed up in Albuquerque to play in the WPHL for the Scorpions it was an easy transition to get reacquainted despite the years.
In fact, it was 1996 that I started reporting for inthercrease.com as the beat writer for the Scorpions.
It so happened that a story was breaking and I was asked to get a few quotes and player perspective on the issue.
I met up with Crow at Luigi’s in the North Valley and asked if he would talk with me.
It was my first official player interview. I was nervous approaching a player and instead of playing off that anxiety, Crow reacted as a professional and guided me through the process. I never forgot that courtesy he afforded me.
The story itself was of little consequence in the grand scheme of life but Derek’s demeanor and ease was a comfort.
Crow passed from this place on 12 January 2016. He was born in Winnipeg on 14 April 1969.
He leaves behind family including his wife, Christy Valdez Crawford and a daughter, Rylie Valdez Crawford.
A memorial service was held today in Albuquerque and the attendance was testimony to the character, personality and charm of Derek. The grief was palpable but there was also a sense of community that rose from Derek Crawford the person.
His passing was sudden but his legacy will be long felt in a community that was touched by him and him by it.
Crow’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, those who wish to express their appreciation for Crow donate to a charity of their choosing.
Rest in peace, Derek.
 With Linda Morgan Davis of Pro Hockey News
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