Mel Crawford 1925-2015

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Last week I received, from his wife Ginni, the sad news that Mel Crawford had passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 23. He had been in a long-term care facility for about the last year.

Mel started out as a teenage artist on the first issue of Joke Comics (March, 1942) and drew the main feature called “The Three T’s.” Mel’s career in comics was interrupted when he enlisted in the navy during World War II. After the war he worked for Bomac, the largest engraving and printing organization in Toronto where he met a younger Gerry Lazare who began there as an apprentice in the late forties. Mel left for opportunities in the States in 1949 and found a brilliant and profitable career in illustrating Golden Books and comic books (most notably featuring the Hanna Barbera characters) before moving on to fine art and water colours. Please look at my column on Mel Crawford from about a year-and-a-half ago to get an idea of the brilliant career left in his wake.

Crawford's splash from Joke Comics No. 2 done when he was 16
Crawford’s splash from Joke Comics No. 2 done when he was 16
Crawford's cover for MacLean's Magazine in 1951
Crawford’s cover for MacLean’s Magazine in 1951
Crawford's original Gene Autry Golden Book cove art
Crawford’s original Gene Autry Golden Book cover art
Gene Autry Golden Book cover
Gene Autry Golden Book cover
Crawford's original art for Dell Four Color 755
Crawford’s original art for Dell Four Color 755
Dell Four Color No. 755
Dell Four Color No. 755

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FLINTSTONES MEL CRAWFORD ORIGINAL ART

 

Crawford's original art for Gold Key Buck Rogers No. 2
Crawford’s original art for Gold Key Buck Rogers No. 2
Gold Key Buck Rogers No. 2
Gold Key Buck Rogers No. 2

 

JAAAAAJH

Ivan Kocmarek
Ivan Kocmarek

Grew up in Hamilton's North End. Comic collector for over 50 yrs. Recent interest in Canadian WECA era comics.

Articles: 177
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Jim Finlay
9 years ago

Thanks for the info, Ivan

A Canadian Whites Artist and he enlisted to defend his country.
He is a hero that will be missed and remembered here.

Anonymous
Anonymous
4 years ago

5