Remembering Larry Crawford: WMC Ranger 1997-2014

We are saddened to share the passing of Larry Crawford, who faithfully served as a past ranger at Wehinahpay Mountain Camp. Larry’s dedication and hard work helped shape the camp experience for countless Scouts and leaders, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and care for the camp we all love.

A memorial service honoring Larry will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Timberon Fire Station (33 Merlin Dr, Timberon, NM).

Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to gather for a fish fry—a chance to share memories, fellowship, and celebrate Larry’s life in the spirit of community that he cherished.

Larry’s contributions to Wehinahpay Mountain Camp and Scouting will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

More about Larry Crawford from the desk of current Ranger, Brian Chambers

Larry Crawford, Conquistador Council Ranger 1997 to August 2014.  Prior to coming to Wehinahpay, he owned a vehicle service repair shop in Sacramento.  He was a Forest Service C-130 pilot water tanker pilot for 20 years before that.  During his 17 years, we expanded the Dining Hall, moved archery in to the Shooting Sports complex,  renovated the Staff Hill Shower House, built 4 new Staff Cabins,  moved the Climbing tower from the Lake to the hill by the Dining Hall, built the COPE area where Archery was,  built the Yurt and platform, built the  Dreik Brooks center (Eco Lodge), moved the Aid Station into the Maddox Building and built the Pool House (Trades and Tech Center today).  We also got new platforms for the camp sites and did a road improvement project that has lasted for several years.

In his spare time, Larry continued his Fire Service as Assistant Chief and then Chief of the Sacramento/Weed VFD.  During his time here, he worked 4 Major fires in the area.  The Mayhill fire in 1998, the Sacramento fire in 2000 and the Scott Able fire in 2012.  He was part of the Otero County team that fought the Little Bear fire in Ruidoso.  He also managed and fought many smaller fires in between times. He managed the Weed Community water system until he moved to Timberon.  As a non-scouter, his dedication to the Camp, the Scouts and the local community were unmatched.

In August 2014 he and Cathy, built a house and moved to Timberon, New Mexico.  He was active in the community and had just joined the Timberon Fire Department as a tanker driver and Medical Chopper ground crew team member.  He never was far from the Camp or the Fire Service.  He came over as often as he could to help me and was on every fire he was in town for.  

As part of Timberon community, he was always helping others, he managed the airport and was a welcome site to those in need.

He will be missed.