David Crawford Co Founder of National Body and Paint Specialists in Helena, Montana…

Died unexpectedly at his home of heart failure on December 12, 2014. Many people in Helena, and Montana knew my dad, his day-in and day-out work ethic that was in part the reason for his success in the Auto Body Shop industry.

Dad was born on May 10, 1956 in Helena to James L. and Betty J. Crawford. David grew up in the 6th Ward, where he attended Bryant Elementary and Helena Junior High. He graduated from Helena Senior High, Class of ’74.

Dad’s Passion…

while in high school, David began his 40+ years in the automotive field; starting with Capital Ford as a custodian and working his way up to Body Shop Manager in 1982 through 1991.

Moving to Great Galls in the spring of 1991, as the Body Shop Manager at Bison Ford until the summer of 1994, returning to Capital Ford until 1996, when he and Ray Rygg opened National Body and Paint Specialists, a Auto Body Repair Shop located in Helena, Montana, in April of 1997, he found his true passion in working with the public and providing exceptional customer service.

Dad’s True Love…

If you got to know my dad, then you’d realize he had a deep love for everyone in his family – and more than ever his grandchildren – the biggest joy in his life were those times spent with KayeD and Taylor.

The Great Outdoors…

Dad’s love of the great outdoors, especially the lakes that are part of our beautiful community we call home. And of course, he was a devoted Griz Football fan.

We will forever remember our Papa, grandpa, son, brother and uncle as he calls out to us, “Meet me at the Lake, I’ll bring the chicken.”