IN CONVERSATION: Meet mayor Ed Crewson

July 18, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Alex Sher

• ‘In Conversation’ is a new column in the Shelburne Free Press which provides an intimate and up-close look at the people of Shelburne and how they help to make our town the wonderful place it is •

Many Shelburne citizens know Mayor Ed Crewson by sight or having encountered him in the political arena. An up close and in depth look into the personal side of Crewson reveals an interesting perspective into a lifetime of experiences, clearly exposing what Crewson values most, and that may surprise many of those who thought they knew everything there was to know.

When asked which instance in his life had the most impact, Crewson reflected. As a youngster, an eight year old Crewson began to prepare himself for a deeply emotional and grim future reality, the loss of his father to Cancer which occurred shortly after his thirteenth birthday. Crewson, an only child, was now head of his little family so to speak and with the help of a strong and determined mother to guide him, Crewson’s destiny was set in motion. Crewson says his mother was frugal out of necessity and says he never felt poor, he never went hungry. With similarities to the early beginnings of a Charles Dickens novel, Crewson gives a stoic account of his childhood in Shelburne without self pity, but rather in a grateful light and to this very day, Crewson says he feels, “Blessed.”

Crewson remembering his youth had this to say, “At ten years old I had my first paper root. When I was a kid, Shelburne had furniture stores, restaurants, clothing stores for men and women, and shoe stores.” Crewson fondly remembers a different socio economic era where outlaying communities once gathered in Shelburne as a central shopping location and meeting place. “I sold furniture when I was in high school, cut lawns, helped my mother, paid my own bills,” Crewson continued proudly and nostalgically, “This taught me the value of a dollar and gave me a good work ethic.” Before Crewson was Mayor, before Crewson was an Insurance Company business owner, he was a grave digger, he cleaned sewers, worked in construction, lawn cutting, and was no stranger to manual labour during University, reflecting a diverse work history.

When asked about the role his wife has played in his life, Crewson had this to say,

“Wendy and I grew up together. We were baptized in the same church, the same day! I used to walk her home as a young man, and we’ve been friends our whole lives. I proposed to her after dating a long time. It was on Valentine’s day in the snow, cross country skiing. Her strengths are my weaknesses and my weaknesses are her strengths. She’s methodical and I’m instinctual.”

Both career oriented, educated individuals, Crewson admits his wife compliments him in every way and acknowledges it was her resolve that grounded the family and while he was always working, she was and is the rock that keeps family life running smoothly.

Does Crewson have any life regrets? “If I die tomorrow, I’m a happy man. I’ve been blessed by many good people who took notice of me, who have helped me and guided me.”

When asked who was a role model in his life, Crewson comments on his parents saying, “My mother was a good woman and my father, an example of what a man should be, offering no hypocrisy. He didn’t gamble, he was loyal to his wife, dedicated to his family, and my parents truly lived what they believed. They were role models who believed you do what you say and say what you mean. I try to live that way. My Minister said Shelburne has been blessed with a leader who is transparent.”

Truer words may not have been spoken .Passionate in his reactions to life experiences, Crewson acknowledges, “When I’m upset, I’m upset. When I’m happy, it’s obvious. I am transparent. People know what they are dealing with. I think that’s fair.”

What was the most important thing he has learned from his three children? “First, the children are a tribute to their mother. From Jennifer I learned about endurance and patience. From Brooke I learned about compassion and from William, who is true to his name, and very like his mother, I learned about strong will.”

When asked what is the most important gift he has ever received, Crewson, after taking a moment to ponder through all of his possessions, answered, “The love. My mother loved me, my wife loves me, my daughters love me, my son loves me and I love them. I would have nothing if that wasn’t the case, none of the rest would matter.”

Clearly the past and future matter to this son, husband, father of three, business man, never idle, romantic, occasionally impulsive, and always passionately transparent , Mayor of Shelburne.