Michael Ray Crow

Michael Ray Crow, age 76, of North Bend, passed away on April 14, 2025, after a long, remarkably courageous battle against ALS. He was born in 1948 in Eugene, Oregon to Richard E and Charlene A Deadmond Crow. His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2250 16th Street in North Bend.

Michael spent his childhood in Anchorage, Alaska where he helped his family build their home. This impacted his career choice later in life. In high school Mike was an academic scholar. As an All State football player and All State wrestler, he led his teams to several state titles. In his senior year, Senator Ted Stevens nominated him to West Point. Instead of that career path, Mike had another plan for his life, which was to become an architect.

In 1968, at University of Alaska, Mike met Dawn Dufour. They were married in 1972, and moved to Oregon for Mike to pursue studies at the University of Oregon. After he graduated with a Masters in Architecture in 1976, he designed their dream home. Together, he and Dawn built their home on the Oregon Coast where they would raise their two children, Briana and Ryan.

Mike fulfilled his dream of starting his own architecture business in Coos Bay, and later expanded throughout Oregon and California. Soon after, he formed a partnership with his lifelong friend from Anchorage, Steve Clay. Together, they purchased the old Hub Department Store, a landmark in Coos Bay. Mike and Steve completely renovated the building, and through a prodigious process they also achieved its status in the National Register of Historic Places. With pride, and a sense of accomplishment, they then located their business, Crow/Clay & Associates, AIA, in the penthouse of the Hub.

Mike enhanced the coastal communities and beyond with many architectural and design projects. He was involved in thousands of projects over his career. Some of Mike’s favorite and most notable, besides the Hub, include: The Mill Casino, Coos Bay Visitor’s Center, and the Benbow Inn in California.

Mike also directed and designed hundreds of architectural undertakings for the Coquille Indian Tribe, as well as for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. Throughout Oregon and Northern California, he worked on multiple port projects and with various school districts. In addition to the Hub, Crow/Clay & Associates did many historical restorations. The Timberline Lodge, The Brewer Building, The Chandler Hotel, The Sturdivant Building, and the John Jacob Astor Hotel were among the most significant.

When not designing something, Mike loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles with Dawn. They traveled to Glacier National Park in Montana, over the Rocky Mountains to St. Louis, Missouri, toured the Grand Canyon, and Utah Parks. Also, Mike and Dawn were committed fans and season ticket holders, attending all home games and traveling outside the state to support Oregon Duck football.

One of life’s greatest joys was spending time with family. Mike shared his love of the outdoors with kids and grandkids, exploring the beach, the bay, fishing holes, and the family cabin in Lakeside. He overflowed with love for his family so it was natural to use his innate design skills to beautify their lives with creative projects done for them, and with them.

Influencing all his accomplishments was a devout faith that he lived out with integrity and kindness. He faithfully served his Holy Redeemer Catholic Church community as Administrative Council President, Mass Lector, and designing the bell tower.

Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dawn; daughter and son-in-law Briana and Paul Song; grandchildren, Ryann and Parker Song; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Bill Yarbrough; sister-in-law, Kathi Crow; brother-in-law, Daniel Dufour and his wife Candace; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Crow; parents Richard and Charlene Crow; and brother, Richard Crow Jr.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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