Emery Telcom dedicates flag pole to the memory of Paul Crawford

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Emery Telcom and its board of directors dedicated a flag pole to Paul Crawford for his dedicated and distinguished service to Emery Telcom. The dedication ceremony took place on July 31 at the Emery Telcom building. A flag pole for the state of Utah flag was erected in honor of the memory of Paul Crawford.
Kendall Mortensen, board chairman said, “The board wanted to do something to remember Paul. He trained all of us to do what we do, if we don’t do it right we can blame that on Paul too. We decided to construct a flag pole for the Utah State flag with a plaque in Paul’s memory. Paul has had a significant impact on the company and in our personal lives.”
JoeAnn Crawford, Paul’s wife also spoke. She said Paul planned his life around the phone company and their schedules and meeting times. He missed very few meetings if any in the many years of service to the company.
“Paul was always interested in what was going on with the company and I will continue to the follow the company in the future,” said JoeAnn. Paul was with the company for 36 years Paul passed away on Sept. 15, 2007. He served on the Emery Telcom board of directors and as president and chairman of the company.
Crawford was elected onto Emery Telcom’s Board of Directors on Nov. 10, 1971. Three months later he was sustained as President and Chairman over the Board of Directors and Emery Telcom. He continued in that role until his retirement in May 2007.
Upon his appointment to the Board of Directors, Crawford quickly immersed himself into the telecommunications industry and was recognized as an industry leader both within and outside the state of Utah. Under Crawford’s tenure,
Emery Telcom more than tripled in size and has exceeded the industry “norm” with its technologically advanced products and network. Crawford also served on several regional and national boards, most notably is the National Telecommunications Association.
Mortensen and JoeAnn raised the Utah flag upon the pole to officially dedicate the pole. Paul’s family was on hand for the event as well as the Emery Telcom employees.
Refreshments were served to complete the ceremony in honor of Paul’s memory and his lasting impact upon the company.