Editor’s note: A correction was added to this article July 20, 2004.

VaLinda Parsons inadvertently substituted the word “after” for “before” when she was interviewed for the July 19 article “Student lived ‘robustly’ in his 90 years.” The correct quotation is: “[Crawford] thought there were two types of people, math and verbal. To determine which you were, his favorite question to ask was, ‘If the time now is 10 before two, if the hand on the clock were reversed, what time would it be?’ Those who answered immediately were math based, and those who took a while were verbal.”

One of Iowa State’s oldest students died last week, leaving many ISU faculty and staff with fond memories of a former student and friend.

David C. Crawford, died July 11 at 90.

Craig Anderson, professor and chairman of psychology, said he remembers Crawford for his lively discussions and wild opinions on issues such as race relations and violence.

“[He was] very intensely curious and would advance or explore wild ideas, and while he was thoughtful, his ideas didn’t hold up to the cold harsh realities of research,” Anderson said. “But wild ideas force a rethink of our old views, help us get out of our rut.”

Crawford was enrolled as a ‘special student’ in the psychology department, which is a space for students who have already completed a degree but wish to return to take additional classes, Anderson said.

In 1997, at the age of 83, Crawford ran to be a Government of the Student Body representative for off-campus students. He donned a black top-hat and campaigned in Iowa State Center parking lots and on campus, garnering 103 votes as a write-in candidate. Crawford’s platform at the time was improved communication on campus.

“The whole pattern of communication is set by the president. If you talk to employees directly, a lot can be achieved,” Crawford said in a Daily article.

As a student, Crawford was liked for his strong opinions and curiosity, said Jim Hutter, associate professor of political science.

“He was an absolute delight to have in class; there was never a more curious student. Though grading his tests were a pain because his handwriting sucked,” Hutter said.

Mike Parsons, construction project manager for facilities planning and management, said Crawford was never one to step down from a debate and would often play devil’s advocate.

“He wore a Bush-Cheney button, but hung out with liberal Democrats,” Parsons said.

Crawford could be found at Wednesday night soup suppers in his teddy bear suspenders at Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 W. Lincoln Way. He made friends with those from nine to 90, and was always quick with a smile, Parsons said.

“He thought there were two types of people, math and verbal. To determine which you were, his favorite question to ask was, ‘If the time now is 10 after two, if the hand on the clock were reversed, what time would it be?’ Those who answered immediately were math based, and those who took a while were verbal,” said VaLinda Parsons, Mike Parsons’ wife.

Crawford also thought that if the trend of older students continued, there would need to be some changes in the dorms.

Crawford withdrew from Iowa State in March 2004 after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

He then moved to Des Moines to an assisted living facility.

Wallace Crawford, Crawford’s son, said Crawford looked forward to attending their family reunion in Cotuit, Mass., in June.

“While we were there, he would stay up till 1 a.m. talking and then get up at 8 a.m. the next day. One night after I put him in bed, he kept talking for 45 minutes, and I finally said, ‘Dad, I have to go to bed,'” Wallace Crawford said. “When we got back to Iowa, he was physically exhausted, and three days later he collapsed.”

Crawford died nine days later.

“If there is one phrase that would sum up how David would want us all to live, it would be ‘Live robustly,'” Wallace Crawford said.