Known informally as Mr Canada, John was an outspoken ambassador for Canadians and Canadian business overseas.
One of the Founders of Ernst and Young accounting in Hong Kong and one of the founders of the Canadian Club in Hong Kong.
John founded the Canadian Chamber of Macau and The International School of Macao. He continued to serve on both boards until his passing at 83 years old.
He strongly believed in the potential success of Macau and also served on the boards of Wynn and Melco while also advising many of the top leaders.
Most importantly, John believed in people. He saw potential in young leaders and mentored them to realize their own success. In the same way that he could look at a P&L statement and immediately spot something that was off, he could look at a person and see the untapped potential in them.
John will be remembered for his promotion of Canada and Canadian values. His legacy will live on in the institutions that he created and in the people that he mentored.
John’s impact was far – reaching, extending well beyond his professional accomplishments. With unwavering dedication, he became a pivotal figure in fostering cross – cultural understanding among Canada, Hong Kong, and Macau. As a founder of Ernst and Young accounting in Hong Kong, he demonstrated the excellence of Canadian business practices globally, firmly rooting Canadian business expertise in the region. His establishment of the Canadian Club in Hong Kong provided a vital platform for promoting Canadian interests, culture, and business opportunities, enabling connections among Canadians and facilitating interactions with local and international stakeholders.
In Macau, his influence was profound. Serving on the boards of Wynn and Melco, his insights were highly valued by top leaders, allowing him to represent Canadian values and business perspectives, and enhancing the reputation of Canadians as reliable and innovative partners. His founding of the Canadian Chamber of Macao created a hub for Canadian businesses and individuals, while The International School of Macao, another of his creations, spread Canadian educational ideals, offering a world – class education that blended Canadian principles with a global outlook. This institution was a testament to his belief in education as the cornerstone of a better future for individuals and communities.
Perhaps John’s most lasting legacy was his mentorship. By investing in young leaders, he instilled in them Canadian values of integrity, hard work, and community – building. These mentees, now making their mark, carried forward the Canadian spirit, further burnishing Canada’s positive image overseas. Through his professional leadership, community and business building efforts, and mentorship, John solidly established himself as an influential ambassador for Canada and its business interests around the world, and his spirit will continue to inspire future generations within the CanCham community to make a meaningful difference.
John Crawford’s life stands as a testament to the power of purpose—his role as a defender of Canadian values, a builder of global bridges, and a mentor who ignited potential ensures his legacy will inspire generations to come.
Rest in power, John. Your legacy is our inspiration.
John Crawford Celebration of Life

John Crawford Celebration of Life
Time: Sun, Jun 1, 2025 4:00PM – 7:00PM Hong Kong
2/F, 寶淨糖 Po Ching Hall, Tai Wai Po Fook Memorial Hall, Sha Tin, New Territories.
Time: Jun 1, 2025 4:00PM – 7:00PM Hong Kong SAR
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84337730385?pwd=3aAQlv4QKlFgxyFdt0oLdXaCtotOLl.1
Meeting ID: 843 3773 0385. Passcode: 1942
Time: Mon, Jun 2, 2025 10:00 AM Hong Kong
2/F, 寶淨糖 Po Ching Hall, Tai Wai Po Fook Memorial Hall, Sha Tin, New Territories.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81076315062?pwd=PwB2A69SeIu8Gt9kM5iAePhxVifsPc.1
Meeting ID: 810 7631 5062
Passcode: 1942