Obituary of Tom Craig

How do you truly capture the essence of someone? What are the best words to define and describe that individual” The list will be different for each person that grieves and misses you.

Tom was born June 25, 1952, in Hood River, Oregon to parents George and Mary Ann (Cantrell) Craig. Tom grew up in Oregon. He was proud to say he survived four different high school in four years, graduating from Ontario High School in 1969. Resilient, outgoing, friendly, go with the flow.

A strong work ethic. Tom knew at an early age having a job would enable him to achieve his desired goals. He gave 110% whether he was tending roses at the bank, harvesting fields of the Willamette Valley, or selling men’s clothing. Tom went to work for UPS in 1972. He worked his way up from clerk to package truck driver, supervisor, and manager. Strong will and determination prevailed when he learned to drive a tractor-trailer rig in downtown Chicago. Tom retired from UPS in 2008 after 36 years of service. Ambitious, dedicated, dependable, mentor and friend.

So many memories to comfort us, Cannon Beach vacations, camping at Redfish Lake, trips to Lowman cabin, random whistling, grocery store adventures, building a tear drop trailer himself from the wheels up, singing songs with his own version of the words, and his go to phrase, “just peachy”. Humorous, generous, kind, thoughtful, loving.

Tom was a survivor, prostate cancer, two strokes, three heart attacks, and one full cardiac arrest with 56 minutes of CPR. Sadly, Tom passed away July 3, 2019 due to metastatic adenocarcinoma to the bone. Strong willed, optimistic, courageous.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Alana of 27 years and 3 sons Cody, Justin (Megan) and Jesse, as well as his beloved dog, Half Pint. He is survived by his parents, siblings Pam (Doug), Uyeki and Ron (Hayley), Craig, his in-laws Al and Sharon Johnson, Todd (Angela) Johnson, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

There are no services planned at this time. Tom’s request is that you spend time with the people you love because none of us knows how much time we will be blessed with.