Douglas Broward Craig

Douglas Broward Craig

Douglas Broward Craig, 80, resident of Charlottesville,formerly of Briarcliff Manor, New York, died Wednesday, November 25, 2009, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in New York City, the son of Dr. Howard Reid Craig, executive director, New York Academy of Medicine and Agnes Broward Craig; and grandson of Napolean Broward Craig, governor of Florida fromo 1905 until 1909, for whom Broward County, Florida is named.

He graduated from Trinity School 1946, AB Harvard 1950, LLB 1953. While in college, he majored in American History and Literature, served on the Student Council, was Captain of a winning Chess Team and occupied the number one singles slot on the Varsity Tennis Team.

Following Law School he served in the Army for almost four years, first in the Infantry and then in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, International Section in the Pentagon. After leaving the service, he clerked for Judge Warren L. Jones of the fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, living in Florida. He then returned to New York City and practiced in the law firm of Debevoise, Plimpton, Lyons and Gates, New York City.

In 1964 he became Corporate Secretary of St. Joe Minerals Corporation where he held various offices, legal, financial, development and commercial, becoming President in 1977. He left in 1980 to become President and CEO, Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd, Toronto. Returning to New York City, he worked with CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, and was member of the American Arbitration Association. He became managing partner from 1984 until 1987 of Webster and Sheffield Law Firm in New York. In 1987, he established Craig Consulting Company, combining his professional experience in law and business to advise corporations. He was "of counsel" to the New York law firm, Caccarelli Weprin PLLC.

Professionally, he was President, Lead Industries Association, Chairman, International Lead- Zinc Research Association, Member, Manufacturers Hanover Advisory Board, American Bar Association, New York City Bar Association, Florida Bar, American Society of International Law, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Mining Club of New York, Economic Club of New York.

His charitable and social activities included Member and President of Trinity School Board, New York City, Trustee of Trinity Pawling School, Vestryman of Trinity Church, New York City, Vestryman of St. Mark's Church in Mount Kisco, New York, Board of Directors of Burke Rehabilitation Center, President of the Harvard Club of New York City, Board of Managers of The Century Association, Prentice Cup Committee, lifetime Member, past President and Chairman International Lawn Tennis Club Ethical Resource Center in D.C. In the New York area, he was a past member of the Pleasantville Tennis Club, the Whippoorwill Club, and the Sleepy Hollow Country Club.

Here in Charlottesville, he belonged to The Boar's Head Sports Club, Birdwood Golf Course and Farmington Country Club, where he served on the Board.

Among his family and friends he was known for his excellent tennis skills and interest in all sports. He was a determined competitor but always a gentleman. He enjoyed fine wines, listening to classical music and "cool jazz" as well as playing the piano himself. He was a cross word puzzle maven. He traveled extensively with his wife and often created movies from these experiences. He embraced all aspects of life with great enthusiasm and always a positive attitude. He was known for his patience, intelligence and understanding embodied in his character and many accomplishments. His wise counsel will be cherished and greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Joyce Powell Craig; four children from a previous marriage, Deborah Craig Soukup and her husband, Robert, of Simi Valley, California, Douglas Broward Craig Jr. and his wife, Rebecca, of Marana, Arizona, Elizabeth Craig Helfman and her husband, Jonathan, of Half Moon Bay, California, Robert Leslie Craig and his wife, Lisa, of Kensington, Maryland; two stepchildren, Douglas Powell Gernert and his wife, Andrea Larson, of Charlottesville, Catherine Gernert Ramsay and her husband, Alec, of Mercer Island, Washington; and 10 grandchildren, Reid and James Craig, Rhianna and Elijah Helfman, Kelsey and Peter Larson, Sara and Colin Ramsay, Kristin Soukup Ndiaye and Jason Soukup; two nephews and one niece, Richard, James and Patsy Craig.

His family wants to extend appreciation for the devoted care he received from the staff of the HOPE cancer center as well as the extraordinary professional and loving care of the nurses from Martha Jefferson Hospital "7 South".

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in Charlottesville early next year as a date as yet to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Service, 459 Locust Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or Harvard Club of New York Foundation, "Scholarship Fund", 35 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.