Craig Wilson

Craig Wilson passed away unexpectedly this past Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in Billings. He was born May 28, 1948, in Missoula. The only son of Esther and Vince Wilson, Craig spent his childhood in the heart of Missoula's University District, relishing the opportunities afforded to the son of a professor. Afforded being the operative word. Whether it was owning a set of janitorial keys to the Schreiber gymnasium pool, building friendships and memories at Paxon Elementary or Bonner Park; the depth of knowledge and childhood experiences gained from coming of age in a University town provided the pillars Craig would rely on later in life.

Near and dear to his heart, the University of Montana, MSU-B and the state's broader university system meant the world to Craig. This for a guy who had a PhD in International Relations. Montana elections and the politics that swayed voters were his passion. If there were one accomplishment that stood out during his 34-year tenure as an educator, it was the chance encounters and interactions with former students. And as many of us can recall, getting Craig Wilson to smile on election night required more than a television, it demanded an inquisitive mind and a down-to-earth sense of humor. Just ask his bride.

He met Kristianne on a blind date for a Griz football game. During his days at UM, Craig proudly followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Gamma Phi chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity in Missoula. There he learned about the ideals he embodied throughout his life; those of Love, Honor and Truth. In 1970, he was elected Eminent Commander – president – of the chapter and attended Sigma Nu's national convention, where he cast a vote to desegregate the fraternity and allow African Americans and other minorities into the ranks of the brotherhood. This was the proudest vote he ever cast.

Craig and Kristianne dated throughout college and were married at the Bengtson farm in Shepherd on Aug. 17, 1974. Craig pursued his doctoral studies at Washington State University and like a typical grad student, never stopped going to school and kept wearing the sweatshirts of his alma mater.

In 1976, they moved to Palo Alto, California, so she could pursue a Master's degree while Craig worked on finishing his dissertation at the Hoover Institute. To pay the bills, he moonlighted as a part-time painter, painting richer people's homes.

In 1980, they were thrilled to find career opportunities back in Montana. Craig joined the faculty at Montana State University – Billings and taught in the political science department until his retirement in 2014. Kristianne and Craig were blessed to bring two sons into the world and build a lifetime of memories on the family farm.

Craig took little pleasure in the appearance of a good suit or haircut, but just like his father; relished the tangible benefits of being a professor. Like many of his hobbies & habits, Craig had a passion for doing things the 'old fashioned way'. A home was a place to collect more antiques, not dust. Peanuts tasted best in the shell – because that's what the Hutterites would have ordered from grandpa Cunniff at the General store in Augusta. Tobacco was best enjoyed with a pipe because that's what Mansfield and MacArthur did.

Holidays were opportunities to bring the family together and Craig took pride in showcasing the newest addition. One year it would be a coveted glass pickle ornament from the 30's, the next a turkey too old to pardon and too large to bake without a band saw. His ever-growing Christmas Village was a tradition in and of itself.

In a way only the Lord can govern, the morning after Craig left this world, the mail ballots arrived and for the first time in 43 years, the Wilson ballots won't cancel each other out.

He is survived by his wife, Kristianne and two sons, Collin and Evan (Courtney) and two grandchildren, Blaire and Jett.

Visitation 5-7 p.m., Monday, at Heights Family Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 1p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shepherd. Burial to follow in neighboring cemetery. Memorials can be made to either Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Sigma Nu Fraternity – 1006 Gerald Avenue, Missoula, MT.

Condolences may be sent to the Wilson's at www.heightsfamilyfuneralhome.com through "Our Families."