CRAIG WHEATLEY

CRAIG WHEATLEY Craig Harold Philip Wheatley passed away peacefully with the love of his life Jacqui by his side, on Monday February 16, 2026 at the age of 46. He was "tired of being tired" after a second battle with cancer. He decided the day before, that it was time to go to Hospice. He did this only after saying "see you later" to his children Lucas (20), Elliot (16) and Hanna (14) whom he loved more than anything. A proud Dad, he said to Jacqui that "he was sad about what he was going to miss" including all their successes and the wonderful things they would do.

He leaves behind many special family and friends including his dad Jim and brother Shane Wheatley, as well as Stacey Mirowski who was like a sister to him. He leaves in-laws Patti and John, brother-in-law Mike Dunn, sister-in-law "Genny" (Jennifer), her husband Ron, niece Kennedy and nephew Carter Boyko. He will be missed by Auntie Anne Miller, Uncle Brian (Carolyn) Bailey, Uncle David (Debbie) Bailey, and Auntie Carol (Eero) Vourinen along with cousins and extended family.

Wherever Craig is now we know he is reunited with baby son Findlay Jacob, who never made it to this world, his mom Jane (Wheatley), Nana and Popa Hazel and Reg (Bailey), Grampa and Nan Harold and Mae (Wheatley), Uncle Max (Miller) and very special "Auntie" Barb (Burnside). All of them, along with Jacqui's dearest friend Christi (Caldarelli) are surrounding Craig with love and are helping him to watch over his family.

Craig was born in Fort William to Jane and Jim on May 17, 1979. He grew up on Francis Street in the closeknit community of Westfort and attended Westgate C and VI. At age seven, Craig became a big brother to Shane with whom he shared many adventures including family trips, hunting, fishing and summers in Schreiber on Walkers Lake.

Craig attended George Brown College in Toronto. In Toronto, he met Jacqui and immediately knew she was the one. When Stacey first met Jacqui at the subway station in Toronto, she whispered to Craig "you are going to marry her". Craig and Jacqui had a beautiful friendship that grew in Toronto. He moved back to Thunder Bay for work and Jacqui soon followed for teachers' college. Craig helped her move into her apartment on James Street and never left her side.

Craig began working as a machinist at Custom Hydraulics after college and gained respect throughout the city for his knowledge of hydraulics. He loved precision work. At the same time Craig found out he was going to be a father; he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery in Toronto. Back home, he received exceptional care from the TBRHSC Cancer Centre and Dr. M Anthes. He and Jacqui always said, "we are either up, or getting up, but we are never down".

After a few kids, moves and dogs, Craig worked at Perozaks Welding and Fabrication as shop manager. Meanwhile, he coached his kids in hockey and sat on the Board of the Westfort Minor Hockey Association. He was a fair coach, who focused on having fun but also led the Westfort Rangers teams to many championships.

Eventually, Craig and Jacqui decided it was time to take a new challenge and purchased Perozaks with their business partners, now friends, Kerri and Jamie Smart. In 2021 they all became the proud owners of Twin City Industrial. Kerri, Jamie and Craig worked well together they put up with his slowness, his precision, and the million idiosyncrasies that made Craig who he was.

At home, Craig loved his children and Jacqui more than anything. There was always love in his heart and a smile on his face. He loved being outside, spending time at camp with bonfires and saunas, pots full of coffee, and chopping wood. Craig's other love was knives. He became an accomplished and well-respected knife maker. His beautiful knives have been collected and treasured by people all over the world.

In 2025, Craig was diagnosed with a new incurable cancer. He underwent treatments and fought with every ounce of being to stay as long as possible. Cancer took away a wonderful person well before it should have been time.

Jacqui and family would like to thank Stacey, Mike and Rose, Sherry and Kevin, Beau and Lindsay, Doug, Scott, and many others who have been such incredible supports through the years. A special thank you to his cousin Jan (Miller) and friend Scott (Sellick) who were with Jacqui at St. Joe's when Craig passed. More than anything, Craig was always grateful and appreciative. He credits Dr. M. Anthes for her exceptional care that gave him 20 years to grow his family and live life to the fullest. Thank you to Dr. G. Bhat, Dr. K. Simpson, and Dr. K. Ward. and everyone at the Cancer Centre and St. Joseph's Hospice, for all their care and compassion and all that they do to help others living with cancer.

Donations may be made in Craig's memory to the TBRHSC Cancer Centre, Head and Neck Program. A celebration of Craig's life will take place later in March once his family has had time to process this immense loss.

To view full obituary please visit www.harbourviewfuneral.ca where condolences may be offered as well.