Richard W. Craig

CRAIG, Richard W. - 76, of Grand Blanc, died Thursday at McLaren Hospital. Born on November 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Howard and Gladys Craig and was a lifelong resident of the greater Flint area. Dick was born and raised at 1630 Broadway and graduated from Central High School in 1944. He received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering Institute) and went to work at Buick Motor Division, retiring as senior project engineer after 38 years. Dick then embarked on his second career by forming RC Engineering, a supplier of contract engineering services to the auto industry. The company was twice ranked in the Michigan Private 100 list of fastest growing companies in the state. He also developed Grand Blanc North Park and Grand Blanc West Park office complexes. Dick was an avid supporter of his community. He was recognized by the Grand Blanc City Council for his years of service on the planning commission and received the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce 'Citizen of the Year' award in 1995 for his instrumental role in the founding of the Vision 20/20 project. Rotary International named him a Paul Harris Fellow for his accomplishments in the community and he received a certificate of commendation in 1998 from Governor John Engler for exemplary community service. Dick was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Flint where he was an elder, a Chancel Choir member, and taught Sunday School. He enthusiastically supported Young Life and its Christian Ministry to Youth. He was a member of the West Flint Kiwanis Club, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and Phi Kappa Epsilon. Travel was one of Dick's special passions, especially with his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sailing and skiing and was quite proud of the gold medal he received at the age of 70 for his participation in the Senior Olympics at Whistler, British Colombia. Dick lived with the belief that God was his guide and he dearly loved his family and many friends. Surviving are his wife, sweetheart, and best friend of 52 years Jean Thalner Craig, three children Susan and husband Alan Bernard and children Matthew and Daniel, Robert and wife Claudia and their children Kylie and Katie, and James and wife Kiyoi and their children Charley, Teddy, Benny, and Betsy. Dick was preceded in death by his brother Fred, sister-in-law Ann, and brother-in-law Robert Thalner. Family visitation will take place on Tuesday evening, May 27th from 5-8pm at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Rd. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Flint, 746 S. Saginaw St. on Wednesday, May 28th at 11am. Friends are also invited to visit at the church from 10 to 11am just before the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Young Life Timberwolf Lake Camp, 2442 East Maple, Flint, MI 48507; The St. Cecelia Byrd Competition c/o Almeda Hunter, 2302 Pierce St., Flint, MI 48503; The Higgins Lake Foundation, 461 Old Stage Rd., Higgins Lake, MI 48627; The First Presbyterian Church, 746 South Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502.