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CRAIG RUHNKE Obituary

CRAIG WELLS RUHNKE December 17, 1949 to April 14, 2015 Craig passed away with his family by his side after a year-long battle with cancer. He was the eldest son of Doris and the late William Ruhnke. He leaves behind his dear mother, his loving wife Nancy, his beloved son Adam and wonderful Nicola. He was devoted to his and Nan's siblings and their partners: Kent, Barbara, Jon, Michael, Brad, Leslie, Mark, Michael, Michael, Christine, Cheryl and Andrew. He took great delight in all his nieces and nephews. A successful recording artist, musician, songwriter and band leader, Craig always considered himself a lucky man to be able to play the music he loved. His family and his music were his twin passions. Donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice would be appreciated. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Victoria College at a future date.

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Published by Toronto Star on Apr. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for CRAIG RUHNKE

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22 Entries

jeffrey song

September 10, 2023

Thank you for letting me to know and listen to your songs.
R.I.P.

Timothy Nelson

October 5, 2021

A fantastic talent. God Bless.

Pabby & Maya Rao

April 5, 2020

My father Pabby and I worked on an album "Golden Days" with Craig 40 years ago in Oakville! Professional, talented. Wonderful times. Thanks for all the hard work and kind comments. We remember most, his boundless joy of Nancy Jane and Adam. God Bless his family.

Cindy Dicks

January 7, 2017

I'm sorry i just found this.he was wonderful. Listening to his albums right now.had my wedding dance to his songs at Valhalla Inn. So sad.but grateful to have known him

Ron Neville

May 25, 2015

I am a radio person who played and enjoyed Craig's songs through the years. Thanks for the musical legacy and the body of work that will be left behind. My condolences go out to Craig's family.

Bill Presidente

May 24, 2015

I remember Craig as a great person, a kind and gentle person and a very good musician. I learned a lot from Craig and had the pleasure of playing in the Strawberry Fair along side of him.I am so glad that we were able to have a band reunion 9 years ago. Just like old times. You will be missed.

David, Roger, Bill, Posie and Brad

May 21, 2015

Dear Craig;
Who, fifty years ago, would have known that you would inspire a 2nd 'virtual' reunion.
we miss you. Love.
The Downwinds/Strawberry Fair

Perry Rowcliffe

May 12, 2015

I am so shocked at this news. We were best friends. We live on Denham Road and remember most was going to the cottage in Lake Kennisis with the family. Our heart filled condolences go to Nancy, Adam and the family.

Helen Brown

May 3, 2015

Craig was a fine neighbour, whose humour at Hallowe'en, whose jokes about his lawn, and whose kindness to my sons have not been forgotten on Beech Avenue. My condolences.

Posie Douthwright (nee Adams)

May 1, 2015

I also sang with Craig in the Downwinds and Strawberry Fair in high school, and remember Craig fondly as a good guy, with a sweet smile, and a whole lot of talent. It was wonderful to meet again and sing again at our 40 year reunion a few years back. Sing on, Craig! You are missed!

May 1, 2015

Dear Craig,

Thanks for the laughter
Thanks for the song
The dance may have ended
But the music plays on

We carry you with us, with a smile in
our hearts and so very much love.

the country cousins,

Sonja & Dwayne Baldwin and Family

Brad Archer

April 29, 2015

So many happy memories: Craig was so important to us in The Downwinds and Strawberry Fair in highschool;glad we had our reunion to reconnect.

Lori Dolloff

April 28, 2015

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Frank, Pat, Gord, Kev and families Plue

April 28, 2015

Craig was much loved by the whole Plue family. He taught us. He entertained us. He befriended us. The Rhunke family has a very special place in our collective hearts.

Karen Topham

April 28, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to the Ruhnke family. Fond memories from Blaisdale Road have come flooding back. Karen, David and Stephen Rowland and families.

Helen Kunert

April 27, 2015

To the Ruhnke family, sincere condolences and a wish for peace and comfort in the days ahead.

sharon ann milne Jakab

April 27, 2015

we attended a bar with Craig and his band for our engagement celebration...our sympathies to all the family

William Warne

April 26, 2015

Craig taught me how to play my first guitar in the summer of 1962. We shared many adventures together at our neighbouring family cottages. He will always be remembered with love and respect.

JIM CORNELL

April 26, 2015

Thank You Craig, as a student at Oak Park, you made quite an impression RIP !!

April 26, 2015

He leaves a large footprint because he gave pleasure to so many through his music. He will be greatly missed.

Sean Sadler

April 25, 2015

I remember Craig very well from the early 1970's when he was my piano teacher at the Neveu music centre. I was not very good at the piano but always looked forward to my lesson because of the entertaining way Craig engaged with me. It really was fun. Once Criag retired from Neveu, I was done with lessons. I followed his career and many years later saw him play at a club. Great music. Wonderful man.

Mark Ruhnke

April 25, 2015

Always in our heart, the melody in our song!

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Memorial Events
for CRAIG RUHNKE

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