Craig L. Ames

1972 - 2016

Craig Louis Ames lost his battle with cancer on March 19, 2016, at Providence Hospital. Craig was born on May 18, 1972, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, to Art and Jean Ames. He lived in Anchorage until 1975, when his family moved to Eagle River, Alaska, the place he would call home for the next 41 years. He graduated from Chugiak High School in 1990, and after worked as a truck driver. He married Tracy Lesemann and had three children. Craig's children were the light of his life and he loved every moment he spent with them. He enjoyed being with family and friends, fishing, barbecuing, camping, shooting, watching NASCAR with his brother and dad and doing yard work with his dad. Craig's massive support system of wonderful friends and family was a blessing during his illness. His father, Art, never missed one of Craig's appointments. Craig loved his dog, Kenai, who brought great comfort and joy to his life. Craig was fortunate enough to have a family that was brimming with good-humored and supportive loved ones. He is survived by his mother, Jean Ames; siblings, Robin (Ron) Maclure, Scott (Darlene) Ames and Kelly (Kathy) Boyles; children, Cristina (Josh) Day and Damon and Emily (Jesse) Ames; and his grandfather, Robert Trotter. Craig had nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, including Doug (Amanda) Boyles, Ryan and Kenny Michlig and Devynn and Seth Maclure; and two great-nephews, Jayden Boyles and Blake Michlig. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Pam (Larry) Brink, Debbie Ide-Paul, Brent (Brenda) Ames, Brenda Kuntz, Terry Mundt, Greg Ide and Dennis and Don Bennett. Craig had many cousins, including Cyndi Harris and Justin (Rachel) Brink. Craig also had friends that he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Ames, who unfortunately passed just two days before Craig; his grandparents, Lila Trotter, L.C. Ames and Phyllis Bennett; and his uncles, Doug and Mike Ide. Craig's faith was amazing during his battle with cancer and he never gave up fighting. His smile, encouraging words and infectious laughter will be missed dearly. His family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Providence Hospital who took such wonderful care of him. A joint memorial service for Craig and his father, Arthur Ames, will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at Crossroads Assembly of God in Anchorage at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the youth hockey association of your choice.