Craig Stead

Craig Fairbanks Stead

1943-2013 On Friday, Feb. 15, Craig Fairbanks Stead, 69 died serenely after a brave and resolute fight with prolonged illnesses. He died in the arms of his wife, surrounded by family.

Craig was born December 11, 1943 in Chicago. With his father, a mechanical engineer, Craig began a life-long study of science, tinkering with cars and experimenting in a basement chemistry lab. Together they found joy in buildings and construction through upkeep of their old home. From his mother, the spark of US history was lit on many family trips.

Craig attended Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., earning a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1965 and a Masters in 1966. He joined Delta Tau Delta, managing and maintaining the House while also being a merry prankster.

Upon graduation he worked for Monsanto in Massachusetts, while earning an MBA from Western New England College. During this time, Craig met Elizabeth Mueller and they married in 1968. In 1969, they moved to Boulder, Colorado. Craig first worked at Explosive Fabricators, Inc. forming metal parts through controlled detonations, and later founded an award-winning construction company that remodeled homes. Their first three children were born in Boulder, and then the family moved to Vermont where their fourth child was born. Craig's interest in Putney's founding and early industry led him to spearhead the 1986 Putney Historical District and to restore village buildings and open Martha's Washtub laundromat.

Craig's engineering background resurfaced following petroleum exposure which severely affected his health for the rest of his life. In his distinct determined way, Craig became an acknowledged expert witness for the "underdog" in several successful cases of pollution by petroleum based toxins. He loved research, writing technical reports and testifying; a perfect match for his sharply focused inquisitive mind.

Still focusing on the environment and health, Craig worked on water systems at many statewide schools, the Putney Water district, and in waste water, both locally and in Massachusetts. Building efficiency measured by Data Loggers also fascinated Craig, so obvious at many a Putney Town Meeting, where he monitored the gym air flow and temperature.

Through work and in leisure, he traveled to his second home on Martha's Vineyard, throughout New England and Europe. Trips to Europe always included family gatherings but also meeting with local engineers to share technology.

An intensely thoughtful personality, Craig loved a good conversation and the discourse of ideas on any subjectfrom science, engineering, history, and economics to cooking his Vineyard quahog chowder. No subject or person failed to delight and interest him, which was evident in his love of teaching his children, kids in schools, or at technical conferences.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, children Brant, Ethan, Elisa, and Ian, grandchildren Griffin and Elliot, and sister, Kimberly. He was predeceased by his sister, Candy. His love for and pride in his family, his deep optimism and enjoyment of life will be sorely missed.

MEMORIAL NOTICE: A service in his honor will be held at The Putney School Barnes Assembly Hall Saturday March 16th, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow, including Craig's favorite chowder. Concluding will be fireworks in the Chinese tradition.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Craig's name to Grace Cottage Hospital or the Engineers Without Borders USA General Fund are welcome.