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Craig VANDER VENNET Obituary

WAYNESBORO - Craig Owens Vander Vennet, 49, of Waynesboro, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012.
He was born on July 21, 1963, in Chicago, Ill., and was raised in Newport News, Va. He graduated from Hampton Roads Academy, attended Greensboro College and graduated from James Madison University. He had careers in Charlottesville, Virginia Beach and Waynesboro, Va. Craig had been a resident of Waynesboro since January of 2007. He attended Springdale Mennonite Church.
Mr. Vander Vennet was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Roger and Elizabeth (Owens) Vander Vennet.
Craig is survived by his beloved lifetime partner, Jay Burkholder. He is also survived by four siblings and their spouses, Kenneth Roger Vander Vennet and his wife Terri of Newport News, Stacey Waller and her husband Rick of Carrollton, Va., Scott Alan Vander Vennet and his wife Theresa of Monroe, Conn., and Keith Douglas Vander Vennet and his wife Greta of Oakville, Ontario. Craig is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews, Charles Vander Vennet of Framingham, Mass., Elizabeth Sickles and James Waller of Carrollton, Va., Patrick Vander Vennet and Jon Conciatori of Monroe, Conn., and Claire, Grace and Kenneth Vander Vennet of Oakville, Ontario. He is survived by his beloved friends, Dorothy and Henry Blount, Lurlene Lowe, and the entire Burkholder family. He also left behind his canine friends, Desi, Betty, Max and Clairee.
He was a generous soul who always saw the best in everyone. Craig always put the needs of others before his own. He left his mark on the world through innumerable acts of generosity and humor. Craig loved all people and was dearly loved in return.
The family will receive friends Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Father Peter Tran officiating. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3025 Berkmar Drive #7, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or by visiting www.heart.org; or to The Poor Clare Monastery, 550 Holly Fork Road, Barhamsville, VA 23011.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig VANDER VENNET

Sponsored by The Vander Vennet Family and Jay Burkholder.

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Peggy Barnes

November 10, 2024

Miss the days when our family would go to Va Beach and stay at the LaPlaya and see Craig. Haven´t even gone to Virginia Beach for years but always loved seeing Craig while we were there. God Bless you Craig...the Barnes miss you.

Debra Davenport

November 9, 2024

Why am I just now seeing Craig´s notice and memorials? I had heard long ago that he had passed but knew nothing further. But, for some reason, Craig comes to my mind when I am near the oceanfront here. Craig was a delight to work with at SNL, and I´ll never forget how he scared me at a Halloween party with that awful mask! He was truly a gentle soul and I can understand why Jay loved him so dearly. Craig´s smile and gentle spirit are still with us, never forgotten.

Virginia Dale Arnette

January 22, 2016

I am so sorry to learn of Craig's death. We attended Greensboro College together and he was a dear friend. I was searching for ways to reconnect with him when I found this obituary. He got me through some difficult times. He was the funniest, kindest, most wonderful person I had ever known. I have pictures you may want copies of from his days at Greensboro College. You can email me at [email protected]. Please put Craig's name in the subject line.

October 22, 2015

Not enough words to say how much you are missed. We will meet again my friend.

Great Beauties

Toby Wellington

October 22, 2015

Stacey Vander Vennet

October 21, 2015

I miss you more than words can say. I love you.....

October 21, 2015

Craig, My best friend, we are coming up on the third anniversary of you leaving us to go to heaven. I cannot begin to express what a void is in my life now but I am so grateful for the love/friendship we shared. My heart is still broken but I love you always... Love you more...

Toby Wellington

May 5, 2015

Toby Wellington

May 3, 2015

you will always be missed...till then my dear friend....

John Williamson

May 2, 2015

We're sorry to see you go ahead of us, as we'll miss you so very dearly....but just wait, we'll all be there to celebrate with you one day soon and fully reconnect. I've not met Jay, but I'm sure he's amazing like you, and I hope one day when I get to Virginia, I can stop by to pass on my regards personally. Missing you my friend.

Peggy & Dan Barnes

May 2, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this tragic event. I just learned of Craig's passing and am truly saddened by it. I knew Craig when he worked at the LaPlaya in VA. Beach. We had gone there for over 20 years and even after we stopped going to the LaPlaya Craig would come over to whatever motel/hotel we were at and we'd just sit around having a good time and then going out for dinner. His great smile was contagious and he always wore it. He was a great guy who I know will be missed by many. R.I.P. Craig…..Love Dan & Peggy Barnes

Think of you often Craig...

Toby Wellington

January 13, 2014

Craig always loved the beauty of nature

Toby Wellington

January 13, 2014

Maria Capparelli

January 12, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I used to work with Craig in Charlottesville and he was an incredible friend. He will be dearly missed

Jay Burkholder

April 13, 2013

You were the most amazing man I have ever known... my one true love. You were 49 when you departed this world. I had hoped for 49 more. I prayed to God to bless you, embrace you, strenghten and heal you. I knew your heart Craig and it was breaking. I watched you cry out to God just weeks before your passing. I know you asked God into your heart and to forgive you of all sins. I miss so much- I loved you so completely. Va pensiero sull ali dorate (fly on wings of gold). In the book you gave me in 1991 you wrote, "and when I'm not physically around, I'll be there to wach over you in spirit." I'm counting on it....just so you know. I'll love you always my beautiful friend and companion.

Kennan Seaman

January 23, 2013

Rest in peace my friend. You are missed.

Johanna K

December 9, 2012

Miss you

Stacey Waller

November 17, 2012

I know this is not the norm but I had to say good bye to my brother and best friend. He was an awesome man, so full of joy and soooo caring of others. I cannot imagine my life without him but the best I can do is try to follow in those huge footsteps. Craig I miss you so much and I love you and my heart is broken without you here. I love you...thank you for all the happiness you brought us.. we were so blessed to have you.

Lisa Becouvarakis

November 8, 2012

Dear Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I also remember Craig for his uplifting smile! May perpetual light shine upon him.

Cheryl Paramore

November 4, 2012

Jay and Vander Vennet Family,
I am sorry to have found out about this today. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Craig was a terrific and caring person and always full of humor. He could always put a smile on someone's face. I truly enjoyed working with him at SNL Securities when we were both there. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Anne Caston-Gaa

November 4, 2012

Vander Vennet Family and Jay,

I am so saddened to think that Craig is gone. He brought energy and excitement (even a bit of mischief) to any gathering. I have many memories of ridiculous experiences that I have shared with him and with you all. He is forever in my heart. You all are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Glenda Ownby

November 3, 2012

You have left your mark on this world, dear Craig. You have left behind your spirit in us encouraging us as you always did. We couldn't help but absorb your influence of good, fun, generosity, and love. Til we meet again... Thanks, Lord...for Craig.

Kate Sweeney

November 1, 2012

This world has lost one amazing man. Craig was my homecoming date at HRA, and a dear, dear friend. Loving, caring,and truly hilarious, he spread joy everywhere he went. Jay, Keith and family, my heart goes out to you now...my prayers are with you. Say "hey" to my grandma, Craig...she loved you too.

Victor Hernandez

November 1, 2012

Keith,

We are so sorry to hear about your brother and wanted to send you our thoughts and prayers.

Keith Hope

November 1, 2012

Keith, I was so sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Sigma Nu Brother.

Angela Gyetvan

October 31, 2012

Am so saddened that Craig has left us. He was a sweet and lovely presence in all our lives, since the days at HRA. My love and prayers to his family.

October 30, 2012

I am surprised and saddened at Craig's loss and feel so bad for all of his friends and family, especially Jay. Craig had a great smile. I'm sorry that I missed the service - did not find out until today.
Barbara Wimble (Staunton, Va)

Diane Stout Bales

October 30, 2012

Few people in this world touch so many others in such a positive manner. Craig was such a person, ever smiling and kind. From all those years ago at HRA to the present, we are all blessed to have known him,.

Danny Hogg

October 30, 2012

I was very sorry to hear of Craig's passing. While I had not seen in him in well over 20 years, I will remember him as a great classmate at HRA, and for his ability to bring a smile with his humor. My sincere condolences go to his family and loved ones.

Bob, Jan and Bria Kelly

October 30, 2012

Stacey, Rick, and all the extended family: the Kelly family was fortunate to have met Craig on a few occasions in the past. Suffice it to say that those few meetings produced a lifetime of good memories due to Craig's infectious sense of humor. There are few people I remember after just meeting once or twice, but Craig was one of those that I did. The eulogies today were fitting: Criag would have wanted laughter when friends and family remember him, even on a sorrowful occasion such as this. I was laughing and remembering our good times as well. Rest in peace, Craig. You were one of the good guys.

Sheila Moore

October 30, 2012

Keith, I was so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. May you hold all your memories of him close in your heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tiffany Fitzgerald

October 30, 2012

Jay and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jay Im here if you need me.

Cindy Weaver

October 30, 2012

Craig we love you and will hold dear all the memories with you. What a wonderful caring full of laughter kinda friend! We are better for having known you! Jay we're here for you and to all the Vander-Vennets we are so sorry and our thoughts and prayers are with you! Much Love, Mike, Cindy, Kyle, Brandon, Makenzie and Alana Weaver

October 29, 2012

What a tragic loss for the family and everyone who knew Craig. I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be sorely missed.
Cathy Leigh

Sharon Fox

October 29, 2012

Sweet Jay,I just learned of Craig's passing and I am so sorry for your hurt.
I know you will have many good memories to help with the healing of your broken heart. God Bless You my Friend. I Love You.

Cindi Kane

October 29, 2012

To Jay and Craig's Family,
Craig was a dear soul-always thinking of others. I'll never forget the time I booked a hotel room in Va Beach at one of the hotels Craig was managing many years ago. As I drove up I read in huge letters on the marquis, "Welcome Cindi Parsons!" I arrived to my room to find a cake and flowers! So thoughtful and caring. It was his true nature. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindi Parsons Kane

Gail Adkins

October 28, 2012

Jay,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Craig. May the wonderful memories you shared with Craig give you comfort and help ease the pain of your loss.

Matt Fletcher

October 28, 2012

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Craig. He was a great friend in High School. He was full of life, fun, and adventures. It was great to reconnec with him recently on Facebook.
I will miss him.

Eric Drum

October 28, 2012

Always a hilarious soul. It was always great to hear or even be the butt of his jokes. He will be missed terribly.

Chrissy Caldwell Plasse

October 28, 2012

Craig was one of my favorite memories of my time at JMU. I know he will be missed greatly and I pray for comfort for his family and friends. We now have another angel watching over us.

johanna

October 28, 2012

Love you Craig.

October 28, 2012

Jay,
I can't believe he is gone. I will miss him too.
Love, Johanna

Jennifer Maraki Trudel

October 28, 2012

Many condolences for your loss. Craig was a wonderful person and easily remembered for his antics in high school. He will be missed greatly and always loved. RIP Craig. You were taken too soon.

American Heart Association

October 28, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

October 27, 2012

Dear Craig; I remember what a good and solid friend you were at HRA. I will miss you so. I can still picture your constant smile and giggle of a laugh. Jay and Family, please accept my deepest sorrow and greatest blessings for the loss of Craig. (Becky Parsons Marshall)

Patsy Maney

October 27, 2012

Staci and family, it's been a long time since I've seen any of you but will always remember how Craig on behalf of your mom would bring my mother a gift when she was in the hospital. I always thought he was a kind man. I'm so sorry for your loss.Thoughts and prayers to each of you.
Patsy Maney

delores rose

October 27, 2012

jay introduced me to craig years ago, he had a smile on his face then, not sure who i reminded him of. was sorry to hear of his passing, jay and the vander vennet family, you are in my prayers. psalm 46:1.

delores rose(waynesboro, va.)

Lisa Simmons

October 27, 2012

Jay, You are a true example of "For better or worse, In sickness and health,richer and poorer... You have always amazed me with you undying love for Craig. May GOD bless you and all or Craig's Family and Friends. You always put Craig first. To love you, was to love Craig.

Bob and Judy Weikle

October 27, 2012

Always thought so much of Craig. He was in High School and graduated same year our son. We were also Facebook friends and kept in touch. Our Sympathy to the family.

October 27, 2012

Craig will be remembered for his off the wall sense of humor and his caring manner. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and especially to Jay, who Craig cared so very much for.
Erik and Angela Olsen

Ashley Nutley

October 27, 2012

I shall miss Craig's quirky sense of humor, radiant smile and abounding love. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and that Craig will be forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Ann Fichter

October 27, 2012

Even in high school, Craig always used to remind me to smile when he saw me mulling over a problem. And I always did when I saw his cheerful face. He's left everyone he knew a lot happiness

Stephanie Hollingsworth Bernardi

October 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time.

Lee VanOrmer

October 27, 2012

I will love you and miss you always.
Your friend and HRA classmate.

Sue Neil Broschinski

October 27, 2012

Dear Jay, I am at a loss of words. I am so very sorry for the loss of Craig.

Melissa & Tony Hughes

October 27, 2012

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Craig. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Douglas Parsons

October 27, 2012

I m sorry for the loss of Craig. I will always remember him for his smile, and happiness.

Kimberly

October 26, 2012

I am so very saddened to hear of Craig's passing. I worked with Craig at nTelos and he was always a joy to be around. I have never met a more caring person than Craig. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.

American Heart Association

October 26, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Julie Rhodes

October 26, 2012

We are so sorry for all of his family and friends, we met Craig through antique shows and yard sales and immediately loved him. Rest in peace... Scott and Julie Rhodes

Erica Santor

October 26, 2012

Dear Jay & Vander Vennet family, I am very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that you need, please let me know!

Showing 1 - 65 of 65 results

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618 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980

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