Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Craig Pairan Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Pairan
Sponsored by anonymous.
Carol
February 14, 2023
Love you and miss you Craig
Susan
February 8, 2023
Can´t believe it´s been ten years...we will never forget Craig and his impact on our lives and family.
Barry Gabler
February 8, 2021
I think of you often. I always thought we would be doing immature things in retirement . We learned to fly together but you got your real wings prior to me. GOD Bless your soul and memory. I still miss you!
BARRY GABLER
October 31, 2019
Thinking of you today old friend. 50 years ago today we soloed our first aircraft.
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
"Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Barry Gabler
June 6, 2017
My dear friend, fellow Naval Aviator, and fraternity brother. I thought of you this Memorial Day. You served GOD and your country. I always thought we would hang together in retirement, but it was not so. It will have to wait a bit longer. You are missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12, 2014
Remembering our dear friend on this one year anniversary of his passing. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of Craig. We miss him so much but cherish all of the years of memories that will live on in our hearts forever. We were truely blessed to have him as a friend.
Steve and Barbara Grant
February 11, 2014
And so a year has passed since the angels took Craig to his Heavenly Father. Craig was a blessing to all who knew and loved him, and he is greatly missed. His favorite praise and worship song has encouraging words for all of us who must go on without him... "The sun comes up. It's a new day dawning. It's time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes...Bless the Lord O my soul, worship His holy name." Craig brought smiles and joy to our lives, and was always eager to help. We remember his big smile, love for sports, and his sense of humor. Craig continues even now to be an inspiration to others...and though is no longer with us, we are thankful to say with certainty that we will meet again. And we'll be singing along-"ten thousand years and then forever more".
February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
Lizzie Snyder
February 1, 2014
Today, I think of Craig and smile, still missing him terribly, but remembering the big grin and the warm ray of sunshine he was to me. He enjoyed good stories, a great paperback, and road trips to Arkansas and the hill country. He was the best pilot I‘ve ever known, with over 200 carrier landings. He could fly this table, he used to tell me. He had a special place in his heart for his SAE brothers from Miami, his VF-33 fighter pilot buddies, the Braniff Silver Eagles, and the few FexEx buddies who shared the love of flying but missed the people. He made friends on the FedEx jump seat by bringing freshly baked cookies.
He loved Fort Worth, and the fireworks and 1812 Overture on the Fourth of July. He loved his Potomac Ave neighbors, especially Glen & Karen Wade, and took in their dog whenever they were traveling, and that dog, Ashley was his walking companion that always drew a crowd of kids in Monticello Park. His two fighter pilot cats, Phantom and Monkey, were kept in good health by Hall Griffin and Jim Rhumann. He loved spending the afternoon hearing navy stories from Dexter Manlove, a man he greatly admired for his figher pilot skills, and namesake of his next cat. Dexter, the cat, often followed Craig down the street when he went walking. Bob Welborn provided many hours of advice and entertainment, which Craig always treasured. Gary Heartsill provided hours of pilot discussions on CRM and happy days at Braniff training.
The “Gabe”, Barry Gabler, was a great friend that Craig mentioned often. Connie Griffin and her family and the many years of dear friendship and love, and being there for him. Most of all, “Barbar” and Steve Grant, who were Craig's closest family, with countless years of holiday meals spent at their table as one of their own. He's left a warm glow of fond memories in my heart.
May 3, 2013
A sweeter more upbeat man never lived. I knew him in his VF-33 days and at FEDEX...He never changed. We'll miss him. So long Hawk!
Boomer
Mark Evans
April 15, 2013
What a barrel of laughs this world was privy to because of Craig Pairan. Together, we covered many Dallas, and then Alliance-Ft. Worth standbys, when I lived there for many years, as well as slipping the surly bonds to a plethora of other darkened locales for FedEx. What a great aviator and human being we've lost. I was just planning to call you, when I come in town in a few weeks for one of our very last AFW standbys. How dare you check out on us early! You're one of those people we can all honestly say, that the world was a better place because of you. Make sure you phone down and tell us about your accommodations up there! You, and your famous coconut macaroon cookies, will be forever sorely missed, my friend. God bless you, Craig.
Rich Bailey
April 10, 2013
Craig, Those of us who had the pleasure to fly with you at Braniff and FedEx will always remember your smile and laugh. You were a pilot's pilot my friend. Fair winds and following seas.
jon hanbury
March 26, 2013
craig, i remember the good times.....those moments when we tested our independence....when we shared good times......when we celebrated....when we found the joy in those around us as we savored our days together. you gave me hope! i learned to become me thanks to you. i'm sad in that i won't be able to share the wisdom that i have gleaned as a wife, as a mother, as a teacher, and as a friend with you.........then again, you may have already discovered how to best proceed with life and beyond. bless you, my friend.
jon
Larry Landfried
March 25, 2013
Pair was always a riot to be around. Never got tired of his fighter pilot stories. The last time I saw him we drove to Miami for homecoming. It was great. Great human being and I am proud to call him my friend. Phi Alpha, class of 1970. Larry Landfried USAF
March 21, 2013
Craig - you were my brother in so many ways. I will always remember we "soloed" together.You were always a head of me, as a fighter pilot,reserve pilot, and airline pilot. I treasure all those memories starting back in 1969. God bless you and keep you untill I see you again. PHI ALPHA, Barry
February 22, 2013
Gosh where do I began. I have known Craig since grade school. He was always a great guy.Prim and proper thats him.We graduated High School together. I visited with him last year when he was in town. We had a great time. I feel so bad. I will miss him. Jim Bryan [email protected]
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
February 19, 2013
Mike Dodson
February 18, 2013
From a long-ago high school friend, Fuzzy, as your friends affectionately called you back then, Craig, wish we could have seen more of you recently. RIP, we will never forget you. Sounds like you were loved in Texas, too. Mike Dodson, Aiken , SC ([email protected].) Would love to hear from Craig's TX family.
Norm Lester
February 17, 2013
World is clearly a lesser place w/o Hawk's persona & wry sense of humor. Was fortunate to fly with Hawk for few years after VF-33. RIP.
Dan Bunting
February 17, 2013
Hope we can fly as wingman when we are reunited! Lurch
VF33 Ready Room De-brief 1973
Dana Barclay
February 16, 2013
"Hawk"....You'll ALWAYS be in my and ALL your other VF33 Squadron Mate's thoughts, memories and hearts...Rest well old friend..."Barc"
Hall Griffin
February 14, 2013
Sky King. We miss you but have lots of fun memories. Thank you.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Craig Pairan's name
Memorial Events
for Craig Pairan
How to support Craig's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Craig Pairan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
