Stephen Jack Craig

1946 - 2024

Stephen Jack February 27, 1946 - Craig

Stephen Jack Craig (Steve) was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on February 27, 1946, the only child of Jack and Marie Craig. The three moved to the Seattle area in the early 50's. Steve graduated from Edmonds High School in 1964. Steve worked for their family business, Craig's Texaco (formerly at 220th and Hwy 99 in Edmonds). Later he worked at Burlington Northern RR as a Welder, and at Foss Maritime as a Tankerman. After retiring from Foss, he still worked part-time doing many construction trades including roofing, garage doors, mobile home moving/set-up, and countless other crafts that he enjoyed.

Steve always stayed busy and was very active. He worked hard every day…not just for himself, but for others. When he wasn't helping friends, you could find him in his shop working on a wide variety of different projects. He really enjoyed taking something and improving on the original design, making it better than new, easier, or more efficient…and he did! When he saw a need, he got excited to help. He never just "threw something together." He was thoughtful and he made beautiful and functional tools and items that fit the needs of those in his life, like a rack to hold Katie and Angela's skis, or a custom shelf for Katie's bunkbed at college. Steve was a great welder, and his mechanic skills were top-notch…he could fix ANYTHING. He was so talented.

Greater than his passion for helping others, was Steve's dedication to his family. Steve's main priority was his daughter, Angela, and granddaughter, Katie, whom he affectionately referred to as "Jake". When Angela was pregnant with Katie, Steve was so sure she would have a boy, and he had always liked the name Jake, so when she was born, Steve nicknamed her Jake. Those who knew Steve knew of the very special bond between he and Angela and Katie, and just how much they loved one another…it was really something to see. Steve was always over at Angela's house, bringing her firewood, setting mole traps in her yard, or helping her with home improvement projects. He was always looking for ways to help her. He and Katie replaced her brakes, he joined her on a field trip at college, and was always with them on trips to Hawaii or Disneyland, and many other places. One of Katie's fondest memories of her Grandpa is him picking her up from elementary school in his 1934 Chevy. Katie played soccer for many years and Grandpa was her biggest fan. He didn't miss a game. He loved to watch her play. There was no place Steve would rather be than with his girls. The feeling was mutual. Angela helped her Dad on projects at his home when he'd let her, and young Katie could be found handing Grandpa tools while he worked on one of his many vehicles, including his 1924 Buick. Steve raised Angela and influenced Katie to be self-reliant, capable, and clever, just like he was.

Steve had a very special friendship with Mike (aka Rockford) that was in some ways more like a Father/Son relationship. Countless times Steve was known to put his own things on hold, so he could help Mike with whatever he had going on, and Mike always helped and supported Steve too. The two spent time together on many trips all over the country. Their cherished friendship spanned over 40 years. Mike's help and support is ongoing.

Steve had a great sense of humor and always entertained his friends with countless stories of his life's experiences, and yes, sometimes the same story many times. Steve's stories were always the same, as they needed no exaggeration. Once you were Steve's friend, you were a friend for life. He had a way of making you feel just how important you were to him, and always had a positive word. Many of his friendships go back to his childhood.

Steve loved classic cars, and has restored several. He was a longstanding member of the Thursday Night Garage Car Club. Steve also enjoyed going to car shows and car swap meets.

Steve loved a good fire in the wood stove, as well as cutting down the trees himself to get that firewood. Steve was the very best father and grandfather anyone could wish for, and a best friend to so many.

In 2009, Steve cheated death and got us 15 more years with him, which we were all so lucky to have. Steve spent the weekend before he passed cutting down trees in his yard. He was doing what he loved with those who loved him. He was happy.

Steve never moved from the area, and on December 10th he passed away at his home of 30 years in Bothell. Steve was preceded in death by his Father Jack Craig, Mother Marie Craig, Son Brad Eastman; friends Terry Nellis, Lloyd Anderson, Mike Hass, Ed Coaker, Anna Marie Anderson, Danny Day, and favorite pups Daisy, Bogart, Odie and Meggie.

Steve is survived by his daughter Angela, granddaughter Katie (Jake), and chosen son Mike (Rockford). Steve will be missed by many friends including Linda, Harold/June, Pat, Gail, Eric/Hannah/Jason, John, Tim, Mike/Marilee/Austin/Cole, Sheryl, Ron, Jim, Larry, Marcia, Raynel, Donna, Leon, Marne & TJ, Shawn, and so many more.

A celebration of Steve's life will be planned for the summer.