Sidney Craig Obituary

CRAIG, Sidney Harvey Co-Founder or Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centers dies in Del Mar Sidney Harvey Craig, 76, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centers, passed away peacefully at his home in Del Mar, on July 21, 2008. Sid is survived by his devoted wife Jenny and his five loving children and spouses, Susan and Mark McKenna, Steven Craig, Jason and Becca Craig, Denise and Peter Merlone, Michelle and Duayne Weinger. In addition, he has thirteen adoring grandchildren, Brandon, Collin, Austin and Megan McKenna, Caleb Craig, Saige and Madden Craig, Kristen Merlone, Alex and Addie Altholz, and Sydney, Zachary and Remy Weinger. Sid was the son of Claire and James Goldberg, and brother of Lucille Aarens and the late Morris Hollis. Along with his sister Lucille, he is survived by his niece Debra Aarens-Carmona and his nephew Marc Aarens. Sid and Jenny co-founded the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center in 1983. His leadership brought Jenny Craig Inc. from a small Australian company into a multi-national business with 655 centers operating in four countries. Jenny Craig Inc. was purchased by Nestle in 2006. In April 2007, Sid and Jenny were awarded the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in Washington, D.C. It was the first time in the organization's history that the award was presented to a couple, which Sid considered to be one of the highlights of his career. Philanthropically, Sid and Jenny Craig have contributed their support to several organizations including San Diego Hospice, The San Diego Foundation, Easter Seals, Kids Korps, United Way/CHAD, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, The Craig Foundation funded The Sid Craig School of Business at California State University-Fresno and The Jenny Craig Pavilion at The University of San Diego which is a multi-use sports facility. The Craig's were quick to come to the aid of the Hurricane Katrina victims as well as the fire victims in their local city of San Diego. Besides his incredible devotion to Jenny and his family, Sid was also an avid horse enthusiast. He was passionate about the sport, enjoying his ownership of champion thoroughbred race horses. He and Jenny were familiar faces at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Sid will be enormously missed and always remembered for his incredible love of family, friends and community. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the following organizations: American Cancer Society, San Diego Branch 2655 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 299-4200 or San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine 4311 3rd Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 688-1600

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Sidney Craig

11 Entries

Debra Aarens

December 23, 2024

In Loving Memory of Uncle Sid
I miss my Uncle Sid more than words can say. He was a constant in my life from the very beginning, ever since my brother Marc and I were born. We spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas with him, and those holidays were always the highlight of the year. Our family was large and full of love-Sid's mother, Claire Goldberg, came to the United States in 1913 to escape the persecution of the Jewish people in Russia. She brought her mother, her sister Anne, and brothers Myer and Art. They all had children, which meant that Sid had lots of relatives... aunts, uncles, and cousins who, like him, were kind and full of heart.
Sid was always part of our family celebrations, spending every holiday with his mother and father (my grandparents). He was always close with his sister, Lucille Aarens and my father Sheldon, both of whom adored him. We cherished the time we spent together, especially at our home on Bowesfield Street, where the warmth of family, laughter, and love filled the air. Even when Sid remarried, we still gathered for Christmas, and those moments were as precious as ever.
Uncle Sid had a way of making everything feel special. He brought joy, generosity, and a sense of belonging to every room he entered. I´ll always remember the way he made the holidays feel like home, no matter what. Thank you Sid for being a GREAT Uncle to me, I will always love you.

debbie guidroz ducoing

August 4, 2008

hi jenny and family our hearts go out to you all and our dearest sympathyfor all of you. you all will be in our prayers jenny,and jenny michelle told us what a wonderful man sid was!and michelle was such a beautiful person also and we loved her dearly and we truly miss her!my mom especially admired michelle.she always visited my mom mabel guidroz ,jenny we know that you are going to miss sid so much cause michelle always told us how close you and he were!they are all three up in heaven now and my mom always told michelle ,i wish i could meet sid cause i bet he is a great man!i remember your dad jenny when i was a little girl my dad eddie guidroz, your dad moses was his brother, would bring me to visit him and he was a great man!just like my dad!well enough of that i just wish our familys were closer cause i sure would have loved to have been closer to all of you wonderful guidroz's!and remember you will all be in my heart and prayers and if you need a shoulder to cry on or a n ear to listen just know that i am available for all of you just like michelle was for my beautiful mom your aunt mabel!keep in touch with your new orleans family please cause we are here for you all!

Jim Pebley

July 30, 2008

Jenny, we were saddened by the news of your loss of Sid. We remember the early days of JCI development. There are fond memories of all the ups and downs when there was so much happening. It was an exciting time for all of us in the company. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jim & Irene Pebley

Laura Easler

July 30, 2008

Jenny Craig and family,
My heart goes out to you, for the loss of this great man. I had the rare privilege of being an employee with your company in 1985, and enjoyed many years working for you and Sid. I also worked for Gloria Marshall's in the 70's when you and Sid were starting out together.
I will remember with fondness, all the special events that I attended over the years with you and your husband. I know you and your family will miss this great man, and my deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
With warm thought's,
Laura Bowman (Easler)

Louise Guarnotta

July 29, 2008

I attended Sid's funeral today and want to extend my most sincere expression of sympathy to Jenny and the family. The years I worked at JCI and in particular with Sid and Jenny, were memorable. I had so much respect for Sid and truly feel the world has lost a great man.

Carl Essert

July 28, 2008

I can not think of a greater man, and a true reflection of his family. You will always be in my thoughts. All my heart felt condolences to you Jenny, and your family.

Kevin and Rosie Flanagan

July 28, 2008

To the Craig Family,
We will treasure the fondest of memories traveling the world with Sid and all of you. The marriage, made in Heaven with Jenny, is an inspiration for us all! Our heartfelt prayers and love,

Belinda Lopez-Calderon

July 25, 2008

To Jason,

Sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.

Belinda Lopez-Calderon

GM Altavilla

July 25, 2008

I had the pleasure of meeting Sid Craig on several occassions--he was always gentle, always kind and always memorable. My condolences to the Craig family.

Susan Ulevitch

July 25, 2008

For Susan McKenna,
I am thinking of you with sympathy. And, remembering our talks at the PAC.
Cannot find your tele number; please excuse this public message.
Susan Ulevitch, from Pittsburgh

margaret collins

July 25, 2008

So sorry for your loss.

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