Craig Michael Cordial

Craig Michael Cordial lived as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend-known for his sharp sense of humor and unwavering compassion, which he put into action through service to others. On June 17, 2025, he passed peacefully at home in Missoula, Montana, surrounded by the love of his family, after meeting prostate cancer with the same courage and quiet strength that shaped every chapter of his life.

Born in St. Helens, Oregon, on February 3, 1958, to James (Jim) and Dorothy Cordial, Craig's life was guided by perseverance, wit, and a deep devotion to family. Raised in Missoula, he developed an enduring love for the outdoors as a sacred space where he renewed his spirit. After graduating from Columbia University, he began his career on Wall Street, where his keen mind and unshakeable integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

His professional journey spanned private equity, affordable housing developments across the West, and pioneering work in early turn-by-turn navigation technology. Craig helped raise capital for high-profile projects, including Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour. During the mortgage crisis, he guided thousands through overwhelming debt toward financial relief. In the years that followed, he dedicated himself to helping everyday people build wealth outside of Wall Street's volatility, making sophisticated financial planning both accessible and practical.

In 1997, Craig married Jennifer Miller of Long Beach, California. Together, they had two children, Cameron and Miller Cordial, and continued to co-parent with mutual respect and care. He was deeply proud of the family they built and the outstanding young adults their children became.

Craig later shared a deeply meaningful life with his wife, Larissa Cordial, with whom he was equally yoked in faith, love, and purpose. Over nearly 15 years of friendship, marriage, and shared work as both life and business partners, their bond was a true partnership. Through this union, he also opened his heart to Larissa's daughter, Sofia Chieco, whom he lovingly embraced as his own.

His greatest joy came from being a father. He was endlessly proud of his children-Cameron, Miller, and Sofia-and the thoughtful, resilient young adults they have become. He delighted in their accomplishments, supported them through every challenge, and found deep purpose in guiding them as they grew into compassionate, capable adults. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines, offering quiet advice, or celebrating their milestones, he was a constant, loving presence in their lives.

Outside the boardroom, Craig found purpose in mentorship-an inspiration sparked by his son Miller-as he dedicated twelve years to coaching lacrosse in Draper, Utah, at St. John the Baptist and Juan Diego Catholic High School. Though he hadn't grown up playing the sport, his lifelong love of athletics fueled his appreciation for lacrosse's speed, discipline, and teamwork. His enthusiasm was contagious, and the life lessons he shared on and off the field left a lasting impact on countless young athletes.

As a child, Sunday dinners in the Cordial household were formal, complete with etiquette and elocution lessons led by his father. Ever the mischievous one, young Craig often tried to escape by sliding under the table. Yet those early lessons in language stuck. Years later, as a young professional proofreading investment prospectuses long before editing software existed, he applied that same meticulous attention to language. As a father, mentor, and coach, he continued the tradition-correcting his children, their friends, and his athletes for using "like" out of context, sometimes collecting a quarter per offense or handing out push-up penalties. He believed that helping youth become their best selves started with how they spoke-and he made the lesson both memorable and meaningful.

Craig is survived by his wife, Larissa Cordial; his children, Cameron and Miller Cordial, from his marriage to Jennifer Miller, and Sofia Chieco, Larissa's daughter; mother Dorothy Cordial; siblings Tim Cordial (Nancy), Debra Cordial, Jamie Sayler (Barry), Linda Cordial and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father James Cordial, brother Gary Cordial, and mother-in-law Beatrice Johnson. Beyond his immediate family, Craig's life was deeply enriched by decades-long friendships and a chosen family whose bonds ran just as strong.

A rosary will be held at the family parish, St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, Montana, on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception. A Celebration of Life will be held in Draper, Utah at the Juan Diego Catholic High School chapel on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., with an outdoor reception to follow. All are welcome with festive attire preferred. A private interment will take place in Missoula.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in honor of Coach Cordial to the Juan Diego Silver Jubilee Scholarship, supporting Juan Diego Catholic High School students in need.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and care teams at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City and St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, whose compassion and care meant so much during Craig's final years.

Craig's life was a testament to love, faith, and quiet strength. His legacy of devotion, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.