Craig Welling Kimball

Craig Welling Kimball died January 13, 2024 due to complications from a stroke. Craig was born June 11, 1946 to Golden L. and Leah W. Kimball in Fair Oaks, California. He was the fourth of six children and the third of five boys.

Craig loved growing up in the small town of Fair Oaks in northern California where he could roam freely as a child. During his teen years, Craig's family moved to Utah where he graduated from East High School in 1964.

Craig served a successful mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Great Lakes area of the United States. While on his mission, he served in various leadership positions. He shared a close relationship with his mission president, Frank C. Berg, and many companions with whom he stayed close throughout his life.

He loved the Savior and had a testimony of His gospel. Craig was his own person, but never shied away from defending his beliefs.

Upon returning home from his mission, Craig attended the University of Utah graduating with a degree in sociology. There he met Barbara Miller. They married and had four children raising them in the Salt Lake area. They later divorced.

Craig was a natural athlete. He excelled at any sport he tried. He loved the ocean and always enjoyed returning there to vacation with family and friends.

Craig found success in sales most of his professional career. He didn't know a stranger and could find common ground with anyone.

He was bright and had a creative mind. As a hobby innovator he worked on various inventions throughout his life, always thinking of new ways to do something ordinary a little better.

Later in his life he met and married, Yolanda Versteeg. They had two children, raising them in Sandy, Utah and later divorcing.

Craig was a warm and caring son, father, brother, uncle and friend. He treated everyone he knew with kindness, compassion and respect. He had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He was generous and would share anything he had.

Craig is survived by his children: Brooke Cochrane (Preston), Lisa Coulam (Jason), Anne Owens (David), Scott Kimball (Sara), Danika Kimball (Jack Ryan), Nick Kimball; 13 grandchildren: Abbie, Chandler, Christian and Scott Cochrane - Ashley, Samantha and Tyler Coulam - Davey, Eve and Juliet Owens - Owen, Lettie and June Kimball; brothers: Golden Kimball (Janice), Jerry Kimball (Patrice), David Kimball (Kris), Victor Kimball (Robyn) and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcia Kimball McGavock.

Craig's life will be celebrated with a private family gathering.

Craig enjoyed supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities and attended many of their events. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to RMHC or another charity of your choice.