Craig S. Smith

OMENA — Craig Stewart Smith, 76, of Omena, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, at Munson Medical Center due to complications related to lung cancer surgery.

Craig was born in Evanston, Ill., and graduated from Evanston High School in 1949. He was named for Episcopal Bishop George Craig Stewart, at the bishop's suggestion, which is how he got his lifelong nickname of "Bish."

After he graduated from Northwestern University in 1955 as a Second Lieutenant, Craig began 28 years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, he was honored with the DOD Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star for valor, among others.

He graduated from the Naval War College in 1976. After retiring as a Colonel in 1983, Craig began a second career as a consultant for eight years in Saudi Arabia, where he worked for both the Vinnell and Raytheon corporations. During those years in the Middle East, he made Nicosia, Cyprus, his favorite getaway.

A lifelong learner, Craig pursued many interests over the decades, including photography, cooking, motor-biking and travel. He made sure his family had those opportunities too, taking trips with them to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, England, Egypt and Turkey.

He became a licensed flight instructor in 1968, after owning and flying private planes with his wife. From IBM punch cards to Google Talk, Craig embraced the Digital Age. He was an accomplished computer enthusiast, keeping close contact with his family through e-mail since the 1980s. In recent years, Craig followed national, international and local politics with intensity.

Craig called Omena his home for his entire adult life and made it his permanent home in 1991. Over the years in Leelanau County, he worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and the Leland Cherry Company, and had been a diligent follower of Leelanau Township debates. He will be remembered as a proud officer, a loving father and a cheerful, generous community member.

He is survived by his children, Marjorie S. Smith, Preston C. Smith and Timothy G. Smith; five grandchildren, Kira, Kate, Avery, Declan and Lilly; and sister, Carolin Smith Renz.

He was predeceased by four siblings, George, Thomas (Tom), Preston (Perc) and Susan; as well as his ex-wife, Holly R. Smith.

A gathering will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. Burial will be at a later date in Omena Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.