Craig Edwin DeHaven

1952 - 2017

Craig Edwin DeHaven

East Lansing - Craig Edwin DeHaven, a loving son, father, brother, grandfather and so much more, passed away on December 4, 2017 surrounded by his family. Craig was a devoted father to his three children Deanna (Tyson Culver), Christopher (Irana Gomez), and Michelle (Joseph) Miles. Craig took tremendous pride in his loyalty to his mother, Gini, and his three grandchildren, Gavin, Kennedy, and Kiran. Craig was looking forward to holding his fourth grandchild in 2018. He is also survived by his brother, Clark (Deborah), nephew, Brian (Sarah), niece, Lauren (Adam), and great niece and nephews Claire, Jacob, and Harrison.

Craig was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 1, 1952. After attending Sexton High School and graduating Waverly High School, Craig began his career in hospitality management at the Olds Plaza in Lansing while attending Farris State University. He enjoyed an accomplished career managing hotels across the country, including the Hyatt Water Tower in Chicago and later hotels in South Carolina, Colorado, Maryland, and Tennessee.

In 1980, Craig returned to his hometown of Lansing to purchase Jim's Tiffany Place and began his new adventure as a restaurateur. In 1993, Craig established DeHaven Real Estate and Property Management Company, launching a new career in commercial real estate. Over the years, Craig leaned upon his mother, Gini, as his business partner and best friend. Much to her dismay, bragging about her age, energy, and savvy business sense. Throughout his life, Craig was an active member of the community, serving as Director of the Michigan Restaurant Association, Chairman of the Convention/Visitors Bureau of Greater Lansing, and member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Craig took great pride in his family, seeing himself as a devoted father first and foremost, frequently reminding us all "family is everything." He was well-known for his charm and charisma, always the life of the party. As an avid hunter, fisherman and entertainer to all, Craig enjoyed summers at Burt Lake, Michigan, with his family and friends. Through his love of travel, Craig could frequently be found visiting his children in Austin and Los Angeles, as well as basking in the sun throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Wherever he was, he would light up a room with his contagious laughter and good spirits.

There will be a Memorial Mass officiated by Fr. Karl Pung on Saturday, December 9th, at 10am, at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. The family will gather with relatives and friends at 9:00am in the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region, 330 Marshall St, Lansing, MI 48912.