Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1958
DIED
2024
Craig Stein Obituary
March 4, 1958 - April 2, 2024
Vancouver, Washington - Craig Edward Stein, CEO and owner of Craig Stein Beverage died April 2, 2024, from an accidental drowning at his home in La Quinta, CA.
Craig started his business in May 1990 with eleven employees in Vancouver, WA. He acquired numerous companies and grew his company significantly. In 2023 he merged his company with the Odom Corporation forming one of the largest beer, wine, and beverage distributors in the United States. His business grew to over 2,200 employees in 5 states. His entrepreneurial spirit will continue to live on. He will be remembered as a fierce competitor in his industry.
Craig was well known for his kindness, generosity, and his humor could bring a smile to anyone. He loved boating, golfing, fishing, hunting, travelling, and was always up for a great adventure. He had a huge heart and, in his presence, kept everyone smiling and laughing. All will greatly miss his charm, humor, and charisma. He walked into a room as if he owned it.
In May 1998 he met the love of his life, Linn Dee. In 2021 they eloped in Las Vegas and were married by Elvis in the back of a pink Cadillac.
Craig is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Joyce. He is survived by his wife Linn Dee, yellow labs Babe and Lou, brother Brad (Jan), sisters Teri (Ed), Cortney (Brian), stepmother Catherine (John), and several nieces and nephews.
Celebrations of life will be held in Vancouver and Boise to honor his legacy. Details will be posted on the Craig Stein Beverage website. In lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to the Clark County Food Bank, Idaho Foodbank, or your local Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Stein
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
Kay Bastasini
March 23, 2025
He was a prince of a guy ! Super fan of he and LinnDee! Kay B.
Ron DiNucci
February 26, 2025
From the time we met in 1990 rolling around in the Corvette, having the times of our life´s thru Christmas 2023 in San Diego 33 years later never a dull moment!
We all thank you and cherish everything you have given to all of us here at CSB & beyond!
Gone but not forgotten for all of our lives. We love you Craig, forever and always.
Ron & Kellie DiNucci
Arturo Rodriguez
July 8, 2024
I worked for Craig Stein in 2008 when he had hired me to be one of the first Latino Sales Representative. Which I have impressed him with my skills I brought from Phoenix Arizona and he did love my creative beer displays I would built. May you Rest In Peace my friend and we will meet again in heaven.
Diane Douglass & Paul Olson
May 29, 2024
So sorry to hear of Craig's passing. Before I worked there, Paul would take me to the Christmas Brunch at Who Songs. They put a sombrero on Craig's head and proceeded to do a Birthday song (not really his Birthday), "Lil' Red Riding Hood", by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs, I was mesmerized at how good humored Craig was. When I had an opportunity to join the company in 1999, I jumped on it! Best wishes to Linn Dee and the family.
Cindy McDowell
April 30, 2024
So very sorry to read this news. He was such a nice person, always enjoyed see him. Sending my thoughts and prayers out to his family.
Ilene Maddux
April 29, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Craig was a special person, fun, caring. Bruce trained him in McCall and it was such a special time for him. Craig was enthuastic eager to learn the business.
Had such fun times with him over the years and was a blessing in our hearts to know and share time with him. Love and blessing to the family. Big Hugs.
Ian Redmond
April 27, 2024
I am sorry for your loss, Linn Dee. Craig had a passion for the beverage business, and a great motivator to his employees. I will always remember his humor and good times, (road trips) over the years.
Ian R.
Jim Ding
April 16, 2024
Lind Dee, we are sorry for your loss of Craig.
Being one of the original 11 employees when Craig purchased the company in 1990 I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege of working with and for him.
I do not believe anyone else could have started with what he had and built what is now Craig Stein Beverage.
He was a generous, kind person with great leadership. His office door was always open if anyone had a problem.
He will be deeply missed by all.
Jim & Bonnie Ding
Patrick Otten
April 15, 2024
I am on the phone with a long time friend who I worked with at CSB at the beginning of my career and he just let me know of Craigs passing. I am feeling so many emotions, the most of which is shock. Craig, and Stein Distributing at large, are woven into the fabric of who I am as a professional.
Please accept my condolences.
Mary Larson
April 14, 2024
I am very saddened to hear of Craig's passing. So unfair... I was fortunate to spend time with Craig and Linn Dee a few years ago. Craig was always so gracious and polite, and the love he had for Linn Dee and their pups was wonderful to see. Our community has lost a generous and amazing man. My deepest condolences to Linn Dee and her family.
Mary Larson
Joan Kangas Lough
April 14, 2024
Linn Dee,
We are so very sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray and Joan Lough family and Darlene Kangas.
Jody Campbell
April 12, 2024
Lindee, so sorry to hear this horrible news. Sending you hugs and love. Craig was just the sweetest guy.
Deb Miles
April 12, 2024
I am very sorry for your loss Linn Dee. I enjoyed my time caring for your furry kids.
Mary Larson
April 12, 2024
I am very saddened to hear of Craig's passing. So unfair... I was fortunate to spend time with Craig and Linn Dee a few years ago. Craig was always so gracious and polite, and the love he had for Linn Dee and their pups was wonderful to see. Our community has lost a generous and amazing man. My deepest condolences to Linn Dee and her family.
Gary Hall
April 12, 2024
Linn Dee, I am so sorry for your loss! I will never forget what an unbelievable leader Craig was to many people. I personally will never forget how much he believed in me and pushed me to always learn more. Craig always challenged me to grow as person and a leader. I will miss him dearly.
Jeffrie Caves
April 12, 2024
RIP, and I appreciate everything you did to support the Treasure Valley.
Jenny Holder
April 11, 2024
Linn Dee May your heart soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. All of the memories of good times.
Steve & Dana Anderson
April 11, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the family. His legacy will live on through memories and his very successful business he created. We love you Lindee Steve & Dana Anderson
Tonya Lashley
April 10, 2024
You will be missed so much Craig. I am grateful to have known you and will always remember the kindness you have shown my family and myself since I was a teenager.
Scott Waters
April 10, 2024
My condolences to the Stein family and the entire beverage industry. Tough news here as Craig and his team are an absolute joy to work with. Straight shooter... no BS. RIP Craig...
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Craig Stein's name
Memorial Events
for Craig Stein
How to support Craig's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Craig Stein's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
