Rodney Sherman Craig

Rodney Sherman Craig Went peacefully home to be with his Lord and Savior, May 4, 2007 after a long and courageous fight for health. He was 69 years old. He was born March 29 1938 in Alameda, CA. He lived and went to school in the San Francisco Bay Area, graduating from Alameda High in 1956 and then from UC Berkeley in 1961 with a BS degree in business science. At Cal, Rod worked on the Daily Cal in various positions, finishing as the business manager during his senior year. Following college, Rod joined the Army National Guard stationed at Fort Ord. It was during this time that he met his future beloved wife, Beverly and they were married in the spring of 1962. Rod and Bev moved to Southern California in 1964 where Rod attended USC, began a family, and started his career in sales/marketing positions. For most of his career, Rod owned and operated his own business as a manufacture's rep, selling to companies in the aerospace industry. The family moved to Thousand Oaks in 1974. It was there that Rod met the Lord and began his life as a Christian. They became members of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church where Rod experienced much joy in teaching Sunday school over the years and being a part of the men's ministries, especially with Promise Keepers. One of Rod's greatest joys was as a contributing member of the National Ski Patrol for 30 years, beginning in 1967. He first started patrolling at Holiday Hill which later expanded to become Mountain High. Rod belonged to the American Red Cross, where he was an instructor of Standard and Advanced First Aid classes and CPR for many years. He was an avid skier, adventurer, teacher, and traveler. He loved to backpack with his family, rock climb, and fly fish. Wherever Rod went he made many friends. His smile and charm were infectious as he loved to share and tell stories. Rod is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, of 45 years; sister, Julie Schadlich, of Orinda, CA; brother, Ted Craig, of Orinda, CA; son, Alan Scott Craig of Fillmore; and daughter, Julie and her husband John Tucker of Thousand Oaks. He also leaves seven wonderful grandchildren: Levi, Mary, Haven, Sarah, Trevor, Mark and Grace. The family is grateful for all of his good years of love, laughs and support. We have great comfort in the knowledge that Rod is enjoying a complete healing and joy with our Lord in Heaven. The family would also like express their thanks and appreciation to all those that helped support Rodney through the years. A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3:00pm, May 20th at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Thousand Oaks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Rodney Craig to the Buena Vista Hospice, 143 Triunfo Canyon Rd, Ste. 103 Westlake Village, CA 91361 (Bvhospicecare@aol.com).