Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Craig MELBY Obituary
November 24, 1955 - April 30, 2019. Craig grew up in St. Petersburg; graduating from Lakewood High School and the University of Florida. Craig had a lengthy career specializing in commercial real estate brokerage and leasing. He earned CCIM and SIOR designations and authored "Leasing Smart" used in UF's masters of real estate program. Craig split his time between homes in Stuart, FL and Brevard, NC. Craig loved both places but at heart was a mountain man who was happiest walking to hang out at the Brevard Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings or tinkering at MelbyMonte lodge that Craig designed and built in Highlands, NC on acreage abutting the Nantahala National Forest.
Craig died after an epic one-year battle with Non Hodgkins lymphoma that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Although the cancer devastated his body, it failed to douse his greatest gifts: his ability to listen; his ability to love and his optimism for a better day and better way. To the very end, Craig searched for ways he could contribute and improve life's circumstances. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Robert Melby; and is survived by his mother, Charlotte Melby; his wife, Nikki, his daughters, Leah Melby Clinton (Doug), Tara Melby Waglow (Sean) and Victoria Melby; along with two god children Yaaqoa Ivey and Makiyah Duckett; his siblings, Rob Melby (Jane), Linda Melby Nease and Carolyn Melby Holman (Scott) as well as seven nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 4 at 12 pm at Unity of Stuart, 211 SE Central Parkway, Stuart, FL with a celebration of life following at Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig MELBY
Henry Lopez
July 20, 2019
Craig was a great person. A man of high integrity and loyalty. He will be greatly missed!
MT
May 8, 2019
Nikki: I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you in your time of need.
Chris Atwater
May 7, 2019
Nikki - Craig and I were ITRA members together several years ago. Although I hadn't seen or spoken to him in awhile, I can still remember his well-developed sense of humor and his infectious smile. You and your family have my condolences.... he will be missed greatly. Chris Atwater
Lawrence Dickstein
May 6, 2019
Craig was the most creative real estate innovator in the business who was always willing to share his ideas. He will be missed by all.
Debra Stracke Anderson
May 6, 2019
I was so happy to get to know Craig through our long affiliation with ITRA Global. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Robert Westerlund
May 4, 2019
Our encounters with Craig (and Nikki) were very meaningful and enjoyable. Craig's intellect and spirit transcended our present time-space. We hope, pray and believe that Craig lives on in a spiritual realm and that all whom he loved and loved him will be reunited in time. In the meantime, we extend our deepest sympathies to Nikki, Tori and all of Craig's family and friends. With love, Bob Westerlund & Sandi Bailey
Kyrie Westerlund
May 4, 2019
Craig was like a second Dad to me. He always had a smile on his face and cared about his family so much. He will be deeply missed. Nikki and Tori, I love you and am here for you always.
Lorraine Ingles
May 4, 2019
Dear Nikki,
So sorry . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lorraine Ingles
JKH/JW
May 3, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the Melby Family for the loss of your loved one, Craig Anthony, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.
Tim Page
May 3, 2019
Craig brought out the pyromaniac in me. My family visited the great Melby Monte Lodge http://melbymontelodge.com/ in North Carolina and Craig introduced me to the calm of building a campfire and enjoying family time together. I was seduced by the fire and Craig calmly observed as I scaled the flames into a raging inferno. Having burned everything in site, I asked Craig, What else can we burn? Craig said, I have a drop leaf desk I'm refinishing. Moments later on went the desk into the fire. Craig was always a sport and so easy to spend time with. He taught me to slow down and enjoy nature. Even if it meant it occasionally burned. I will miss my friend.
May 3, 2019
My sincere heartfelt sympathy to Charlotte and her children and grandchildren. Please know we care after losing Bob a short time ago. May The Good Lord and Savior be with Bob and now Craig in heaven and with the entire Melby family. Sincerely with love, Bub and Donna Feinberg Highlands, FL
May 3, 2019
Nikki,
We have been following Craig's and your struggle against Craig's cancer. You now need to take care of yourself.
Mayo Chase
Berlin, Connecticut
Terri Parkes
May 3, 2019
In his younger days, Craig always used to say, "Shoot for the stars, & if you miss, you'll still be way up there." You nailed it, Craig, in all the ways that really count. Sending heartfelt sympathy & much love to the Melby family.
The Parkes family
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Craig MELBY's name
Memorial Events
for Craig MELBY
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 MELBY'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
