Randy Craig

There are many words to describe Randy Craig, but perhaps the word that paints the most accurate picture of him is strong. He not only had physical strength, but he also had tremendous strength of character and a strong work ethic as well. Randy was determined in whatever he did since when he made up his mind about something, it was as good as done. There was never any guessing when it came to Randy since he was up front – what you saw is what you got. Family played the most important role in Randy’s life, and he treasured the time they spent together. A stranger to none and a friend to all, those who knew Randy will forever miss his fun-loving spirit, his “can-do” attitude, and his huge heart.

During a time in which the Supreme Court banned racial segregation in public schools, the revenue for television broadcasters finally surpassed that of radio broadcasters, and the World Series was broadcast in color for the first time, America was going places we had never been. The nation was dancing to rock ‘n roll music, families were going to the new Disneyland, and drive-in movies were becoming a favorite hangout for the nation’s youth. It was during this time of great change that Gaylord Craig adopted his wife Delores' son, Randy. Born in Saline, Michigan, on June 26, 1954, Randy was the oldest of three children in his family. He was one ornery older brother, too, stubborn and hot-tempered. His father farmed and also worked at Sealed Power while his mother worked as a waitress in Lansing and ran a yarn and gift shop in Perrinton. Randy was a bit mischievous as a young boy as he was always making trouble of some kind, but he never managed to get caught. He attended local schools including St. Johns High School where he studied vocational education and played both football and baseball. It was as a young man that Randy developed a passion for cars as automotive class was his favorite, and he was thrilled that his first car was Grandpa Nieman’s 1961 Chevy. He went on to graduate from high school in 1972 as part of the first class to graduate from the new high school.

With his high school career behind him, Randy went on to Ferris State University where he studied diesel automotive for one year. He worked as a skilled laborer at Atlas Forge in Lansing until it closed. Randy then worked at S & S Die in Lansing as a journeyman die maker for a time, and later for Spartan Die followed by Midway Engravers in Williamston. Although he lost his left hand in an accident, Randy never missed a beat.

Work certainly played an important role in Randy’s life, but he realized there was much more to life than work. With a passion for the outdoors, Randy loved to fish, especially in the Great Lakes, and he would stay out until he caught something no matter how long it took. He also liked to hunt and enjoyed driving. For a time, Randy had a road bike and quads, but he loved motorcycles and later bought a Yamaha. He was a great euchre player when he was winning, but losing didn’t come so easily since when he lost, he shred the cards. Randy enjoyed following NASCAR racing and cheering on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Over the years, he attended church on and off.

Throughout his life, family always occupied the most space in his heart. He and Rocky did everything together, and he always helped his little sister with the maintenance on her car. Randy and his family enjoyed having Sunday dinner together each week – a time they all looked forward to. Although he helped out on the family farm, Randy always had an opinion on how his father should farm and when it came to working, picking up rocks in the fields was always something he hated doing. For the last few years, Randy had been living on the farm. He took care of his family in so many ways and always enjoyed the stories about his nephews.

There were countless things that made Randy such a remarkable man. He had a huge heart and if he liked you, he would move heaven and earth for you. Randy never met a stranger and was always just a phone call away no matter what else was going on in his life. When Randy purchased something, he always bought the best as he never took the cheap way out of anything. He was in constant contact with his family and friends and was comfortable being alone.

For many years, Randy struggled with health issues. He had heart problems since he was 21 and was a diabetic for 12 years as well. Randy also suffered with both liver and stomach cancer for the past two years of his life. Always the protector, Randy kept the seriousness of his illnesses from his family and was never one to complain either.

To Randy Craig, life was for living as he mastered squeezing every last drop out of the days he was given. He was driven and hard working, a doer rather than a talker. Randy was one of those people who would do anything for anyone and had a heart that was as big as they come. He was an avid outdoorsman with a rather adventurous side that always managed to keep life interesting for those around them. Randy treasured his family above all else and will be dearly missed by so many who loved him.

Randy Craig died on August 16, 2010. Randy’s family includes his father, Gaylord Craig of St. Johns; brother, Rocky (Michelle) Craig of St. Johns; sister, Holly (Ryan Wheeler) Craig of Lansing; nephew, Jeremy Craig; nieces, Nicole (Steve) Hurt, Madison Wheeler and great nephews, Matthew and Carter Craig; and stepson, Joe (Tammy) Porubsky. Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Delores Craig. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 19, 2010, at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 509 E. Main St. in Maple Rapids, with David Hudgens officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Breslin Cancer Center.