I expected Craig's funeral to be heartwrenching. In some ways it was. But it was actually one of the most inspirational, uplifting meetings I've ever attended.
You'll recognize Buzz and Betty in the photos. The tall handsome young man with dark glasses is Ryan, Craig's son. Next to Betty are Cindy, Craig's wife, and Brittany (Cindy's daughter who he adopted around age 5). Then daughters from his first marriage, Ashley and Cory. My siblings: Howard, Dal, Buzz, and me.
Highlights of the service:
75 youth and leaders from the ward sang the "As Sisters in Zion/The Army of Helaman" medley. Stirring...
The Church and street were lined with flags - as was Craig's yard across the street.
The stake center was full - the viewing the night before lasted over 3 hours, and folks were turned away Wednesday morning so the service could begin.
Cindy gave one of the most composed, beautiful tributes you could imagine. She had great concern about this particular white water trip. Craig assured her that every possible safety precaution had been made and safety lists had been checked and rechecked. Of the 6 young men on the raft with Craig (and 3 other leaders, including the bishop), 5 of the boys were Eagle Scouts. They did everything they could have done and should have done for Craig as he was pulled into the raft. They immediately did CPR and continued until the professional medical teams took over. Cindy is absolutely at peace that although it was an accident, it was entirely in the hands of the Lord. Craig was surrounded by worthy Priesthood holders and young men that he loved as sons. No worthy man is taken before his time, and he was absolutely doing the thing he loved, with people that he loved.
The bishop also emphasized that the group was well prepared for this white water trip. Re-certifications had been done and every possible precaution taken. NONE of the leaders, including Craig, had any premonition that they should NOT make this trip. Even on that 3rd and last run with a raft of boys who were anxious for one more trip down the river. There was ONE young man who debated about joining them. He felt some hesitation, but was ready to climb on board. Craig put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Son, don't you ever fail to follow a prompting of the Spirit." That young man reported that he felt Craig saved his life that day.
As is often the case, I learned things about Craig that were very endearing:
He always had pockets full of Smarties that he would give to children at Church.
He would ask young people "what exciting thing is happening in your life?" One young woman shared that she would tell him about track meets. Sometimes he would comment that he would be on his truck that night, and couldn't attend, but encouraged her to do well. She said he never failed to call her - from wherever he was - after the track meets to see how she had done.
Parents of youth often told Craig that they thought he loved their kids more than they did.
He took great pride in his new truck. It is a beauty and he kept it in impeccable condition. Inside he had a picture of Cindy and the kids on one side of the cab, and a picture of the Savior on the other side. His house was directly across from the Church. One day some of the young men were throwing a football. One toss was a little high - and it smashed the window of Craig's truck. They didn't know whether to run or not. Craig looked at the window and looked at the boys and said, "Don't get me wrong. I'm just sick. But I LOVE YOU..."
The life Craig lived was just like his logbook. Everything was perfectly in order.
Especially nice was that ALL of Craig's three children from his first marriage were reconciled with him. Vicky had told the kids horrible lies to them about their dad. Ryan and Cory had always come for visits etc., but Ashley didn't until about a year ago. Craig and Ashley had a talk on the phone about a week ago that lasted over an hour. He was so happy to finally be close to this daughter. And recently he chatted with Ryan and told him how much he loved him and how proud he was of him.
As the entourage left the chapel, we filed through a corridor of young men lined up outside the building. The young men that had been in the raft were in their scout uniforms. Craig's truck was on the corner of the lot - Buzz drove it to the cemetery - and gave one last air horn blast for his boy.
Families are forever... :)
