Craig Eldon Anderson, long-time resident of Gold River, died suddenly on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the age of 64 in his Victoria, BC apartment.
Born into an Air Force family in Winnipeg, his childhood brought many moves, the last of which brought him to the Comox Valley. It was here that Craig started to build a substantial friend base before relocating to Gold River to start his own family.
Craig filled his days raising his three children, volunteering alongside their activities, and serving his community in Gold River. After his employment ended with the closure of the Pulp & Paper mill, he went on to be the Financial Secretary of the Gold River Future’s Society, proudly served on two terms as a Village Councillor, three terms as the Mayor of Gold River, Craig was Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District, and the inaugural Chair of the Strathcona Regional District. He was a long-standing leader with Scouts Canada, assisting his sons in earning their Chief Scouting Awards, a self-proclaimed Master of the Custodial Arts, and the favoured local school bus driver – for his ability to keep up with the students and an Afroman rap. Craig was passionate about serving all members of his community.
After a devasting accident in 2016, and losing his sight as a result of his injuries, Craig relocated to Victoria, BC, and continued his athletic lifestyle any way possible. He was a daily figure at his local gym, swam & hiked whenever the opportunity was presented, and enjoyed time with his Dragonboat team for those with visual impairments – the team also shared his humour in their name, ‘Outta Sight’. Every challenge presented to Craig was overcome with optimism.
Craig now joins his father, Ronald {aka Andy}, and son Joel in resting peacefully. He is survived by his mother, Marge {Jim}; children, Ron {Alecia}, Valerie {Dan}; sisters, Karen {Rick}, Christina {Gareth}, Coleen {Ernie}, Charlene {Chris} and a LARGE family of step-children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews.
Craig will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and years of community service. You could always count on Craig – and you could always count on him arriving in shorts with a smile.
With the present health situation, there is no plan for a formal civic remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Trudy Rose Smith
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Lisa Paine Manna mana Craig, rest in peace!
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Linda Armstrong So sad to hear. Condolences to Ron, Valerie and the entire family. Joel and dad together forever. Doug Jagow and Linda Armstrong.
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Ian Fleming Sorry to hear of Craig’s passing, he was one of the first people I met when I was hiring at the Gold River Pulpmill, a caring, compassionate and a person with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Rest in peace Craig
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Janet Barrie We wish to send our deepest sympathy to all of Craig’s family . Craig was always such a cheery person despite the challengers he endured in his later years. Condolences from. Les & Janet Barrie Janet Barrie
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Kathy Buettner I had the opportunity to get to know Craig through our dragon boat team, Outta Sight. He always had a joke that was clean enough to tell in front of the grandkids. We all looked forward to Craig’s grandkid worthy jokes. Despite the challenges Craig faced he was always positive, kind, and funny. He was an inspiration to me and the other paddlers on our team. When we’re able to paddle again, Craig will be right there with us.
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Don Carlson Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to know Craig long enough to consider myself a “Friend.” But in the 2 summers I spent practicing & racing Dragon Boats with him with “Outta Sight” Craig proved himself to be a great Teammate. He was always positive & upbeat & his seemingly inexhaustible supply of jokes & stories made even the toughest practices not only bearable but fun. Craig was one of the “Good Guys” & will be sorely missed by us all. My condolences to his sister & fellow teammate, Charlene & the rest of Craig’s family, friends & relatives.
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Shirley Stewart I will always remember Craig for his ability to tell a joke . I still come across a joke that’s a little risky and think I wish I could tell Craig.
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Alison Pringle Craig was such a special guy and one of my best friends! His priorities were always his kids, his family, his town and making people happy. You could not ask for a better friend. There were many times he had my back and the back of others. I am so proud to have had him as friend! We were also workmates for many years. The laughs we had and the stories (which I can’t repeat here lol) are such fun memories to hold in my heart. Rest in Power my friend! Love, Ali
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CHERYL SMITH My nephew was the person with the perpetual smile and a stupid joke. Loved by all and missed greatly.
I have known Craig for years, teasing him because he was at the pulp mill where my late dad lived… I got to reunite with him in Gold River for the 10 year celebration in 2009, took lots of pictures of him and the Gold River gang uptown… reuniting with lots of people I grew up with. You’re in heaven watching over your children, grandchildren and people who loved <3 you. Condolences to his Family, my heart goes out to you all. He always had his outgoing personality and never judged anyone. When he would see me he would say…Trudyyyyyyyy lol
Trudy Rose Smith