Obituary of HAVILAND EDWIN CRAIG

HAVILAND EDWIN CRAIG
February 14, 1955 – January 2, 2018

Suddenly and unexpectedly, on January 2, 2018, we lost our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ed Craig, at age 62.

Ed was well-liked and respected by everyone who knew him. He made a positive impression on friends, neighbours, and co-workers with his friendly, outgoing nature; warm smile and infectious laugh.

Ed had a heart of gold. He was a selfless man - a true provider - committed to giving the best life to his family, often sacrificing his own needs for those of his loved ones. He would give the shirt off his back for his family, and he often did.

Ed was born in 1955 in Chilliwack, BC. Just before age 3, he moved to Manitoba with his parents and three siblings, and was raised in Winnipeg's North End, on Redwood St. A quiet and energetic child, he spent much of his childhood at his grandparents' home in Victoria Beach, where he developed his love for 'the beach'.

At age 17, at a corner store across the street from St. John's High School, he met the love of his life, Jenny "Jean" Lukawiecki, and quickly became a father-figure to her son, David. In 1973, Ed welcomed his son, John, and two years later, his daughter, Melanie, into the world, which he always described as the happiest days of his life. A devoted father, Ed raised his children on Adsum in the Maples, where he coached Melanie's soccer team and was passionate about watching John play hockey.

Ed began his working life at Imperial Roadways and in 1981 started his more than 35-year career at Headingley Corrections, where he worked as a Correctional Officer, then CO2 and finally as a CO Supervisor for nearly 20 years.

During his free time, Ed enjoyed golfing, gardening and cooking delicious homemade soups and Saturday morning pancakes for his children and grandchildren. Ed's grandchildren were his greatest happiness. He was a loving grandfather who would drop everything to spend time with his grandchildren, whether it was babysitting or chauffeuring. An aspiring snowbird, Ed took many extended winter vacations to go on road trips with Jean, to Palm Springs, California. Also, together they enjoyed going to movies and for many years were actively involved in ballroom dancing. Ed was the family photographer, videographer, and handi-man; he could fix anything - except his failing heart.

Despite facing many hardships, especially the tragic loss of his son, John, in 2000, and more recently with his declining health, Ed remained a pillar of strength, never losing his optimism and hope for a better future, and held fast to his enthusiasm for life.

During this past year, Ed would never turn down an invitation to play a game of Canasta, and enjoyed countless hours of playing with his sisters, wife and daughter every chance he could. He also enjoyed visiting with his brother-in-law, John Winski.

Ed leaves to mourn his wife Jean (nee Lukawiecki); his children, step-son David Willman, daughter Melanie Greene and son-in-law Shawn Greene; four grandchildren Abby, Nolan, John and Emily; sisters Constance Gelean and Penelope Craig, and brother Robert (Val) Craig; brother in-law John (Bonnie) Winski, plus many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Prayers will be held Friday, January 5, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 6 at St. Mary's Parish, 365 Burrows Ave. at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Mary's PNCC Cemetery, 400 McIvor Ave. Pallbearers include John Greene, Nolan Willman, David Wigston, Colin Craig, Nathan Craig, James Joynson and Anthony Myskiw.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Grace Hospital for their compassion and caring for Ed during his final hours.

Memorial donations may be made to the "John Craig Memorial Bursary Fund", Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, 49 Main St, Wilcox, SK S0G 5E0.