At St. Marys Memorial Hospital, St. Marys on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Samuel Wilson Craig “Jr.” of Woodham in his 60th year, died peacefully among loved ones. Lover of his Harleys and buses. Beloved husband of Sue. Proud father of Sean (Jordann). Cherished brother and brother-in-law of Ellen and Gord Cote of Port Colborne, Darlene and Jerry Knockwood of London, Bob and Kathy Craig of London, Sharon and Jan Molencamp of Holland, Sandra and Gary Melvin of Lucan, Pam and Dave Grose of Denfield, Bev Sandeson of Cambridge, Janice and George Rubli of Brampton, Cathie and Jim Vogler of Lakeside and John and Sharon McLeod of Calgary. He will also missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his parents Sam Sr. and Anne Craig and brother-in-law Gary Sandeson. Everyone will remember Sam for his wit and humour.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Lucan on Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM where a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 29th at 11 AM with Rev. Nancy Wetselaar officiating. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the London Wheelchair Basketball Association or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Christine Floyd (Parro)
Bernie (bunny) and I were deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing..
The love you shared and the memories that you made, in time will ease your pain.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Chris and Bernie
ps
when you are up to it get in touch please
Bob
Sam, I miss you .We never spoke everyday , but new we were always there for each other.You and dad were two peas in a pod (I was the carrot) You were someone I always wanted to be like, so easy going and open . I was always more like mom shy and reserved but you helped me come out of my shell more than once and like them we had a unspoken bond of love and trust even at the end . You were so strong accepting your fate and never asking anything from anyone and your sense of humour made it sometimes easier for everyone. We (I) will miss your smilling blue eyes and lame knock knock jokes. Love You
Dorry Ann Godin
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I went to high school with Sam and we were close for a short time. He was a very kind, gentle caring person then and it seems he never changed. From what I’ve read he was surrounded my many friends who loved him dearly. You were very lucky to have found each other. Maybe you’ll be able to focus on that later when the pain of his loss eases a little. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne and Dave Hill
Dear Sue and all of Sam’s family, we were so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. We were unable to attend his funeral as we were out of the country but Darlene has told us what a great tribute it was to Sam.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gord & Ellen
Dear Sue and Sean;
Do not stand
at my grave and weep;
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am
a thousand winds that blow.
I am
the diamond glints on snow.
I am
the sunlight on ripen grain.
I am
the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken
in the mornings hush,
I am
the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am
the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand
at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
Sam lives on in the Love of his wife , the eyes of his son and in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him.
With Love;
Gord and Ellen
Judy Duplisea nee White
My prayers and thoughts are with you Sue in this time of sorrow. I knew Sam when we were growing up in Petawawa he lived one door down from me on Paardeburg. Remember all the good times and the love you shared. Judy Duplisea
Dolly Byard
I really cannot add a whole lot that has not already been said…Sam is obviously a person who will live on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends and co-workers. I met Sam on an LTC bus, one of the kindest and most personable drivers to don an LTC uniform…and oddly was formally introduced to him by his sister Darlene and his sister-in-law Kathy, my new workmates! There is not one person who came across Sam that will ever forget him, present company included!! They say God takes the the good ones first…how true in this case. You are truly missed, and keep smiling buddy, that’s how we remember you!! Cheers!!
To Sam’s family, heartfelt condolences, we will all miss a very special man!
Nicole Pollard
If a man ever deserved to live a full,happy life….it was Sam Craig…taken from this world far too soon! What a wonderful, caring man who always took the time to stop and say hello!! We enjoyed many different chats on many topics and I will always miss his inciteful words of wisdom and strength. My only regret is that we never got to take my first motorcycle ride this summer…..ride on Sam….you will be missed!!
Nicole Pollard
LTC/Paratransit
Eric Jarvis
Sue and family , my thoughts are with you..
Sam and I were in high school together and I’l never forget his smile and a chuckle.
I’ll never forget. ALL MY LOVE Eric
Don & Kittie MacGregor
Sue Sean and Jordann: The funeral today was wonderful and having the harley in the funeral home was soooo Sam. Don and I will always remember the family reunions and how much he loved being there. We send our love and prayers to all of you at this time and remember that he will always be with you. I truly expected him to come through the door at the Legion today. Love to you all and keep in touch. Don and Kittie
larry cluness
Sue and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I worked side by side with Sam for some time. For the last year I had the privilege to work for Sam. I found him both easy going and non-judgmental always. I will miss Sam’s upbeat and happy demeaner each and every time we had dealings together. Sam will be missed. Sue take solace that Sam’s pain has ended
Kevin Saucier
My condolences and prayers for the family at this difficult time. I will always remember Sam as truly a special individual.Sam was always a positive force at London Transit someone who was there for me when i was sick , breaks my heart to lose a dear friend and co worker,Never had I met a more caring man that always took the time to listen and made you feel important in his life” ride on Sam”. I will miss our personal time and the Talks that kept me positive hard to Imagine the hearts he did not touch you truly missed out on a special heart and caring friend Will miss you Brother from the bottom of my heart
Kevin Sacier
Don Hickey
Sam, you are still here. In many hearts you are still found. By asking anyone you have touched they will exclaim it so.
I knew you in 1976 when we worked together at Toronto Transit, at the old Lansdowne Division. I was sad the day you left TTC to work at LTC in London. Then 23 years later I followed you, and I joined LTC.
We had some good chats about our TTC experiences just this year while ending our shift one day. Man, we had a good laugh.
Sam, you shone as you listened to a person talk with you. You expressed genuine consideration.
In some ways Sam I want to be like you and to do this, I will remember you and carry on.
Since 1976 I’ve seen what kind of person you became through your life’s journey. It has been my pleasure to have caught up to you once again in our older ages to witness what a fine person you became…. only now you are in my heart, until we meet again.
May God richly bless your family beyond the blessing of already having you share life together.
I’m not saying “Good-Bye”…..
I’ll just say… “Thanks Sam!”
Allen Rollings
Sorry to hear of Sams passing. My thoughts are with you. Allen Rollings and family
Lyn Parker
Sue and Sean,
My sincere condolences to you and the family at this time. Sams kindness and unique ways never went unnoticed. He will always be remembered
Lyn Parker
Therasa Ann and Roy Glaremin
Sue and family,
Sam is special to me. He, and you Sue, brought me home and brought home to me when I was far away, many times over many years. Whenever I heard from friends and family that time had been spent with Sam and Sue, or at Sam and Sue’s place I felt good knowing my circle was as it should be—solid, cool, warm. Thank you Sam and Sue. with Love and respect, Therasa Ann and Roy Glaremin
Karen McElroy
Sue, Sean and Jordan
Sending you tons of love. It was just so sad to see how much Sam went through since July, and it feels surreal that he is really gone now.
I have oodles of memories of Sam, many quite humorous of course! Sam and Sue are the greatest and most generous hosts and I used to stay in Woodham quite often on my cross-Ontario Sales journeys. Sam would bring out his “shoe shine box” as it was really important for him to go to work with his shoes in ‘excellent form’ every day – and he would shine my shoes meticulously too. I loved that.
Also, Sam would often sneak some weird surprise item into my briefcase unknown to me…. which would boldly show itself when I was in front of my first customer of the day – and I would open my folder and there would be a sock or a can opener or a pile of cotton balls or a boldly written note saying “Get To Work!” That always made me burst out laughing!!
I am glad that we visited with Sam on Dec 18th in St. Mary’s where we shared a good hug and a giggle, and I will truly miss you my dear friend.
Sending love and strength and sympathy to your families and many many friends during this difficult time.
If you need me Sue, I’m here for you!
love Kar
Kim & Dan Bucci
Sue and Family, Our condolences for this very diffucult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the great times will be remembered playing darts with Sam at the legion and in your garage
Kim & Dan
Tracy Hayter-Proudfoot
To All the Craig Family
I have very fond memoeries of Sam. Even when he was driving the city bus, he was always very nice to me. My heart goes out to you all. Sam will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are eith you all.
I am sorry I could not make it in person.
Love Tracy
Paul Bowes
The London Wheelchair basketball association lost a great friend in Sammy. He and Sue and Sean toured us around wherever we needed to go. I can recall the first time we rode on the bus, a school tour to St Thomas, the old girl hadn’t even been retro fitted yet. When we arrived at the school, one of our anxious guys opened the back door and without hesitation, the Bus driver Sam spoke loud and clear and let us know who was in control, who was responsible for our safety, who drove the bus and that only in an emergency was that back door ever to be opened without his okay!! Basically from that day forward, I never had a doubt in my mind that our team would be safe with Sam at the helm, his take control demeanor was not harsh, it was just the way you would want somebody to run his business, first class all the way with a quick witted, friendly smiling face of he and his amazing co pilot Sue. Even when the bus broke down, we never had a care in the world as we knew Sam would “get it done”. In 1997, Sam volunteered for the first ever Jr World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Toronto as the tournament bus driver. He toured all the countries around during that week. Because I knew Sam, I knew how popular he would be, but when he was introduced at the closing banquet to thank him for his hospitality, I swear he got the biggest ovation of the night, but that was Sam, he made friends very quickly, even if they didn’t speak English. Some our fondest memories as a team were not on the court, but on Sam and Sue’s bus, memories that will last a lifetime and will never be forgotten and forever cherished. We are very lucky to have had him in our association and our lives. Love you all, Coach Bowesy
Bennett Grossman & Dan McLachlan, Woodham East, Perth County
Sam, your kind friendship and fun sense of life will be remembered by your smile and humour. You always looked on the brighter side of life.
Steve Crocker
There should be no despair for you
While nightly stars are burning,
While evening pours its silent dew
And sunshine gilds the morning.
There should be no despair – though tears
May flow down like a river:
Are not the best beloved of years
Around your heart forever?
They weep – you weep – it must be so;
Winds sigh as you are sighing,
And Winter sheds his grief in snow
Where Autumn’s leaves are lying:
Yet these revive, and from their fate
Your fate cannot be parted,
Then journey on, if not elate,
Still, never broken-hearted!
Farewell my friend
Crocker
Michelle & Jim Devoe
Aunt Sue & Sean,
Our hearts and strength go out to you both please always know we are here for you to lean on.
If there was a phone in heaven I would call just to say “How are you”? and listen to the whole “some say handsome, some say sweet” speech.
I can’t tell you the amount of times I used to come home to find my answering machine tape FULL with random babbling just because he wanted to waste up the tape. lol
Also, I will miss our race to see who would be the first to call each other with shared birthday wishes.
Uncle Sam will be greatly missed his presence and humour second to none.
We love you all very much
Michelle (aka Mick Mouse), Jim, Michael, Chris & Nick
The Burmaster Family
Sam,
You were an amazing friend, a cherished family member, and a great person to work with. Your smile, your sense of humour, and positive attitude towards life were always counted for. You may no longer be here in body, but your spirit will live on within all of us who were lucky enough to know you.
We shall take this time not to fret, but to remember all the great times we had together, and take your ways in life as an example to our own.
Ride on Sam. Ride through the clouds, and be free.
Dave Warner ( retired LTC driver )
I worked with Sam for many years including 13 years on the Accident Review Commitee where I gained enormous respect for Sam.In the days we spent together mulling over motor vehicle accidents Sam would always emerge as a smart, thoughtful man who was always firm but fair. We would have lunch and swap humorous bus stories and I would laugh until my eyes watered . Now that Sam has left this life I know that he will make heaven a much safer place and free of preventable accidents. London Transit will miss Sam Craig. I will miss Sam Craig
Sheila & Tom Carlisle (Knockwood)
Sue, Sean & The Craig Family:
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies in the loss of your beloved Sam. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Love Sheila, Tom & Family
(nee Knockwood)
Sharon & Jan Molenkamp
Dear Sue & Sean
I know this is a very hard time for you. I feel so helpless being so far away. Just know my heart & thought are always with you. See you soon.
Lots of Love
Sharon & Jan
Cheryl Hastings
I send my heartfelt condolences to Sam’s family and loved ones….
He was truly a Great Guy and will be missed, not forgotten……
from one of his many co-workers……my prayers are with you all
Brad& Marion Gardiner
Sam and I first got to know each other during the strike at LTC, in 2009. Sam worked with me keeping watch on afternoons and our time soon turned to how we could lighten up things for our co- workers inside.We built bus stops together and then decorated them for Christmas. Then we decided to picket the big bus load of employees as they were to leave one night. Sam’s sign said, Hell no we won’t go. Middle Management.We talked of our lives and found that we thought very much alike in our youth, even did the same things. It has been very refreshing for us to read all your thoughts.Our deepest sympathy to Sue, Sean and all effected by this great loss. Brad & Marion Gardiner
Sara Craig
Dear Uncle Sam,
I guess God needed your sense of humor and your kind heart up in heaven. You will definitly keep everyone entertained. You always knew how to make us all laugh every time we got together. I will always remember you tying all of our socks together, that always made me laugh. I’ll even treasure the time when you told silly jokes on the bus (eg. bunny farts). I always loved seeing you in the driver’s seat when the bus pulled up. I have always been proud to call you my uncle. Your life will live on through stories and pictures but most all, in our hearts!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Sara
P.S. Thank You for everyone’s condolences and memories.
Kathy
No more pain and lovingly surrounded by Mum & Dad now!
Sam was quite a character – always teasing the kids(especially tying the feet of the girls leotards together – while they were wearing them!) , pulling a prank or making funny faces. Many family gatherings included talesof Sam’s escapades growing up in Petawawa, London & Lucan and we were soon laughing so hard we had tears running down our faces. I was truly blessed to have him as a brother-in-law and I will miss his smiling face, jokes (yes, even the groaners) and most of all the love he gave to his family.
WE LOVE YOUSAM and please give Mum & Dad hugs & kisses for us!
Campbell Barclay
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Sam It has been so sad that throught the years that have gone past so quickly and I haver have been to Canada and so many of you all have come to
Nr Ireland and met up with us and now another brother and relative of the great Barclay Craig Dynasty
has pasted away and you are left with memories and I trust happy memories of a loved one. My thoughts
and Prayers are with you and the family circle
May you feel God`s presence comforting you all
May God bless you all
Campbell
xxxxx
Sandra & Gary & Family
He is in our hearts, But more in yours. He will be missed by us all. We are here night and day if you need us. There is another Angel watching over us. With all our love.
Lisa Bell
I pray for our family to give us all strength to get thought the loss of a great man, my uncle Sam. He was a joker and our family clown It’s just like Cathie & Jim said ” Who will be there to tie our socks together???” We all love you Uncle Sam and miss you xoxoxoxoxo
Sandra, Gary & Family
Dear Sue, Sean & Jorden
He was in all our hearts, but most in yours. He will greatly be missed by all. We are here for you. To stay a Night or day with you. All you Have to do is call. We all Love you. There is another Angel to watch over you.
Darren Jones
The last time I saw you Sam you joked with me and smiled, this is how I will always remember you, I had allot of time for you as you did other people you worked with, you were a good man and I’m glad our paths crossed.
Rest in peace my friend in Harley heaven.
My condolences go out to your family at this difficult time.
Steve Glen
My condolences and prayers for the family at this difficult time. I will always remember Sam as a very kind and decent person, someone who was always friendly. It was a pleasure to be a co-worker of his for the past 25 years. He will be missed by many people.
God’s blessings to you as you remember Sam and celebrate the life that he lived.
Steve Glen
George & Janice Rubli & family
Susan, Sean & Jordann:
Memories of the good times will help get you through these trying times. Our hearts & prayers are with you. Love the slide show of moments in time.
Love as always: George, Janice, Eric, Caralyn, Spencer & Aurora
Georgia Atkinson
Dear Sue & Sean:
A big hug to you both. Thinking lots of fond thoughts of our times together with Kar n Mac’er. Sam had the innate ability to make every laugh and feel good when he was around! All my love to you both.
Georgia, Casey and Jenna
Bruce Robertson
We shared laughs and we shared secrets… we worked together well. I enjoyed you as an equal and as my boss.. I will miss you my friend, till we meet again.
kevin Hartman
I have only known Sam for about 5 years and if you had a problem or issue weither it was personal or work related, you could always count on Sam to be objective and fair you will be sadly missed by me and alot of people RIP Sam
kevin hartman LTC operator
Paul Boyer
Sam was a giant of a man with a caring and personality like no other. Some of my most cherished times were in the company of Sam and Sue.
He will be missed but will always be close.
Love Paul and Karen Boyer
Joe Van Boven
Sam, You were always a positive influence on anyone that knew you. You gave me positive encouragement when I left the LTC to follow other endevours. For that I will always be greatful! I for one will truly miss you!!
Janet Beldman
LTC has a big empty space now. Sam was so well liked, respected and admired. He raised the bar for everyone else on how to treat others with respect and care. Always smiling, always laughing, always open to listen and to give good advice, you could always trust him – never loud, never condescending, never arrogant. He was one in a million and I miss him. He was a class act. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Sean and the rest of the family – may you find peace and comfort knowing that so many people are surrounding you in love and prayers.
Brian Tansy
My prayers for your family. Sam was a truly good person. It’s men like Sam that make the world a better place.
Gord MacLean
One huge loss , I cant imagine how you feel , Condolences. Gord MacLean (retired driver)
Murray McIsaac
Always looked forward to our lunches. Your thoughts and insight were always taken to heart. Will miss you Brother
PattieCare
I worked with Sam at London Transit. He was larger than life and someone who anyone who knew him wanted to aspire to be. The world has a star removed from it’s orbit and no matter how little or how much he touched everyone he came in contact with. It was an honor to have met Sam in my lifetime.
Tom Dougall
Sue In this, your time of loss, please accept my condolences. My thoughts are with you. Sam’s spirit and friendship will be missed.
Thomas
Bev Kilburn
Sam you will be missed, You were always the best dressed Inspector LT C had, you should have run a class on how to dress 101 .I hope your family will have the strength to go on, You were one nice guy.
Sharon Smith
Dear Sue and family , I have only met you and Sam in the last few years on your holidays in Florida and here in Happy Hills,, with family.
I know this is a difficult time of year to lose your loved one , but we must think he is not suffering any more. My thoughts and sympathy go out to you . I know he will be missed ,
Take one day at a time,,,, Love , Sharon Smith
Cam
I just got back to work and heard you were ill and now you’re gone…. I will miss you my friend. You were always there for me when I needed a shoulder…a truly trusted friend. Goodbye Sam!
Robin Taylor Retired Inspector
Very sorry to hear of Sams death,My thoughts are with all who knew him.Robin
Morris Peckham
To a great boss and friend and coworker who will be missed deeply. Hoping that his journey will keep him soaring through time touching hearts as he did with his wife Sue. His spirit will live for ever .
From my heart to yours with love and compassion
Morris Peckham
Beverly Sandeson
Dear Sue, Sean and Jordan, Sam always marched to a beat of his own drum. This is a little poem that keeps me going. Even though we know he is in a much better place but that doesn’t diminish the pain of loss. Also at this time wonderful memories come to mind. Sorry I am so far away but you know my Prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
God looked around His garden
and He found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth
and He saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful.
He only takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering.
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw that the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered
“Peace Be Thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you
but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories.
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you
you are always by our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one
the chain will link again.
And always remember family and friends are there for You to lean on. All my Love Bev, Aunt Bev.
Sharon, Daryl & Lucas Leslie
Sue and Sean,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note to express our condolences to you both. Sam will dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Love always,
The Leslie’s
George & Helen Pratt
Thinking of you at this sad time. Remembering the fun times at friday night darts. Hope your good memories of happy times and good friends will help you through this difficult time.
Jerry & Gerry Phinney
Dear Sue & family
We are so sad to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam was a wonderful man, a great friend and a large part of our younger years, truly a special individual, who will be missed .
Sue our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. Although time and space separate us, you have always remained part of our extended family and we love you.
Cathie & Jim Vogler
Dear Sue, Sean & Jordann, Who will be there to tie the kids socks together??? And as much as they all acted like the didn’t like it, they all stood right in front of Sam waiting……. He will surely be missed by all. Don’t be afraid to lean on Family and Friends, because through each other, his memory will live on. Love you All Forever Cathie & Jim
The Middletons
Sean and Jordann, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad/future father-in-law. Although we didn’t really know Sam personally, it’s hard to lose a close family member, especially at this time of the year.
We’ve found over the years, you should keep memories of your loved ones close to you, then they live forever in your hearts. With that, we hope with our thoughts and prayers, it will help you get through this very trying time.
***hugs***
Gary, Jo-Ann, Marshall & Katie
Linda Mills
Dear Sue and Sean
I have wanted to say something since the first time I met you at the hospital….but didnt know what to say. On Thursday morning I was so shocked to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you both during such a sad time. Take care of each other….and remember the times of laughter and fun. Memories are yours to keep forever. They dont go away….and with time…..it does get easier. I lived by these words….Take one day at a time…put one foot ahead of the other…..and hold your head high. He would want that. Take care. Sending you my love
Linda Mills
Kathy and Keith McFarland
So sad to hear about Sam. Keith and I knew him before we moved to Lucan-special people. Our prayers go out to you all. May you find peace in your hearts.
Ronalee Porter
Dear Sue and family
My heart breaks for you all at this very difficult time. Everyone loved Sammy and the two of you were such a great team! I have many fond memories of our trips together and I know John and Sam will be enjoying each others company and although we want them both here, we know they are in a better place, where there is no pain and no sadness. My heartfelt prayers are with you all. love Ronalee
Tim & Shelagh Dupuis
To Sue & Sean Craig:
Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. We will always remember Sam as a great and caring person.
May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Our thoughts are with you – Love Tim & Shelagh Dupuis