Craig died peacefully at 65 years of age, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his son Sean and wife Jillian by his side. He survived a serious gunshot injury, sustained in the line of duty as a City Police Officer in 1991, that rendered him quadriplegic. In spite of his injuries, he would say it was the best job he ever had. He bravely struggled through that life-changing ordeal and went on to live a full and happy life at home with his family and the support of RN, RPN and PSW staff for 31 memorable years. His staff have been integral to Craig’s quality of life and allowed him to travel to Scotland, ride Disneyland’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster, and camp the beautiful Cabot Trail and Eastern Provinces of Canada; dreams he never imagined would come to fruition. Their undying dedication to Craig’s health and well-being are unparalleled and to them we will be eternally grateful.
In recent years Craig has gallantly battled several health challenges but ultimately his body did not have the resources to overcome the pneumonia that lead to his final breath. The care and attention from the TBRHSC has been outstanding; from the Cancer Centre to the ICU, and several wards in between, even those cleaning the rooms have helped to make Craig feel deeply cared for and treasured. Craig always did his best to brighten your day with his jokes, his kind smile and his loving heart. Faith was the backbone of Craig’s tremendous courage and perseverance. His beloved Holy Family Parish would light up as he rolled down the aisle each weekend. His humble heart inspired others and his joyous spirit often rang out in song. Cherished and loved by so many, he will be greatly missed.
Throughout the years the police, alongside the generous citizens of Thunder Bay, have stood by Craig to provide a beautiful, accessible home and diligently fund-raised twice for vehicles to take him to and fro. Your blood, sweat and tears, profound generosity and treasured volunteer hours have provided a safe haven for Craig, his family, as well as all those who have graced our home over the years. That gift has been far more than a place to live, it has been a shelter from the storms of life, filled with love and caring. Thank-you for holding Craig in your hearts so dearly as he ran the race, fought the good fight and finally rests in eternal peace.
Craig is survived by his wife of 36 years Jillian (née Stokoe) and their children Kyle and Sean, brother John (Jane), sisters Jennifer (Bryan) and Luanne (Manfred), nieces and nephews Anna, Laura, Taylor, Jessica, Lindsey, Christopher, Holly, Emily, Nathaniel, Rebecca, Zoe and Gavin. He is predeceased by his parents Paul and Margaret Town.
Visitation will be held at Holy Family Church on Monday, August 28th from 7 - 9 pm. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Wednesday, August 30th at 11am, followed by a reception at the Da Vinci Centre. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations to honour Craig’s memory may be directed to Holy Family Parish marked “Ramp to Basement”, to the Thunder Bay Regional Food Bank or to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
