Noble 'Buddy' John Craig

Noble John Craig, or "Buddy," as he was known by all who knew and loved him, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the age of 85 years on June 22, 2021, in Pincher Creek.

Buddy continues to be loved and celebrated by his beloved wife, Cavell; his sons: John (Carol), Lockey (Barb), Kipp (Donna), Todd, and Archie (Tess); his 23 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; as well as other dear relatives and friends. Buddy is undoubtedly celebrating a happy reunion with his parents, Noble and Emma Craig, and his son Lucky. 

A true born and bred Southern Albertan, Buddy was born on May 17, 1936, in Pincher Creek and spent his entire life in the surrounding area. His mother recalled that Buddy was born with the assistance of a midwife and weighed only two pounds, requiring her to keep him warm in a shoebox in the oven. As an only child, Buddy was adored by his mother Emma and his father Noble, and he enjoyed a unique bond with each of his parents. Some of Buddy’s fondest childhood memories included hunting with his father and working alongside his parents in the fields. He recalls being five years old and napping in the stooks while his parents worked side by side.

Buddy was a shy boy with a keen and sharp mind who performed exceptionally well in school, winning awards for his high grades. As a young teenager, necessity required him to leave school in eighth grade to help support his family.  He was strong and an extremely hard worker with natural skill as a welder, which he credits for giving him his earliest professional opportunities in life. 

After being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1958, Buddy found comfort in his faith during difficult times in his life. In his early twenties, he married Nona Bevans and fathered three children in three short years, John, Lockey and Kipp. He married Cavell Prince in 1974, and, together, they raised her two sons, Lucky and Todd, and welcomed their son Archie in 1983. 

Ultimately Buddy's sharp intellect, solid work ethic, and big heart are what helped him become a successful and well-respected businessman in Southern Alberta. As an entrepreneur, he started Craig Welding, which became Craig Construction and eventually Chinook Pipeline, employing thousands of people over the years. If you didn't work for Buddy at some point, you likely know someone who did. 

Above all other things, Buddy will be remembered by those who knew him as a man who was generous and selfless to a fault. He saw the best in people, especially the "diamonds in the rough," and believed in second, third, and even indefinite chances for everyone - he wouldn't give up on people or let them give up on themselves. He was larger than life and built a loyal network of friends and acquaintances to be rivalled by none.

His proudest achievement was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He spent his later years fully enjoying his posterity; it brought him incredible joy and peace to see his family grow and thrive. Buddy showed all in his sphere of influence how to love unconditionally, how to serve others, and what a well-lived life was, and for that, we will all be grateful.

The family is grateful for the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions on July 1 and the opportunity to meet in person to celebrate Buddy’s life. His Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 4:00 P.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pincher Creek (1240 Wentworth Avenue). There will be an opportunity to pay your respects with the family from 2:00 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. On the day of his service, there will be a Zoom Link placed below this obituary; to attend the Live Stream for his service click this link.

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