With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Herb Thomas Craig on November 20, 2024, at the age of 86. His family loved Herb deeply: his wife, Ann, his four children and 12 grand and great-grandchildren.
Herb was born in Calgary to Elizabeth Odegnal (McCaul) and Herb Craig Sr. As a youngster, Herb loved being surrounded by his many cousins and riding horseback in the Foothills of the Rockies.
In 1956, Herb joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving for five years before leaving to serve his community, first as a member of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) and then with the Oak Bay Police Department.
In 1972, Herb moved to the Coast, becoming somewhat of a renaissance man: running fishing charters, gold mining, beachcombing (even standing in for Jackson Davies on the Beachcombers show), and selling cars until starting his final career as a realtor in 1987, serving his beloved clients for 35 yrs. Herb always valued his connection to the Sunshine Coast community; his history here is essential to his life story.
1982, Herb met the love of his life, Ann. They were blessed with 39 years of marriage, building a beautiful, inviting home where all were welcome. In retirement, Herb loved his garden, travelling, enjoying his family, and walking his dog.
Dogs always had a special place in Herb’s heart. His dedication to his CPS service dog, Pharaoh, led to an extensive archival search that culminated in Pharaoh being honoured with a plaque at the National Police Service Dog Memorial and was the catalyst for the recently dedicated Canine Park at CPS Headquarters/YouthLink Calgary.
Herb will be remembered for his loving spirit, sense of humour, soft heart, hard work, resilience, and service to others. We're quite certain he was met on the next journey by his beloved daughter, Tracy.
His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. J., the staff at Sechelt Hospital and BC Cancer, for the care he received in the final months of his life.
A celebration of Herb’s life will be held on Sunday, February 16, from 3-5 pm at Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, Sechelt.
