Vernon Craig, Helena, left his loving wife and family on September 29, 2012. He was born in Butte, Montana on September 22, 1922. His father, Herman Craig, was raised on Ohio and worked in the Butte mines. His mother, Lorena Stewart, was raised in the Harrison/Pony, Montana area. The two were married August 28, 1917, shortly before Herman was drafted into the U.S. Army.
Vernon’s family moved to a ranch west of Harrison, Montana in 1926. In 1928 they moved from Harrison to a ranch on Antelope Creek between Harrison and Cardwell. Vernon attended part of his first year of school in Cardwell and the rest in Summit Valley. In late 1929 the family moved again to the small mining village of Mammoth in the Tobacco Root Mountains. In 1931 the family returned to Harrison where Vernon’s father bought a ranch.
Vernon attended school in Harrison and graduated in 1940. He joined the Army Air Corps in December, 1941 and departed for New Guinea on July 29, 1943. He was an upper turret gunner on a B-25 Bomber and flew 59 missions. Vernon was awarded 3 Bronze Star Medals and many other honors for his service during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the army in October, 1945.
In 1947, Vernon entered Montana State College (now MSU) in Bozeman, graduating with a B.S. in Graphic Advertising and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management.
Vernon married his life-long solmate Lucille (Cis) Maichel of Harrison in 1948 and they had two children, Debra and Bruce.
After graduation, Vernon began working for the Montana Fish and Game Department where he remained for over 32 years, combining his creative skills with his knowledge of wildlife management. Many who worked for FWP at the time will remember his contributions to the magazine as well as his many illustrations and humorous cartoons. In addition to working for FWP, Vernon spent many evenings and weekends in the basement of his home, whistling and working in his photo engraving business which he operated for many years.
Vernon continued his busy life into retirement – traveling and camping with Cis, visiting his children, playing with his grandsons, working on genealogy, gardening, cutting wood, creating art, and generally trying to live each day purposefully. His good nature and playful spirit endured throughout life.
Family was the focus of Vernon’s life. His love for family was unconditional and steadfast, and in turn, he was loved the same. He will be missed everyday.
Vernon was preceded in death my his beloved parents and three sisters, June Miller, Kathleen (Tine) Malone, and Jeanine Wilson. Surviving him are his wife, Lucille, of Helena, his son Bruce Craig (Faye) of Helena, and his daughter Debra Wheat (Michael) of Bozeman, and three grandsons, Craig, Christer, and Matthew Wheat. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the Funeral Home. Memorials in Vernon’s honor may be sent to the Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 6, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 6, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday October 6, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 6, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Ruth Jones says
I have beautiful things made by Vern and he was married to my very best friend of almost 60 years They truly had a wonderful Love affair and they do have a GREAT family. I really miss them a whole lot.. I have all his famous Christmas cards and and the thank you card he drew.
Barb and Ron Marcoux says
Sis and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Vern. He was truly a gem! Ron and I both enjoyed working with Vern over the years and he will truly be missed. The memories we all have will get us through the tough times! Our love and prayers to the family!
Love,
Barb and Ron Marcoux
Liz Downs says
God Bless dear Lucile (sis) and family. Hope to see you on Saturday.
Love and prayers, Liz–your blood pressure nurse and friend. L
Carol Cooney says
Our prayers are with Sis and the family at this time of Vern’s passing. As a landlord and friend, Vern was a true Montana gentleman. We miss his zest for life, his humor, and his gardening expertise. There was always a smile. Things will never be the same on Wallace.
I send my love,
Carol
Kristie Edgmond says
I am so very sorry to hear this. I was so fortunate to grow up across the alley from Vern, Cis, Debby and Bruce Craig and of course, Socks! Debby was my best friend in grade school, and I spent many a day and night with the family. I remember all the wonderful things he would create in the basement “dark room” – a very talented man. I also remember many wildlife rescues and various critters, also in the basement; as well as a couple Easter chicks that grew up in the house. The family remained friends, and Vern and Cis attended the memorial services for my parents in Helena; it was always so nice to see them. I don’t think I ever saw Vern without a smile on his face, and he will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Kristie
Laney Hanzel says
Cis & Family:
I was sadden when I heard the news of Vern’s passing. I worked with him on my first job with the FWP in 1952 when he filmed the poisoning of Otter Creek in central Mont. I so enjoyed working with him and enjoyed his knowledge and wisdom regarding photography and the magazine. I have many fond memories of our work together. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.