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Craig L. Simmons
Salem - Craig L. Simmons was born in Great Falls, MT to E.E. "Mick" and Shirley Simmons. The family moved to Grand Forks, ND where Craig grew up, attending Central High School and the University of North Dakota. Craig loved sports of all kinds, but golf and hockey were his lifelong favorites. He was proud of his time as a golf pro at River Bend Country Club in East Grand Forks. Craig served in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam.
In 1969 Craig moved to Salem, OR, where his sister moved after college. In 1971 he started work at Oregon Builders Hardware (OBH), where he worked until retirement in 1996. Career achievements include serving as President of OBH, Hardware Club of Oregon and Salem Contractors Exchange.
After moving to Oregon Craig became a devoted OSU Beaver fan, holding football season tickets for more than 30 years. For many years, Fall meant Beaver games, rain or shine, and tailgating with family and friends. Go Beavs!
In 1984 Craig met and married Jan. They found a little house on a hill and lived there happily until his passing. They enjoyed several cruises to Alaska and many road trips to visit family and friends.
Craig will be remembered as thoughtful, funny, and soft-hearted. He loved most of all to have fun with family and friends.
Craig is survived by his wife Jan, his son Todd and Todd's children Ashton and Avery, Todd's fiancée Cami and her children Chase and Brinley, sister Jill Techel, aunt and uncle Jewel and Bob Monroe and cousins Jim and John, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.
Friends and family will be notified of a celebration when we are able to safely gather.
The family is grateful for the skills and compassion shown by the many at Salem Health facilities and Willamette Valley Hospice who cared for Craig. Donations may be made to Willamette Valley Hospice, 1015 3rd St. NW, Salem, OR 97304 or Willamette Humane Society, 4246 Turner Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97317, or another charity of your choice. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
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Judy Graham (Sobolik)
I'm sorry to hear of Craig's passing and will keep his family in my thoughts. I remember Craig from junior high school...always a fun and friendly person with an easy smile.
Sending love to Craig's family and friends,
Judy Graham Sobolik
Jerry Jonnson
So sorry to hear of Craig's passing. I have so many fond memories of Craig, some so vivid as if they were yesterday. Will greatly miss you my friend. RIP my friend.
Gary Granum
So sorry to hear of Craig's passing. Craig or "SCRAIG, Don Nelson's handle for him, were neighbors and best friends, was a great guy. Humble, I think is the best word to describe Craig. Enjoyed life to the fullest. Very good golfer and also an excellent hockey player. Enjoyed him as a team mate as well as a competitor in our younger years in park board hockey. Again, sad to hear of hiss passing, he will definitely be missed by many. Best of luck to his family. Gary Granum and wife Bonnie.