CRAIG, Pastor John F.
Was peacefully welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the John M. Parrott Centre. Beloved husband and best friend of Marilyn for 60 years, loving father of Tim (Tracey), Carolyn (Mike), Andrew (Stacey), and Sean (Kim). Cherished grandfather of Ashley (Chris), Megan (Jordan), Hannah, Jordan, Aiden, Fiona, Alexandra, Madelaine, Seth and Mia, great grandfather of Madison, Kaden, Avery, and Maya. Dear brother of Paul (deceased) and brother-in-law to Elvi (deceased), Sheila Patton (George), Lorna Safe (Stephen). Dear Uncle to Linda (Ken), Nancy (Don), Sara, Carol (Steve), Lorna (Mike), Shane (Debbie) and their families. Lovingly remembered by many cousins and church family. Predeceased by his parents Clarence and Helen Craig.
John loved his family and loved the Lord. His heart for God and love for people were central to his life. As a young man John received his BTh from Toronto Bible College as well as his teaching certification from Peterborough Teacher’s College. He was ordained by the Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1966 and mentored by Dr. Charles Seidenspinner. In 1988 he was introduced to the ECA (Evangelical Church Alliance) which is a Ministerial fellowship for Christian Pastors and Leaders. He held the office of President of the Canadian branch of the ECA from 1999 to 2014, getting to know and love his fellow ministers and appreciate their loving, caring ministries. He was called by God together with his wife Marilyn and other like-minded believers to plant places of worship in the communities of Hay Bay, Hartington and Amherstview. John started youth nights with lots of fun activities like outdoor games, campfires and held Vacation Bible schools to let the children and teens know Jesus loved them. He held sales of local farm produce at some of the churches to encourage and help farmers. He encouraged the churches to put on dinners for the community in order to reach out and create unity, as well as hosting outdoor movies nights open to the community to share who Jesus is and how much He loves them. John would accompany people to court if they needed support and prayer and he would gather furniture and clothing and food for people in need. John spent much of his time travelling around the region visiting people in their homes, in hospital, encouraging others in practical ways and with prayer and scripture. John had a good sense of humor and a generous heart. He loved giving more than receiving. John was truly dedicated to living by the principle “What would Jesus do?” and his children are grateful for all that they learned from his fruitful life and what he valued in life.
The family will receive friends on Friday March 1, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Wartman Funeral Home – Napanee. A service to be held in the chapel of Wartman Funeral Home – Napanee on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11am with burial to follow at Newburgh Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend in person, you can watch the service by joining us on Zoom. Please register by going to the link found under service details on John’s memorial page on the funeral home website.
Donations in memory of John made to the John M. Parrott Centre or to Morningstar Mission would be appreciated by his family. Condolences and donations may be forwarded online through wartmanfuneralhomes.com
