In Memory

Craig Johnson


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Craig Wix Johnson, 62, of Nipomo, CA passed away suddenly on March 20th 2008. Craig was born on May 22nd, 1945, in Chicago IL., to parents Paul and Flora Johnson.

Craig was known for his smile, laugh, love of a good joke, kindness, and integrity. When asked how he was doing he would sincerely say "it's the best day of my life". Craig loved his friends and family dearly. He always had a good word, a joke, and a strong sense of play and fun. Craig loved to laugh, dance using his famous shoulders, compete in sailing races, blow his bugle, and be the ultimate host to family and friends at his home in Nipomo. He had a life long love of sailing and felt a special connection to life when on his boat 'No Problema'.

Craig had a keen sense of how fragile life was. He left on good terms with any and everyone, just a little too soon. He was delighted to be a Grandpa for the first time. Before he died he had a chance to meet his Granddaughter and was happy beyond words. Every time they parted, he and his wife Mary would kiss and say 'I love you'; the day he died was no different.

Craig grew up in Winnetka, IL. In 1963, he graduated from New Trier High School. After high school Craig was drafted into the army and served for 18 months on a unit known as Tiger Force of the 101st Airborne Division. While in Vietnam he was wounded and returned home. Craig graduated from the University of Arizona in Tuscon with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. Craig's career included building sailboats, working in manufacturing, specializing in optics, managing a business in Singapore and working on a promising new invention before becoming a financial advisor in 1995. Craig was passionate about taking the best care of his many clients who were treated as family. In 2002 Craig joined the Santa Maria Noon-time Kiwanis and became an active member who held positions as Inter-Club Chairperson and was on the Spiritual Values Committee. He was also an active board member of the Community Health Center for the past 10 years.

Craig is survived by his "devoted wife" - Mary Squellati, his beloved son Patrick and family Jesse and Elle of Bozeman Montana, his very special daughter - Jessa Squellati, brother - Steve, the Kramer family, many nieces and nephews, and countless other extended family members and friends who were such a source of joy in Craig's life.

He is preceded in death by his close friend and sailing buddy Bill Welter, his younger brother Malcom and parents Paul and Flora.

A celebration of Craig's full and wonderful life waw held Friday, March 28th, 2008 at 1:30 pm at United Methodist Church in Arroyo Grande. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to South County Youth Coalition, P.O. Box 371, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421.

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added by Sue G Walker



 
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02/21/13 11:24 PM #1    

Lawrence Kreger

Craig was a friend of friends of mine-- he was the kind of person who is very likeable and about whom you inevitably asked years later, " I wonder whatever happened to..."

It's funny, Craig was the sort of person who might not exaclty stand out in a crowd but whose great personal qualities, especially his fun-loving friendliness, integrity and decency made a distinct and usually long lasting impression on everyone who knew him even vaguely.

Friends of Craig's were devastated by his death some years ago.

He served with great distinction in Vietnam, getting very badly shot up in the process

Sadly not atypically of people of our generation, he never really talked to his children about any of his Vietnam experiences and they only found out from his friends after he died


03/02/13 09:26 AM #2    

James Kahn

Craig was my partner in the physical fitness gym class for 2 years. He was soft-spoken with a kind and gentle personality and with a beautiful smile. I was shocked to learn of his death several years ago, and know he will be greatly missed by friends and family that he was devoted to.


04/21/13 02:41 AM #3    

Howard Klee

Craig was a good friend and helped me get to/from work during a summer job in Skokie many years ago. We were working at International Minerals and Chemicals (IMC) in thier research labs and corporate HQ.   We would go tearing along on his motorcycle (don't think we had helmets in those days) with me hanging on for dear life.  


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