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Craig Frederick Dawson

Craig Dawson Obituary

Craig Frederick Dawson died at home on June 27th. Craig was born November 22, 1956 in Ann Arbor, lived in Kalamazoo, and became Craig F. Dawson in the exceptional community of Eagle Harbor, MI--where he will rest in peace, at last. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1978, and the American Graduate School of International Management in 1979. Craig began his professional career as a banker in San Francisco. He married Barbara Riordan in May 1980. A most favorite daughter, Kelsey Noelle, was born on December 28, 1987 and number one son, Christopher John, was born on October 6, 1991. Although Craig divorced in 2004, he and Barbara remained friends. After many successes in banking and venture capital in California, Craig and the family moved to Colorado Springs in 1994--where he continued his career as a venture capitalist and financial manager. Most recently, Craig was enjoying the challenging work and friendship of his colleagues at American Electric Vehicle. Craig was a brilliant and talented deal maker--who enjoyed Kelsey's swim meets, outdoor activities (cycling, hiking, skiing, camping) with Chris, golf, Michigan football, cooking, cleaning and yard work. He was an avid reader and an accomplished pianist, who played jazz, classics and his own compositions. Craig was a spiritual and religious person who cherished his many friends at First Congregational Church, and where he was blessed to meet finance Julie Sandberg. They shared a rich and interesting life over the past two years. Craig is survived by the lights of his life--Chris, a sophomore at Cheyenne Mountain High School, and Kelsey, a sophomore at Denison University; his parents, John and Ruth Dawson of Eagle Harbor, MI; his finance, Julie Sandberg and her daughters, Sydney and Samantha; a sister, Cindy Bosc and special nieces Bailey and Madison of Memphis, TN; his best friend, Bill Taylor; and many friends in the Springs, Michigan and California. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Urban Peak--a charity focused on troubled youth where Craig was a board member. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational on Tuesday, July 3rd at 11 am. Go BLUE!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jul. 1, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Dawson

Not sure what to say?





Kevin Cable

July 16, 2007

Such a sad time. I worked with Craig for many years and always enjoyed our friendship. I will miss him. His family is in my prayers.

Rod Opland

July 9, 2007

A cousin who will be deeply missed. Craig, I will always remember our childhood memories we shared at the harbor.
May God bless you with peace and eternal happiness.
Rod, Colleen, Jessica, & Carli

Amy Brennan

July 4, 2007

Julie,
My thoughts are with you! I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Bless you and your girls!!

Judy White

July 4, 2007

Dear Barbara,
Sorry to hear of this great loss to you, Kelsey and Chris. I was so sad when you moved to Denver. Glad we stayed in touch. Kelsey was my little girl and her other mother. I wish you all well. Thanks for being my friend.

Cindy Dawson Bosc

July 3, 2007

Bubba,
You are my hero, now and forever.
Baby Cin

Sue & Bob King

July 3, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May you continue to be surrounded by the love and support of family and friends during this sad time and the days and years ahead and may your Faith in God help bring comfort and peace. You remain in our prayers.

xandra de mulder

July 3, 2007

Dear Barb, Kelsey and Chris,
We were so very, very sorry to hear about the sad news of Craig's death. We met him twice, and both times he made us feel so welcome. We felt right at home. He was kind, friendly, easy to get along with, interested, warm....a very nice person. He will be so missed. We wish Barb, Kelsey and Chris all the strength they need in these so difficult times.
Hugs and kisses from Xandra, Ton, Alexander and Monique (from Holland)

Diana Dickerson

July 3, 2007

My heart goes out to all of you who loved Craig. I only knew him for a short while during his time in California, but I feel a sense of loss at his passing.

Madison Bosc

July 2, 2007

Mom,

I know that things haven't exactly been great lately, and this doesn't exactly make it better. But if I know you I know that you can get through this. Though it is very hard to forget. Craig, or Uncle Bubba as named by you, was someone I will never forget. I will always remember his visits when he would call me over to sit on his lap, he was so funny and clever you couldn't help but love him. I have no doubt that he will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. Stay strong Mommy, I promise we will get through this together . I love you.
Maddy

Terry Currie

July 2, 2007

Barb

I'msorry to hear about Craig's passing.I pray for strength and peace for his family and friends.

Sherie Dodsworth

July 2, 2007

Dear Barb, Kelsey, Chris
Craig was very special to us - we have so many fine, fun memories of the times we shared. Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you.
Love
Sherie & John Dodsworth

Tami Shepherd

July 2, 2007

Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have been such a great friend to me and I only hope that I can be a great friend to you, especially in this time of need. Please know that I am always here for you and your beautiful girls.
May God Bless You Always!
I Love You!
Tami

Patty Asselin

July 2, 2007

Craig,

May the Lord wrap you in his arms and never let go. If you only knew how much you were loved by your family and friends. Your memory and our great times together will live on forever. I miss you so much already! In the evening when the stars are so bright in the Eagle Harbor night, twinkle at me and let me know your alright! For now you are my guiding light and watch over all from morning til night.
Oh, how I loved you just like a brother and wait for the day we see one another.
Rest my friend in God's peaceful arms, enlighten Him with all your charms.
Love you always!
Patty Asselin

Lori Connors

July 2, 2007

Julie,
I was so sorry to read about Craig's death. You and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers, as well as everyone else here. May God help you find the strength to get through this.

Mike Owen

July 2, 2007

Barb, Kelsey, Chris,

please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. There is nothing we can say or do to ease your pain, but please know that we are there for you.

Mike, Gail, Mel, Mikie

Anne & Jim Boggio

July 2, 2007

Dear Ruthie and John,
We've been thinking of all of you these past days. I know the grandchildren are glad you are in Colorado to share your strength with them. You've had many prayers go your way. God's peace--

Mary Beth Lindblom-Stinson

July 1, 2007

What a wonderful description of a wonderful person. I am glad to have known him and express condolences to all those who's lives he touched. It was so great to meet another cousin in Eagle Harbor!

love & hugs to all.
Mary Beth Lindblom Stinson & Glenn Stinson

Kim Lewis

July 1, 2007

From my family to yours-- wishing you all the best during the weeks, months, and years to come. I am praying for love and opportunity to arise out of this tremendous loss. Kelsey, I can't wait to give you a HUGE hug in the fall.

- Kim Lewis
Denison Swimming '10

Summer of 1986, Oakland

Scott and Pam Sullivan

July 1, 2007

Dear Barb, Kelsey and Chris,
You have all been in our thoughts since we spoke. We've been reminiscing and looking at old photos of our families as the the very best of friends in the East Bay 1985-1994. Some of our favorites were seeing Craig and Scott as 'the chefs' at many shared holidays. We had so many memorable times and shared so many experiences raising our young families. Kelsey and Chris, we'll never forget how thrilled Craig was to become a father and how devoted he was to you!
I have so many rich and amazing memories of Craig and our many college and lifelong friends starting at West Quad at U of M. We lived life fully--worked hard and played hard. Golf was always a special time. Craig, you were a good person and a true friend.
Please know you are all in our prayers in these difficult times. We love you, Scott and Pam

Carol Bogart

July 1, 2007

Craig, you are already greatly missed in the Harbor. Your quick wit and big smile will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, our friend. Love, Barry and Carol Bogart (Arlington, Tx. & Eagle Harbor, MI)

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