Walter Lewis Craig Jr. age 81, a resident of the Bayview area for the past 36 years, passed away Friday, March 4, 2005 at the J.F.K. Memorial Hospital in Indio, CA as the result of complications from pneumonia.
He was born May 8, 1923 in Peshastin, WA, the son of Walter Lewis and Mabel Lottie Jamison Craig. Walt grew up in the Peshastin, WA area attending school and during WWII served with the US Merchant Marines. After the war, he worked as an orchardist and rancher in the Peshastin and Waterville area’s before coming to Skagit County where he worked for Skagit Corporation and Bendix until his retirement. Walt enjoyed boating and traveling in his motorhome. He was a member of the Swinomish Yacht Club and past Commodore, Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, and the Zarthan Lodge F&AM in Leavenworth, WA. Walt was married to Val Mills on February 25, 1967 at the Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. He is survived by his wife Val of the family home. A son Don Craig and his wife Martha of Park City, Utah and a daughter Rhonda Sumstad and her husband Reidar of Lake Stevens, WA. Stepson Larry Mills and his wife Evelyn of Mount Vernon. A sister Cora Christie of Ellensburg. 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Graveside Services will be Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 2:00 PM at Bayview Cemetery with Pastor Wendy Tingley of the Trinity United Presbyterian Church officiating. Masonic services will be provided by Burlington United Lodge #93 F&AM. Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.