In memory of

Bruce David Craig

Sep 10, 1956
Jul 20, 2019

Obituary

Bruce David Craig 62, of Salem, Oregon passed away on July 20, 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

Bruce was born September 10, 1956 in La Grande, Oregon to Edwin Leonard and Sylva Faye Craig; he was the youngest of five boys.

Bruce grew up in La Grande and loved his childhood home life with his family; the bonds he forged with his siblings were strong. The Craig family could be regularly found water skiing and enjoying family picnics, which included their mom’s fried chicken and homemade brownies. Bruce, being the youngest of five boys, learned hard work and determination at a young age, while trying to keep up with his older brothers. In his early years, his passions included baseball and golf. Bruce was a talented athlete. He always excelled, and he was often selected to play on many all-star teams, which included leading his high school team in golf. Bruce loved all his childhood friends —many of whom remained close life-long friends.

After graduating from high school with one year of football under his belt, Bruce went on to play college football at Eastern Oregon University. He played for three years as a wide receiver and was given the name “Golden Hands Craig”. Bruce was named MVP in 1977, his junior year, but due to a significant leg injury in that season’s last game, he was unable to play his senior year of college. After moving to Salem, Oregon in 1979, Bruce continued his education at Chemeketa Community College. In 1983, he received his associate’s degree in Computer Programming.

Bruce started his programming career at SAIF Corporation in 1983, and in 1984 the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs hired him as a programmer. Bruce wore many hats in his tenure at ODVA, serving in his later years as the Chief Information Officer as well as Administrator of Support Services Division (information services, records and facilities). He retired from ODVA in June, 2013, and continued on in a part-time capacity within the IT Department through September 2016. For 32 years, Bruce provided technology expertise at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bruce and Charlene Gest married in August of 1980. During their early years together, they welcomed three beautiful children into their family: Jordan, Anna and Beau. Charlene preceded Bruce in death. Bruce was also proud of his three beautiful grandchildren: Payton, Lyla, and Camden. Bruce devoted his entire life to his children and grandchildren, who brought him pure joy. Whether it was school activities, sporting events and/or coaching, they could always count on him to be present. In his later years, Bruce could be found on papa outings, attending volleyball games, cheer competitions, swim lessons, concerts, school activities, and more. His grandchildren were the center of his world regardless of distance or obstacles. Bruce always made each member of his family know how very important they were to him.

In addition to spending time with his family, Bruce’s past times included golf and baseball. Bruce was often found on a ball field playing for the Silverton Redsox for many years as a pitcher/infielder. When Bruce wasn’t playing baseball, you could still find him on a field coaching his children and many children in the community. Bruce was an avid sports fanatic always cheering on the Beavers, Blazers and Broncos.

Bruce is survived by his daughters, Jordan and Anna; his son, Beau; his grandchildren: Payton, Lyla, and Camden; and his three older siblings: Tom, John, and Steve.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Illahe Hills Country Club

Service Information

Celebration of Life
Monday, August 5, 2019
Illahe Hills Country Club
3376 Country Club Drive S
Salem, OR 97302

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Paula Brown says:

    My prayers are with Bruce's family, who I know meant so very much to him. I remember several Bring Your Kids to Work days with Bruce and Beau. I respected Bruce for his dedication to his children. I imagine he would be pleased to know he will be remembered as a dedicated father. Bruce will be missed by many.

  2. John D'Angelo says:

    I will always remember Bruce fondly. I played baseball with Bruce for many years, he was also my boss for a period of time, but mostly he was a friend. His loyalty to his friends and family was evident to anyone who spent any time with him. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

  3. Angie Stanley says:

    Jordan, Anna, Beau and Family... our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences... The Stanley Family

  4. Loree Senay says:

    With love and sympathy to the family♥️ I didn't know Bruce very well but he was friendly, welcoming and he Loved my daughter Ashley Craig with all his heart and for that he has always had a special place in my heart .I will always remember him with respect

  5. Michelle Gould says:

    Jordan, loving thoughts & condolences to you and Payton during this time. With love, Michelle & Mikayla Gould❤️

  6. Jim Willis says:

    Bruce was cheerful and upbeat about his work and life in general. He will be missed by all who knew him.

  7. Abby, Eli and Zeke Heppner says:

    My family has been blessed to share our time with the Craig family. Bruce’s love for his kids was evident in every conversation. The neighborhood will sure miss Big Papa!

  8. Wayne Endersby says:

    So sorry for the passing of Bruce. He was a great person and a great athlete. I played football with Bruce at Eastern Oregon and have many fond memories of those times.

  9. Owen herzberg says:

    Bruce. Strong, dedicated to his children and athletic. Was my brother in law for many years and we shared many laughs including a water fight and many family gatherings. He will be missed by many and his infectious laugh as well. See you on the other side Bruce.

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    It is so hard to lose someone so close. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Craig's family during this difficult time. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.

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