Obituary of Thomas Craig

Thomas Joseph Craig, age 74, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 2, 2010, at his Centralia home, following a courageous battle with cancer. His family was by his side till the end.Tom was born May 6, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the parents of William John Craig and Kittie Nora Craig. He was the youngest of six children. He attended Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis until he joined the US Marine Corps in 1952. While in the Service, he met and married his wife of 56 years, Rosemary Christian-Craig. In the Marines, Tom and Rosemary were able to travel and had the opportunity to live in Hawaii. After leaving the Marines, Tom and Rosemary and there new daughter settled in Southern California. Tom worked in the warehouse for Mod-O-Day. After a year or so he was able to enter into an apprenticeship with the Floor Covering Union, and there he learned and developed his knowledge in floor covering. At this time he worked for McCall and Patterson. In 1968 Tom and Rosemary and their three children left California and moved to Olympia, Washington. Tom built a new home and small farm in the Oyster Bay area. Tom loved Washington. He loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing and camping with his friends and family was how he loved to spend his spare time. This was such a great place to be! Tom continued to install carpet in Olympia for Capital Floor Covering and Meyers Floor Installation. 1982 Tom purchased State Floor Supply and operated that company for over 15 years until his retirement. At the time of retirement, Tom and Rosemary moved to their dream home on Mayfield Lake in Mossyrock. Tom loved it there - it was so peaceful. You could find him almost any time feeding his pet raccoons and taking care of his lawn while Rosemary quilted. They had never been happier. It was like a dream come true for them. But, due to poor health, they needed to move closer into town. In 2006 Tom and Rosemary moved to Centralia and left their lake house with hopes that they would be able to return some day. Tom, also known by many as Papa Tom, was loved by so many. He never seemed to go anywhere without making a friend. He had a warm smile for everyone. Tom is survived by his wife Rosemary and by his three children - Cynthia Blocher of Centralia, John Craig of Olympia, TJ Craig and wife Jay of Olympia, and daughter-in-law, Lyne Craig of Olympia. Tom had eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren - Stuart Blocher and wife Tara Chadwell and children Callie and Nick Chadwell all of Olympia - Rose Wright and husband Travis Wright of Camdenton, Missouri - Becky Blocher, Crystal Craig, Gavin Craig, and Connor Craig all of Olympia - Kaily Craig of Olympia and now in Ellensburg at school - Adam Riley and son Dylan Riley both from Southern California. Tom loved all of his family so deeply. They were everything to him. Further surviving Tom are many loving nieces and nephews and other relatives and many good friends. Some that need to be mentioned are Roger Normanden lifetime friend from childhood, David Swan a friend that he learned to love and trust during this past year and Betty Rivas his devoted caregiver. Tom was preceded in death by his parents William (Bill) John Craig and Kittie Nora Boies-Craig, his only sister Mary Ann Twedt-Olson and brothers Gregory (Bill) William Craig, Robert (Bob) France Craig, John (Jack) Edward Craig and Eugene (Dick) Richard Craig. Tom will be truly missed by all who knew him. Tom loved children. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County. Memories and Condolences may be left online for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.