not a whole year already, love to you,

Growing up as good friends in Black Forest, Kirk and I had many adventures and numerous mishaps together - some of which Mr. Craig "spoke into" as only Mr. Craig could. I always remembered him as a force to be reckoned with, and a loving, responsible father and husband. The time Kirk and I got in trouble for running through the buffalo pen, risking our lives for fun, Mr. Craig's anger at us was clearly because he loved us and wanted us to be safe from harm. I had the privilege of being a part of the Craig family through a good bit of my childhood and I am grateful for the role Mr. Craig played in that. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you all.  "Casey"

My Uncle and I never said many words to each other but it didn't matter. I always knew he loved me by his actions, like when he let me pick out my very own turkey claw (that was of course flipping the bird). Or the time we went hunting and he sat patiently eating his lunch while I made a very poor attempt at gutting an antelope. 
   I loved the way his eyes would light up when he was being onery, and how he always had everything he needed in his shirt pocket....the way he would wear his western shirts until they were threadbare and how he always had his cowboy boots close by....the smell of his pipe tobacco and the sound the pipe would make on the ashtray...the fact that in 35 years I never saw him without a perfectly trimmed goatee...the way we laughed on the deer hunt because once you saw a deer, every stick in the landscape would turn into an antler...
   I'm honored to call this man my Uncle and grateful to have so many fond memories of him. I know he has affected my life in more ways than I'm aware of. Sending my love and prayers for strength to my Aunt Virginia, Kirk and his family, and Jeane and her family.

I am deeply sorry to hear that you have lost Ray. My thougts are with all of you.
For me Ray was, and is, a man who once oppened the door of his home and his hart for an foreign girl and let her be part of is family.
I remember his courage as a hunter and as a DAD!
He was a good man! It was a great honor to know him, and I will always love him!
Thank you Ray!

I moved into a new house in the Black Forest at a young age. Excited about the mysteries of the land...my first sight was Mr. Craig and a steer hanging from a tree. I wasn't sure, as a young girl, if I was terrified or intrigued. I guess I was intrigued because the Craig house quickly became my second home, maybe even my first home at times. I learned so much about things I never would have had the opportunity to learn or experience from the Craig family, namely Mr. Craig-eggs in an incubator, rattle snakes, farm animals and so much more. Thank you, so many of my best childhood memories have you and your family front and center and I am grateful! 
My love to you all always!
Mindy Hemphill

Very sorry to hear about Ray. My thoughts are with you Virginia and all the family. No doubt he had quite a reception by those who have gone ahead - I'll bet Dad has already shown him a few choice fishing spots!
Love, Rob and Julie Fleming and family.

I'm so grateful to have known Ray. He was a powerhouse of a man. Maybe my gratitude is a little selfish too, because I'm grateful for his legacy. He was such a good father to my husband, and I see that reflected in the way Kirk is with our children. Ray was the kind of man who did things the right way, the kind of man that showed his love with action more than words, and that's something that lives on in his children and grandchildren. We are the beneficiaries of his strength of will, his intelligence and his charm. He continues to inspire my husband to be the best version of himself. So I'm grateful to Ray, and I'm so very sad for all of us who have lost him.

What a wonderful man!. Mr Craig had a huge impact on my boyhood years. Taking me out on my first duck and rabbit hunt. Turning the homemade ice cream in the evening summer nights at the Craig House. Mr Craig telling me to keep turning! Allowing me to help take care of his many animals. Working at the plumbing shop and helping me grow as a young man. He is with Jerri and will forever hold all those boyhood memories with him and the Craig family! Very special family! Prayers to Mrs Craig, Jeane and Kirk!

Ray... You were one of the best men I have ever had the privelege of knowing. Though our time together was minimal, the impact you made on my life was large. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Virginia & the rest of the Craig family... I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all. 

Much Love,
Yancy Turner

Virginia and family, so sorry to hear about Ray. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the days ahead. God Bless.

No man other than my Dad had a more profound impact in my life. And how do I think of Ray and not think of Jerry - my heart is broken. All I know is that they are together again and one day soon enough, Lord willing, so will we. I have forever loved them both and often think of them when I'm fishing on a high alpine lake or hiking in the Rockies. They both truly shaped my life and left all too soon. While heaven is richer for their presence I can't help but be sad. I am truly sorry for your loss and may God Bless you all during this great time of sorrow... Thom

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all. What a great friend he was. He will be missed by all of us. We have great memories.  God Bless all of you.

dear friends, so very sorry to hear of Ray's passing, you are such good friends, glad you got to spend as much time together after retiring that you did.we wish you sincere sympathy, and love and God's blessing from us both. Vern and Ann Simmons

My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family at this time. May the Lord watch over your Father in Heaven.