Craig and I actually met in 2nd grade at Hayes Elementary. And, immediately became friends...best friends!   We did band, cub scouts, sleep overs, and every other activity that you could think that two young boys could do in Ada, OK.  And remained best friends until 7th grade.  Great memories, and great times.
 
And, even though I know it's an odd story, I have to admit that it's one I still tell to folks from time to time - on my first ever visit to Craig's house after a full day of playing outside - as we were about to come in, we noticed that Craig's cocker spaniel was stuck in some prickly vines.  We both went over to help the dog get out, and I leaned down and pulled his paw free, but obviously the dog mistook my intentions, and preceeded to jump up and bite the first thing he could get hold of - my big nose!  Well, blood started pouring, I started crying, and Craig started yelling.  Craig helped me run to the house, and with Craig screaming, I remember we went to the door that opened to the "fancy" living room.  Peggy came rushing over and I remember, with blood gushing from my face, I told her I couldn't come in the house because I had mud on my shoes and it would mess up the "good" carpet.  She untied my shoes and helped me take them off, all the while blood still poured, Craig was jumping up and down, and other pandemonium went on all around us.  Long story short - I healed.  And, it's funny to think that from that day on, we really became best friends.

In 7th grade, my family moved, and, as can often happen to young boys, Craig and I slowly drifted apart.  It wasn't until my wife, an elementary school librarian, attended a Book conference in Texas, and happened upon the Garrett Book company housed in her husband's old home town of Ada, Ok, that through her I was able to reconnect to some great memories.  Most recently, Jane (my wife) attended an Orlando Florida Librarian's conference and found the Garrett Book Co booth again, and when she called me from the booth asking for the name of my friend growing up, that the news of Craig's passing was shared with me.

Carla, Peggy, Lionel and families - I'm so sorry for your loss of Craig.  I still always considered him my best childhood friend.  

Craig's dad, Lionel and I are fraternity brothers at OU.  I knew Craig as a young man in Oklahoma.  I had the pleasure of knowing his Grandparents as well as his Mom and Dad.  They were all very special in my life.  I recall these young children in the 1960's in their home in Oklahoma.  May we always remember only the good times.  Thanks to Carla for helping us remember her brother.

At my law school graduation- 1994.