Craig, Vernon R., 81, of Masardis, died December 8, 2007, at Aroostook Medical Center. Arrangements are under the care of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.
MASARDIS – Vernon R. Craig, 81, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Dec. 8, 2007, after a courageous struggle with multiple myeloma. He was born in Masardis, Jan. 3, 1926, the son of Harvey and Fannie (Rockwell) Craig.
He attended local schools and was a graduate of Ashland High School. Vernon was a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran of World War II serving in the European Theatre. He was a life member of the VFW, LeBlanc-Junkins Post #9699 of Ashland holding many offices including Post Commander. He was a member of the Odd Fellows of Ashland, once holding the office of Noble Grand. He served as Selectman for the Town of Masardis and was a volunteer on the Masardis Fire Department and on the Transfer Station committee.
Vernon did carpentry all of his life. You could often find him puttering in the garage, making one thing or another. He was continually working on wood projects to donate to worthwhile causes. He was employed by Art’s Appliance and Furniture of Ashland as their service and repairman for 41 years. Known as the “fix-it” man, if it needed fixing Vernon was the man to call. After retiring from Art’s Appliance, he continued to work as a consultant and part time repairman as he was needed. He also worked with family as a carpenter right up until his 80th birthday. Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his garden. He especially enjoyed the hunting seasons spent at 10-6 camp with his brothers and other family. He also loved going to camp on Squa Pan Lake. Many wonderful memories were made there, and even after he sold the camp, more memories were made with the new owner, Lance Lockwood who became like another son to him and his wife.
Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Earnestine (MacDonald) Craig of Masardis; two children, Charles Craig and his wife Joyce of Delhi, NY; Jane Beaulieu and her husband Darrell of Bucksport; one sister, Dorothy Robinson of Ashland; four grandchildren, Stacey Craig and wife Jan of Taunton, MA, Misty Robinson and her husband Ken of Masardis, Danielle Beaulieu and her fiancé Marshall Dow of Bucksport, Patricia Newcomb and her husband Chris of Bucksport; one honorary grandson, Kirk Smith and his wife Kasey of Utah; four very special great-granddaughters, Courtney Fish, Ashley and Brooke Robinson, and Brianna Dow; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers, Gerald, Cleo, Roger, Harvey, Lyman, and Clyde; and by a special nephew, Allen Craig.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Donald Morton, Jr. and his wife Cindy and the Masardis Pentecostal Church family for their support and many prayers. Special thanks as well go to Cancer Care of Maine, especially Dr. Philip Brooks and Kay Hunter and to the Hospice of Aroostook team, Karen, Ruth, Pastor McLaughlin and especially to Sheila Fleming. A funeral service was held at the Advent Christian Church on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Spring interment will be in the Masardis Municipal Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Hospice of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, 04736. Arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.
