BIVAND, Craig Anthony

We lost a wonderful soul on May 5, 2023.  Craig Will be missed by his wife, Diane, son, Albert, father, Don, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  Craig is predeceased by his mother, Janice, with whom he had a special relationship.  He also had a soft spot in his heart for Grandma C, Grandma B and Aunt Florence.

His family is very proud of the person he was and all that he accomplished in his full but short life.  His big heart and generosity of spirit led him to many years of community service.  He started FORT and remained committed to this youth center for over twenty years.  He was involved in the provincial and federal Conservative Party, organized Rotary golf tournaments, and assisted the Belarus children.  He also organized whitewater rafting tours which gave many young people life-long memories.  He gave so much to so many for so long.

Craig was a wonderful husband who was all one could wish for a partner – supportive, caring, and full of creative ideas and surprises. Diane admired his passion for life and his ability to expand the travel experience to the ultimate.  She was left with a tremendous number of incredible stories to savour over the years.

Craig’s many friends describe him as the most generous and unselfish man they have every met and who would literally give you the shirt off his back.  His zest for life can be characterized in many ways but suffice to say his gregarious, loud and infectious deep laugh was his trademark.  Craig was intellectual and opinionated and, as a reader on so many subjects, could substantiate his beliefs.  His friends can still see and hear him singing My Way by either Frank Sinatra or the Sex Pistols while driving his Dad’s riding lawn mower down to the Grimsby House for a cold beer!

Traveling and scuba diving made him feel complete and satisfied with his free spirit.  He has been to 97 countries and was also certified as a master diver.  His heart’s desire was to step foot in as many countries as he could.  Diane is going to take his ashes to three more countries to fulfill his 2023’s goal of reaching his 100th country.   His ultimate dream was to sail around the world with his own catamaran.

In honouring Craig’s wishes, a celebration of the life will be held by his family at a later time.  If desired donations to FORT (https://www.thefortyouthcentre.com/donate-online) would be appreciated by the family or simply go out and splurge on yourself or someone you love to treat and think of Craig.

Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144.  Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca