Larry Craig

A Eulogy delivered by Ken Craig

Today, with an aching yet full heart, I stand before you to celebrate and honor an incredible man, my father, Larry Craig. Before I continue, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you for being here, for those who have made long journeys and for those joining us through the grace of technology online. Your presence, both near and far, is a comfort to us all as we remember and pay tribute to a life so beautifully lived.

Understanding Honor

What does it truly mean to honor a man like my father? The dictionary might define 'honor' as “to regard with great respect or high esteem,” or as “something regarded as a privilege that brings pride and pleasure.” But for me, and for many of us here, honoring my father is an act of remembering, of sharing, and of continuing his legacy through the lives he touched.

Fathers and Sons: Seeking Approval and Making Proud

From the earliest days of childhood, boys seek their father’s approval. It is an innate need, where we mirror the behaviors of those we admire to learn our place in the world. Though often a subconscious journey, it is a powerful one. In many ways, my life’s path has been shaped by the yearning to earn my father's nod of pride, a testament to the profound influence he had on me.

Early Memories: The Foundation of Love

My earliest memories of dad are tactile and vivid. I remember his beard tickling my cheek as he would say goodnight, a sensation synonymous with safety and love. He was our family's protector, a haven in any storm.

A Lifetime of Joyous Adventures

As I sift through the years captured in photographs, every image sparks a memory of joy. There were the snow trips, the magic of Disneyland, the wonders of Sea World, the charm of Carmel, and the thrills of Great America. Yet, one of my dad's favorite places, a place that became a theme in our lives, was the railroad museum. Now, his model trains are not just artifacts; they are treasures of a shared past that we honor by setting them up around the Christmas tree each holiday season—a tradition that is his lasting imprint on our family.

The Value of Work and Responsibility

As a young boy, dad instilled in me the value of work and the joy of responsibility. He taught me to clean the pool, to gas up the riding mower, and to navigate it through our Orangevale property. Those hot summer Sundays by the pool were more than just lessons in chores; they were lessons in life.

Summers and Winters: A Bond Unbroken by Distance

Our time together wasn’t constant, with miles often lying between us. Yet, each summer and winter break spent in Sacramento with dad, Julie, and Jess was a season of happiness. I remember the thrill of flying alone to see him, the anticipation building until his smiling face greeted me. Dad was a planner, always having something exciting up his sleeve for my visits.

The Power of Rest and Rejuvenation

My father was a man of many talents, including his almost mythical ability to take restorative cat naps. Many times, I’d rush to share something with him, only to find him in peaceful slumber. Yet, within half an hour, he'd be up and ready for the next adventure—as if he never missed a beat.

Evolving Relationship: From Father and Son to Friends

As the chapters of our lives turned, our relationship blossomed. My marriage, his retirement, my journey into fatherhood—these milestones brought us closer, transforming our bond from father and son to that of friends. It's said that "By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong." This profound truth resonates deeply with me as I reflect on our evolving understanding.

Shared Interests and Precious Interactions

With dad and Julie back in Ventura, our moments together became more frequent and more precious. Conversations about surfing, his youth, and his parents were interspersed with shared laughter over who had the best beer. One of my greatest joys was seeing him play with my boys, Royce and Samuel, witnessing the continuation of love and wisdom from one generation to the next.

The Little Things: Green Tea Frappuccino’s and Lunchtime Reminiscences

In the past few years, our weekly get-togethers became a ritual. Dad's taste transitioned from beer to green tea Frappuccino’s, a peculiar but endearing preference. We'd go out to lunch, reminisce, and share our hopes and dreams. These were our moments—precious and irreplaceable.

The Twilight Years: Humor and the Hunt for Treasures

Even as dad became more forgetful, his humor never faded. We spent countless hours scouring thrift stores and the Camarillo Library book store, always on the hunt for the next treasure. His passion for books was unyielding, and his collection, vast as it was, became a symbol of his never-ending quest for knowledge and beauty.

A Song to Remember: "You Are My Sunshine"

As dementia began to challenge his ability to communicate, dad took to speech therapy. One of his exercises was singing "You Are My Sunshine"—a tune that, on one of our last bookstore visits, he sang with such clarity and beauty, it was as though the fog lifted, and there he was—my dad, strong and sure.

Gratitude for a Father's Love

As my father's journey in this world came to an end, I was blessed to be there, just as he was there to welcome me at the start of mine. The circle of life, ever-turning, brought us together in those final moments, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
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In closing, I want to say, Dad, you were my sunshine, my only sunshine. You made us happy when skies were gray. You'll never know, dear, how much we loved you. Please take our love with you as you find your peace.
Thank you, Dad, for every lesson, every laugh, every memory. You live on in us, in the legacy you've left behind, in every life you've touched.
And to all here today, thank you for honoring my father, Larry Craig, a man who was, and always will be, so much more than words can convey.

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