Obituary of Ronald Thomas Craig

Dr. Ronald Thomas Craig, a well known, much loved, highly respected, family physician passed away in comfort, surrounded by his loving family on January 30, 2015. He was the son of the late Walter (Bud) and Rita Craig. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children, their spouses and grandchildren: Debbie and Jason Blanchard, of Kentville, NS and their children Emily and Nicholas; Catherine and Ronald Gillespie of Quispamsis, NB and their children Alexandra, Gabrielle and Mackenzie; Sean and Kelly Craig of Quispamsis, NB and their children Ethan, Megan and Mallory. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses Dr. Donald and Anne Craig, Dr. Brian and Heather Craig and his sister-in-law Sally (David) Craig and several nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his brother Dr. David Craig. Ron will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his grandchildren as Pupa. Ron grew up in Milford where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood and often shared his memories of this special time and place. It was in these early years that his enthusiasm for sports, love of people, strong work ethic, organizational skills and sense of community began. After graduating from Saint John High School he attended Mount Allison University receiving an undergraduate degree and then earned his medical degree from Dalhousie Medical School. For 35 years, Ron practiced family medicine from an office in the North End of the city of Saint John. A pioneer, he impacted the face of family medicine and patient care in the province of New Brunswick, He helped organize the first Emergency Room staffed by general practitioners; a model that soon spread. Ron was the Chief of Family Medicine for a decade and on the planning committee for the new Saint John Regional Hospital. He chaired and participated in numerous medical committees both at St. Joseph's and the Saint John Regional Hospital. He also participated in the Dalhousie Medical School teaching program. Ron was a member of the Premier's Council for the Disabled. Other memberships and involvement included serving on the Board of the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS), the Saint John Medical Society (where he served as President), the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was prominent in various other aspects of medical politics. A leader with a passion for his family, his profession and hockey, aptly summarizes Dr. Ron Craig’s highly respected career. On Ron's retirement, the Saint John Medical Society established the Dr. R.T. Craig Leadership Award in his honour. This award annually recognizes an outstanding physician. Ron also enjoyed fishing and boating, but it was his love of hockey that was the constant thread throughout his life. He was both a player and an avid fan. He played varsity hockey while at Mount Allison and while completing his medical degree at Dalhousie. He also played inter faculty hockey while at Dalhousie. It was this experience that resulted in his role as the first coach of UNBSJs hockey team. Ron was instrumental, as an owner, in bringing the American Hockey League team (Calgary Flames AHL hockey franchise), the Saint John Flames, to the city. He was President of the group when they won the 2000-2001 Calder Cup. The family wishes to recognize the outstanding care he received during his stay at the Kingsway Care Centre both from the staff and the volunteers. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Bill Johnson both for Ron's care and kinship. There will be no visitation as per Ron and his family wishes. A family graveside service will be held later in the Spring. Donations in Ron's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, The Kingsway Care Centre or a charity of the donor's choice.