George A. "Rick" Craig

The Lord called Rick home, where he is now with his personal savior, Jesus Christ. Rick passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on November 8, 2022. He was 90 years old.

Rick was born on March 23, 1932 in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Bessie Ann (Anderson) Craig and George Washington Craig. He entered the service in the United States Army Air Force and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force after nine years of service. His service assignments sent him to Moses Lake, Washington and then Portland, Oregon where he met the love of his life, Gloria (Hyatt) Craig. They were married January 13, 1951. Rick’s next service assignment sent the couple to Anchorage (Elmendorf Air Force Base), in the Territory of Alaska where their son Grant was born; then to Riverside (March Air Force Base), California where their daughter Cindy was born. After his discharge from the Air Force, the family relocated to Ellensburg, Washington where they remained for most of their lives. Rick worked for Boise Cascade at the Ellensburg Mill; Twin City Foods; and the United States Post Office, from which he retired.

Rick loved to compete and was very good at everything he pursued. An avid bowler, he won many tournaments and carried a high bowling average. Rick then focused on golf, and excelled there, as well. He enjoyed golf and his golf buddies. He won many tournaments and attained a low handicap of 3. Rick shared the love of golf with his grandson Ryan, and between them had 11 holes-in-one.

Rick and Gloria traveled several times to Hawaii and Europe where Rick played some of the best golf courses in the world. His highlight was being able to play the Old Course at Saint Andrews, Scotland. When Rick could no longer golf, he turned his attention to playing competitive poker—mostly at the Wild Goose Casino where, in 2019, he was named their first “Poker Legend.” He continued playing and competing until September of 2022.

Rick’s main joy in life was his family. We knew we could count on Dad. He loved his family and was involved in all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives. We will miss this wonderful, smart, talented, loving, humble, devoted, and fiercely loyal family man. Dad was someone you could trust and count on—caring and kind.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria in 2001. Rick is survived by his children; Grant (Judy) Craig; Cindy Craig; his grandchildren Ryan Craig, Rachael Craig, and Shila Muller; his great-grandchildren Enza and Darren Meier, and Cannon and Beverly Brantley; and niece Debra (Carl) Hiatt.

Memorial contributions in Rick’s honor are suggested to KVH Hospice, 1506 Radio Road or to Mercer Creek Church where Rick worshiped, 1410 N. Main Street, both in Ellensburg.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the High Valley Cemetery on Robinson Canyon Road outside of Ellensburg.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Craig and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com