Craig Thayer Harper, 87, died at home Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in the arms of his loving family. Craig was born in Evansville, Indiana on January 19, 1928 to Clara and Earl Harper. His family later moved to Iowa City where he discovered his love for canoeing and swimming in the Iowa River. Though they both went to the same high school in Iowa City, Craig met his beloved Marisol in Mexico City where their families were vacationing – the beginning of a 62-year love story that will continue through the ages. He married Marisol in Iowa City in 1953.
Craig graduated from the University of Iowa in 1951 and went on to seminary at Boston University where he completed his theological degree. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1954. Marisol and Craig lived in Boston and after graduation settled in Portland, Oregon where he began his ministry. Sailing on the Columbia River and hiking in the Cascade Mountains convinced Craig that the Pacific Northwest was his true home.
He ministered to so many people as the pastor of Methodist churches in Portland, Tacoma, and Des Moines. Craig then settled for 21 years as the Program Director at the University Unitarian Church in Seattle where he brought so much heart and soul counseling and serving that community.
Craig loved adventure, spending summers as a young man serving in forest fire lookout towers in the mountains of Idaho and later realizing the voyage of his dreams when he sailed single-handed from Seattle to southeast Alaska and back. His passion for the outdoors was infectious - from tromping in the woods with his beloved dogs, to exploring the beaches of the San Juan Islands, to RV camping in San Diego. He was happiest when he was in nature and sharing it with his family.
Craig is survived by so many who deeply love him – his wife Marisol; daughters Suzanne, Julie and Kim; in-law sons and daughters Mark, Jean, Robin, Chris and Katy; grandkids Heather, Valerie, Trevor, Stephen, Lena and Robynn; great grandkids Avery, Harper, John and Reid; his sister Shirley, brother-in-law Bob and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson Ben whom he loved very much, his parents and older brother Hugh.
Craig’s biggest passion in life was his love for his family. Always supportive and encouraging, Craig was a man of great kindness, compassion and wisdom. He was fun-loving, a great story teller and a man who enjoyed the beauty of even the simplest things in life. He was a seeker of joy.
Craig and his family are so grateful to Group Health Hospice and nurse Margo, along with Judy, Melissa, Jana, Maryanne, and Leslie, the wonderful caregivers who nurtured him through his last months. The family will honor and remember him in a private gathering. Please share your memories of Craig online at www.funerals.coop.