Deceased: Craig Lawrence

Craig Lawrence – 1952-2024

Obituary in the Cowichan Valley Citizen

Craig’s career in television began with his strong interest in the new Television Department run by Mr. Tothill in high school, as well as being a member of the TV and Radio Club. After attending B.C.I.T. Broadcast for two years, Craig began his long career as a camera operator, mainly at BCTV. Along the way he married, had two daughters, and in his retirement doted on his granddaughter Ruby.

After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, Craig returned to the Cowichan Valley from Vancouver, residing in assisted living facilities in Duncan and Chemainus before his death in September 2024.

Craig was particularly proud of his father, Lieutenant Commander John S. Lawrence, RN, who was awarded the Norwegian Cross of Freedom for his pivotal naval service in Europe. After the war, John and his family settled in the Cowichan Valley, where he managed the Eaton’s department store in Duncan for many years.

Craig Lawrence – Sep 19, 2016

Tomorrow is the 70th anniversary of September 20, 1946 when King Haakon VII awarded my father Lt. Commander John S.M. Lawrence (HMS Punjabi) the Norwegian Liberty Cross and a citation.

He had previously been thanked publicly by the people of Norway in May and long before that awarded a DSC for action in the Mediterranean but this ‘foreign’ medal was for his part in the liberation of Norway from Germany and Quisling.

Shortly after the war he married a very pretty lady from North Vancouver who was in Britain for the duration. They had a daughter, he got a job by telegraph in the Cowichan Valley, took a trip via the North Atlantic on a passenger ship through his old hunting grounds. On his arrival here after a long train ride he had another daughter and then a day after his birthday a son- me. (Making me the last of the line).

Now you know why I love and respect my family, this valley, the E&N, North Vancouver, sailing, my workmates and Norway (including pickled herring).

Miss ya Pop.

Memories

Craig posted to Facebook in 2022:

Notes to those of you may end up in an assisted living facility:

• Don’t call it an Old Folks Home
• Don’t call the patients Little Old Ladies or Elderly Gentlemen.
• Make friends with the chef and Nutritionist.
• Warn your table mates that you have recently pickled a dozen eggs and eaten a few.
• Ditto for garlic sausage consumption (especially veggie sausage).
• Get ready to tell a joke at a moment’s notice. (Even a Dad joke).
• …and most importantly-
• Smile and nod.

Craig was a school friend and passed through my life several times over the years, he was a good man. My condolences to all the family.

Frieda Plumpton

So sorry to hear of another classmate passing. Craig was on the same school bus as those of us who came in from Maple Bay. I can recall Craig and a group of his friends singing “Alice’s Restaurant” in the school cafeteria. Quite sure this was in our grad year and everyone was looking forward to the prospect of grad. Funny how these little things remain in one’s memory after so many years.

Had I known he was a resident of Sunridge I would’ve visited him when I was in to see my mum.

Thank you for such a nice tribute to him, along with family history.

Mary Anne McAdam

I’m so glad Craig and I got together several times to chat and reconnect after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. He kept a positive attitude despite his journey over the last few years being very difficult. His humour shone through, although it turned dark sometimes. We were classmates and friends in high school, lost touch during our working lives, and reconnected through high school reunions, Facebook, and mutual friends after retirement.

At this moment I’m gutted, knowing from personal experience in the past with a close relative having Parkinson’s how difficult life is on a day-to-day basis. But Craig was determined to live the last of his life on his own terms, and he succeeded…the disease didn’t define him. I hope his family and friends take strength by remembering his smile and humour, and gentle demeanor. Craig was a treasure.

Joe Carr

I couldn’t agree more. Craig was a treasure.

Ron Clark

We learned that a previous co-worker has passed. We knew Craig from when Steve and I worked at BCTV back in the 70s&80s. We share fond memories of Craig. A few words come to mind of the kind of guy he was…respectful, funny, the king of trivia, a heartwarming smile, an accomplished camera operator…there are others but these capture my memories. Rest in Peace Craig. Condolences to his family and all those impacted by his passing.

Sharon Durant

I am so sad to hear of Craig’s passing. I grew up around him and the whole BCTV crew and will miss our little chats over the years. RIP Craig and my sincere condolences to Soleil and the rest of his family xo

Kim Kim

You were my friend, my mentor and a confident. You were the best hockey corner camera ever! Your sense of humor made every shoot more fun. Your vast knowledge of trivial shit was astonishing!

I am proud to say you were my friend. I’m so glad we had a chance to walk down memory lane while we had lunch together last summer. I was amazed at how much courage and determination you had to fight the fight re your Parkinson diagnosis.

You will be missed my friend …RIP

Rick Regamble

Craig was a huge presence in our class in Quamichan and CSSS, with a quick sense of humor, friends with everyone, and creative good natured insults. Bruce apparently walked like a ruptured duck.

Craig followed Jev Tothill’s TV course with broadcasting at BCIT, and a lifetime career as a TV cameraman. He dealt with Parkinson’s for several years with optimism and irony. His companions were Johnny and Michael, his walker and cane. Craig moved from The Steeples in Chemainus to SunRidge in Duncan in June. He had a stroke in July and died peacefully on September 1. We haven’t seen an obituary or event announcement yet.

Craig helped create the Quamichan annual in 1968, and it would be like him to be  responsible for this on the last page: “THIS ANNUAL IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO ST. JUDE, PATRON SAINT OF LOST CAUSES”

Bruce Mackenzie

I didn’t see him much after graduation but enjoyed seeing him at reunions. I would see his name on BCTV credits and say hey I know him. RIP Craig you will be missed.

Margaret Waldie Dynes