Obituary for Charles William Craig "Craig Vanderburgh" Vanderburgh
Craig (Vandy) Vanderburgh passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2023, at the age of 65.
His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Craig was born July 11th, 1958 in Campbellford, Ontario to Bert (née Woods) and Harry Vanderburgh of Havelock, Ontario and was unequivocally loved by his older sister Darlene Davis (Jim) and nieces Jennifer Davis (Shane) and Sarah Davis (Scott).
Craig aka “Slick” was cherished by his family from “The Island” Bill Woods predeceased (Joann), Dustin Woods (Jennifer), Devin Woods (Melissa), Daylin Orford (Travis), his Aunt Rhea and many more cousins. Craig’s friendly nature enabled him to make new friends in Gore Bay while also reacquainting with old friends.
Craig was a long-time employee of General Motors and after many years of hard work, he was able to retire and start his new journey. This led him to purchase Welsh Limousine.
Welsh Limo allowed Craig to meet numerous clients who became not just clients but endearing friends. Craig had an infectious personality and those who got to know him couldn’t deny how easily they were accepted by him as friends. Craig loved life and everyone he met.
~ The greater someone has loved in their lifetime, the more broken hearts they leave behind.
Craig had a great passion for hockey. Craig grew up with the local “boys” of Havelock and played hockey with them even after moving to Peterborough, Ontario. He loved to share the stories of his hockey years and was excited to get back into the game after moving to Gore Bay.
Craig’s main passion was his dogs. Anyone who knew Craig knew that his family not only consisted of the human variety but also the 4-legged ones. Craig’s dogs were his children, whom he cherished very much. Chelsea, Bronson and Tucker are mourning his loss as well. One of Craig's favourite quotes was ~ May I always be the kind of person my dogs think I am.
His dogs knew they were loved and always had a sense of belonging. Through everything they always had unwavering companionship and love for him.
Craig’s love for Gore Bay (“The Island”) was absolute. He spent as much time as he could there over the years while still living in Peterborough, Ontario. Craig’s dad always said that he would someday live on the Island but unfortunately, he never got the opportunity. Craig decided to honour his dad and his love for Gore Bay by moving to Manitoulin Island in 2020.
After selling Welsh Limousine, Craig packed up his most prized possessions (his dogs) and headed up to Gore Bay to continue his journey. His friends and family who followed him on Facebook or talked to him knew that he found his true home and happiness in Gore Bay.
While living in Gore Bay, Craig spent a lot of time with his cousins and their kids who all taught Craig how to “rough” it in the country. Even though he was a profound animal lover, they convinced him to go hunting and fishing and this is where he started to enjoy the true meaning of his Island life.
Craig’s final journey ended on November 23, 2023, while being in the place where his heart truly belonged. Those of us who had the pleasure to walk along with him on his life’s journey are feeling pain and heartache because that is what comes when you love someone who touched your heart. It will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember but love and true friendship cannot be broken by closing the book of life.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date.
The family has asked that donations be made to your local Humane Societies in Craig’s honour if you so wish.
Craig’s love of animals was unquestionable, and it would be in true Craig fashion to help those in need.
~ Kindness is the most tender and powerful way of leaving a memory inside people’s hearts - Dodinsky
His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
Craig was born July 11th, 1958 in Campbellford, Ontario to Bert (née Woods) and Harry Vanderburgh of Havelock, Ontario and was unequivocally loved by his older sister Darlene Davis (Jim) and nieces Jennifer Davis (Shane) and Sarah Davis (Scott).
Craig aka “Slick” was cherished by his family from “The Island” Bill Woods predeceased (Joann), Dustin Woods (Jennifer), Devin Woods (Melissa), Daylin Orford (Travis), his Aunt Rhea and many more cousins. Craig’s friendly nature enabled him to make new friends in Gore Bay while also reacquainting with old friends.
Craig was a long-time employee of General Motors and after many years of hard work, he was able to retire and start his new journey. This led him to purchase Welsh Limousine.
Welsh Limo allowed Craig to meet numerous clients who became not just clients but endearing friends. Craig had an infectious personality and those who got to know him couldn’t deny how easily they were accepted by him as friends. Craig loved life and everyone he met.
~ The greater someone has loved in their lifetime, the more broken hearts they leave behind.
Craig had a great passion for hockey. Craig grew up with the local “boys” of Havelock and played hockey with them even after moving to Peterborough, Ontario. He loved to share the stories of his hockey years and was excited to get back into the game after moving to Gore Bay.
Craig’s main passion was his dogs. Anyone who knew Craig knew that his family not only consisted of the human variety but also the 4-legged ones. Craig’s dogs were his children, whom he cherished very much. Chelsea, Bronson and Tucker are mourning his loss as well. One of Craig's favourite quotes was ~ May I always be the kind of person my dogs think I am.
His dogs knew they were loved and always had a sense of belonging. Through everything they always had unwavering companionship and love for him.
Craig’s love for Gore Bay (“The Island”) was absolute. He spent as much time as he could there over the years while still living in Peterborough, Ontario. Craig’s dad always said that he would someday live on the Island but unfortunately, he never got the opportunity. Craig decided to honour his dad and his love for Gore Bay by moving to Manitoulin Island in 2020.
After selling Welsh Limousine, Craig packed up his most prized possessions (his dogs) and headed up to Gore Bay to continue his journey. His friends and family who followed him on Facebook or talked to him knew that he found his true home and happiness in Gore Bay.
While living in Gore Bay, Craig spent a lot of time with his cousins and their kids who all taught Craig how to “rough” it in the country. Even though he was a profound animal lover, they convinced him to go hunting and fishing and this is where he started to enjoy the true meaning of his Island life.
Craig’s final journey ended on November 23, 2023, while being in the place where his heart truly belonged. Those of us who had the pleasure to walk along with him on his life’s journey are feeling pain and heartache because that is what comes when you love someone who touched your heart. It will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember but love and true friendship cannot be broken by closing the book of life.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date.
The family has asked that donations be made to your local Humane Societies in Craig’s honour if you so wish.
Craig’s love of animals was unquestionable, and it would be in true Craig fashion to help those in need.
~ Kindness is the most tender and powerful way of leaving a memory inside people’s hearts - Dodinsky