Craigen, John Francis
John Francis Craigen
January 31st, 1943 – April 17th, 2020
The Funeral Mass for the late John Francis Craigen will be celebrated on Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Father George Thattuparampil will be the presiding celebrant and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. A Time of Fellowship will follow at the Heritage Inn from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Liz; children: Shelly (Kelly) Storozuk of Calgary, AB, Cindy Craigen (Claude Lavigne) of Montreal, QC, Kevin Craigen of Kelowna, BC, and Todd (Monique) Craigen of Oakville, ON; grandchildren: Cody (Ellen) Carey, Brady Storozuk (Kristen), Tyler Storozuk (Jackie), Alysha Hales (Jacob), Jayda Hales (Damian), Chloe Craigen (Matt), Carley Craigen (Michael), Zach Craigen, and Hugh Craigen; great-granddaughter, Rayner Carey; sisters, Liz (Ben) Lomheim of Airdrie, AB and Carole (Dave) Whitty of Niagara Falls, ON; brother-in-law, Murray King of Saskatoon, SK and their families.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
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It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of John Francis Craigen announces his sudden passing on Friday, April 17th, 2020 at the age of 77 years.
John was a loving husband, devoted father, and superstar grandpa. He was born January 31st, 1943 in Moose Jaw, SK to John J. and Mary (Duck) Craigen. John was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Jeannette King. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Liz, his four children Shelly (Kelly) Storozuk of Calgary, AB, Cindy Craigen (Claude Lavigne) of Montreal, QC, Kevin (Linda) Craigen of Kelowna, BC, and Todd (Monique) Craigen of Oakville, ON, his sisters Liz (Ben) Lomheim of Airdrie, AB, Carole (Dave) Whitty of Niagara Falls, ON, brother-in-law Murray King of Saskatoon, SK and their families.
John spent his entire life in Moose Jaw working as a general contractor. Following in his father’s footsteps, after high school, he attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon and became a journeyman mason. John started work alongside his dad and together they managed Craigen Construction Co. Ltd. (est. 1927). He took over the business in 1977 when his dad retired. John ran the company until his retirement in 2007, when Craigen Construction celebrated 80 years of business in Moose Jaw.
John cherished all the friendships he made along the way. In retirement, he enjoyed his daily morning coffee at Prairie Oasis with the boys that often carried through lunch. John will be remembered as an outstanding gentleman who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and never shied away from a hard day’s work.
Of all the titles John earned over his life, the most important one to him was grandpa. He loved being a grandpa more than anything else in the world. “Gramps” as he was affectionately known, was adored by all nine of his grandchildren. He will be best remembered for movie nights with nachos, ice with a splash of ginger ale, frequent trips to the Snow Hut for ice cream, and his elaborate Halloween costumes. Left to mourn gramps passing with heavy hearts are Cody (Ellen) Carey, Brady Storozuk (Kristen), Tyler Storozuk (Jackie), Alysha Hales (Jacob), Jayda Hales (Damian), Chloe Craigen (Matt), Carley Craigen (Michael), Zach Craigen, and Hugh Craigen.
As a result of the restrictions associated with COVID19, a Funeral Service will be scheduled at a later date. The family of John Craigen wishes to thank the front-line workers for the excellent care that he received during his brief time at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.
Liz and your family. I am so very sorry for your loss.John was a great man and was always kind and friendly to everyone. Am so sorry for the heartache that you will be feeling. Most sincere condolences Glenda Straub
Liz and families so sorry hear the loss of John.Truly a wonderful man
Our deepest sympathies Liz to you & your families. May God hold you close & keep you in his tender loving care.
My very first job was with John and his Dad.Pouring basements at Caronport.He was a super nice man,I will miss him.My deepest condolences.
.
Liz and Family, I was so very sorry to read that John had passed away. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. John will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thinking of you all. I remember all the smiles, jokes and kindness from John as my sisters and I were growing up. He will not be forgotten. Hugs to you all.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We didn’t get a chance to talk often but we always considered you guys as friends from our early days. Be strong.
My condolences to Liz and family. What a shock. I held John in high esteem. He was such a good guy..
Most heartfelt condolences to all the Craigen family in the passing of John. We met John about 10 years ago at the Sunningdale Car Wash and Cafe Such a nice gentleman Rest In Peace John.
Liz,I’m very sorry to hear of Johns passing,I know you and your family will cherish your many great memories.Sincere condolences
To all of John’s loved ones… My deepest condolences in the loss of John…I will miss his humour and wit at our morning coffee… It has been a pleasure and honour to have know him..Sincerely Cliff Dunlop
I was crushed when I heard that Mr Craigen had passed. He always had a grin whenever he came into the lumberyard. He loved to take on Swettie when we went for lunch. He always had nice things to say about everyone. Just recently I was cleaning my drawers and found a perfect & pencil set from Craigen Const. Even Kevin said he didn’t have one. I will miss that devilish grin and the great hugs from MR Craigen.
Our sincere sympathy to Liz, Shelley, Cindy, Todd and Kevin, and their families. We truly enjoyed getting to know John and we are so glad we got to spend this past Christmas with John and Liz. He was a wonderful man, a real gentlemen, and we will miss him dearly. Love to you all from PEI. Sincerely The McCardle’s
Hi Auntie Elizabeth.So sorry to hear about Uncle John. I always thought the world of you guys.Sorry we missed you last time we were in Moose Jaw.I will call you in a few days.Thinking of you and your family. Stay safe and love you all Marion and Al and family
Sorry Liz for your loss.
Dear Liz and Family
We are very saddened to hear about John’s passing and offer our deepest condolences to you all.
Still saw him often at Prairie Oasis and we always had a chat.
He was a good man and will be missed.
LIz thoughts and prayers with all of you at this time of sorrow. Remember the good times and John will always be with you. John was always so friendly and interested in everything going on in your life and will be missed in Moose Jaw.
Liz and family so sorry for loss. Got to know John when I worked at Arrow Electric and was great to talk with him over the years. A great guy that will be sadly missed
So deeply sorry for your loss Liz, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Our sincere condolences to you Liz, and to your family. Such sad sad news to hear…cherish your memories.
David Danchilla and Dawn Luhning
To the Craigen family – so sorry to hear about John . Having known John for some 30 years I can honestly say he was a ,”TRUE GENTLEMAN “ !.
Shelly you have a father you can always be very proud to call him “ DAD“ , and I’m sure the rest of your siblings can say the same.
Our thoughts are with you Liz and your family .
Lorne Rogers
Virtual hugs and sending prayers to
You and your family Liz. Know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. John will be missed. Luv to
You
Liz and family ,,we are so sorry for your loss . I have known John for many years and he was always the friendliest person to ever meet ..He will be sadly missed by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him!!!
I knew his son Todd during elementary school days and his father was always so welcoming of Todd’s friends.
I remember him always having a smile and a kind, genuine greeting each time I would see him.
My thoughts are with Todd and his family as they endure this unspeakable loss. So very saddened to hear this!
Mrs. Craigen, Kevin, Shelley, Cindy, and Todd, my condolences on the passing of your husband/dad – who I will always know as Mr. Craigen. As “the little kid from down the street”, I will always think of Mr. Craigen as a first rate gentleman. He was kind and nice always.
Liz and family:
Mentor. Peer. Friend. John will be missed.
May you all find comfort and peace knowing his chuckle and laugh will be with you always.
Dear Liz and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and our sincere condolences.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family at this difficult time. We remember his contagious smile . He will be sadly missed by many.
Dearest Liz and Each Member of all of the Families,
Having a few days to digest this shocking news… I find comfort in reminiscing of having such a friend as Johnny Angel. The truth is that we are all the Better, for having Johnny Angel bless our lives, for not knowing John would even be a greater loss to all of us.
Our families go back decades as per construction projects.
The pride of our 1918 home, was due to Johnny Angel and Kevin to.
Brian and I shall forevermore, keep His Memory Eternal in our hearts.
Oh, how we loved you John, Oh how we loved you!
Susie and Brian Sanderson
Dear Liz, Shelley, Cindy, Kevin, Todd and your extended families, we are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was always a ton of fun and will be fondly remembered. He always had that mischievous grin that kept you wondering what was coming next! He will certainly missed by all who knew him.
Condolences to John’s family. He was well known as a gentle man. Good memories will diminish your pains
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOU LIZ AND TO YOUR FAMILY
JOHN WAS A GENTLEMAN AND I ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM
I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH
Dear Liz my heart is with you of the loss of your beloved John. I always remember him as such a kind man. He will be missed. My sincere sympathies Liz .
Dear Mrs. Craigen, Shelley, Cindy, Kevin, Todd and families,
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Craigen’s passing. Such a friendly, caring, hardworking man. To say he was welcoming is an understatement…who else would let a little neighbour girl come wake up “Todd’s mom and dad” so early on weekend mornings! I have such fond memories of your family on Stadacona St.
Please know that I have you in my thoughts ❤️
Love,
Kerri-Ann
Liz & families.So sorry to hear of John’s passing.He was a great guy & always a great visit when you met him.We will all miss him.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Liz. So sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Liz and family
So sorry for your loss ! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Fran Banting
Liz I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing, my heart just hurts for you and your family.
My sincere condolences to you on your loss Liz, may there be some comfort in knowing he is where he’s supposed to be but ever with you, loving and caring.
Liz and family
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I met John first, he was outside with Grandson Hugh. That twinkle in his eye, so kind so sweet. I liked him in an instant. I admired him so much, I thought he’s just the best Grandpa I’ve ever seen. Nicest family, I love the entire crew. The Craigen’s are an incredible family. I’m so sad he’s gone, until we meet again RIP ❤️
Our deepest sympathy to the Craigen family:
We wish you comfort, strength and peace during this painful time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Patty, Jackie and Joana Bruce
Liz ,Kevin and the entire family : So shocked to hear if John’s passing . Keep the memories as we all will and you will make it through this. By and Lori Benson .
Our sincere condolences to the entire Craigen family. We moved to Moosejaw when I was going into grade 3. Kevin was in my class and Shelly was in my sister Carla’s class. We quickly became friends with the Craigen family . The best memory I have of “Mr. Craigen” was one summer he bought a Bug Zapper! This was an invention that we had never even heard of!!! Every night after supper we couldn’t wait to run over to the Craigens house and sit in their back yard and watch that bug zapper!!! I’m sure John and Liz were very tired of having the Greer girls hanging out at their place all the time but always welcomed us with open arms. Xo
Bless you all during these tough days … losing your hero is heart wrenching . Xo
Dear Liz and family:
John was my mentor, peer, and friend.
His memory will remain with me as an individual with class.
Brent Waldo
Dear Liz and Family; John was a special guy! Always a smile and that chuckle of his was always there. A true gentleman. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. May you find comfort and peace with all your wonderful memories of the happy times you spent with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
such a sad loss of a great guy our condolences
Liz, Shelly and the rest of the family. I am so sorry to hear if John’s passing. John is one of the nicest, fairest guys that I have ever met and dealt with. I will miss his quick humor and conversations. My coldolences to the whole family.
Well I just came across this “Craigen” – My Condolences to John’s Family and Friends..As a child I had been told of a Sask branch of the Craigen family – I am thinking John Craigen is perhaps one of those. Besides John looks like many of the Craigen “clan” I have known. He just looks like a Decent man. RIP John!