Richard Craig

Richard Brian Craig Richard Brian Craig, 71, of Wapato, died Monday, July 17, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow after a five-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the deepest love, highest respect, and fullest gratitude of his family at his time of death. Born in Yakima, Washington, to Elmer and Frances (Duffey) Craig on February 20, 1952, he spent his childhood in Harrah. After graduating from White Swan High School in 1970, he attended and graduated from Washington State University and Central Washington University. With a career as a teacher and coach that spanned over 30 years, he was known as “Mr. Craig” and “Coach” to hundreds of young students. On June 8, 1974, Richard married Kathryn Fiander at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in White Swan. Over the course of nearly six decades, they built a life of faith, family, and love. Because Rick loved Kathy, five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson entered the world to continue the legacy for which they strived. Pops was an ardent fan of the Wapato Wolves, White Swan Cougars, Yakama Nation Tribal School Eagles, LaSalle Lightning, Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks, and Lakewood Cougars. His favorite teams always included one of his children or grandchildren. He was always willing to offer his sports knowledge and technique to enrich children who were interested in learning, especially his own. As an athlete himself, he knew the right play, strategy, and path to a win. We also joined him in rooting for the Seattle Mariners, Sonics, and Seahawks. Richard had a love and respect for music. From Tony Bennett to Drake, Gaelic folk to The Paperboys, Van Morrison to the Dixie Chicks, and always The Beatles–his life had a soundtrack for the ages. His wife, children, and grandchildren are indebted to him for sharing that love of music. Richard was a quiet man, not for lack of words but for his appreciation of words and their meanings. His words were always intentionally chosen and communicated. His conversations were filled with his humor, wit, and wisdom. He was a prolific poet and lover of the written word. As one dear friend remarked, he was a great teacher and poet whose beautiful life was itself a poem. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances Craig and Henry and Theresa Fiander; his brother Jackie and sister Sally; his brothers Dave Blodgett, Sr. and Ted Strom, Jr.; his nephew Ricky Blodgett and nieces Karen Blodgett, Monique Fiander Erickson, and Gabriella Gamboa. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Craig; children Gabriel Adam (Cheryl), Anthony Burton (Chelsea), Ryan Henry (Maribel), Kateri Marie, Shawn William (Nocona); grandchildren Celum Hatch, Shelbi Hatch, Shariah Craig, Kamiakin Craig, Devin Craig, Gabriel Craig, Madi Craig, Kamaya Craig, Ella Craig, and great-grandson CaryMichael Williams; sisters Judy Craig and Betty Craig (Jim Wandling); siblings-in-law JoJean Blodgett, Phyllis Strom, Shirley Fiander, Bill and Nancy Fiander, Jone Swan, and numerous nieces and nephews. We would be remiss to not mention Dr. Pombarahalli, nurse Holli, and nursing staff of the second floor west at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for their compassion and diligence in their care for Richard. A rosary service will be held Thursday, July 20th from 6:00 to 7:00pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato. A funeral mass will be conducted on Friday, July 21st at 1:00pm at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Wapato with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the extraordinary and empathetic service and care provided by Cottage in the Meadow. Their support was deeply needed and fully provided. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Craig, please visit our flower store.