
Stewart Leonard Craig grew up in West Vancouver with his Yorkshire mother, Jennifer Lynn Craig (nee Rice; died 2023), Scottish father, Thomas Grant Craig (until their separation), and sister Juliet. With a twinkle in his eye and quick wit, he enjoyed a good laugh, whether it be playing pranks on his little sister, telling jokes with his friends, or quipping a one liner to set off his mum. Stew’s family expanded when his dad married Linda Harrison and they had two daughters, Sarah and Emily. Stew was a loving son and big brother, and a fun and generous uncle to his nieces and nephews.
As a teenager, Stew developed his lifelong love of music, cherishing his eclectic cassette and vinyl collection and playing drums for a punk rock band, as well as the West Van Band. He attended Pauline Johnson Elementary and West Van High, with two years in Montreal at FACE school between them. He was effortlessly popular, cracking everyone up in class and making a good time of any situation. His treasured childhood friendships endured throughout his life. After high school, Stew travelled in Europe and worked briefly in England and Switzerland.
As a young adult, Stew followed in his dad’s footsteps and completed his carpentry apprenticeship through Smith Bros & Wilson. His affable nature and strong leadership shone through, and he was quickly promoted to Site Foreman, the youngest in the company. He later attended BCIT to round out his construction knowledge by taking a Building Economics & Technology Diploma. In the early 2000s, his training and experience in the construction industry matched with his gift of getting along with people, calm nature, and sharp business sense positioned him to take over and grow his dad’s business, Craig Construction. For 25 years, he ran this very successful company with great integrity and was admired and loved by many in the industry.
In the early 1990s, Stew met Rebekah Edwards, a vibrant young Brit traveling around the world. They fell deeply in love, got married, and formed an incredible life partnership. They were a formidable force who took on the world together, whether it be renovating their home, running their businesses, or fixing up their farmhouse in France. To his last breath, their relationship was a rare example of true soul mates and best friends.
They settled in Langley, creating a beautiful home to raise their children: Samuel, Maxwell, Oliver and Leanne. Stew was a model father, and their house was filled with love and laughter, including family Sunday dinners, games nights, BBQs on the deck, and Friday night dance parties that Stew would DJ. Stew was adored by his kids, and their friends who were often dropping by, becoming a second dad to many in the neighbourhood.
Stew loved to tinker, whether on cars or building projects or renovations. He was an avid member of the Rover-Lander Club of BC, going on expeditions around the province. He the enjoyed the outdoors and could often be seen walking in his Barbour jacket and peak cap on the trails of Fort Langley. But by far his greatest love was spending time in the company of his wife and children, whom he adored.
Stew’s humour touched all who knew him and he had the ability to make people laugh, even during the hardest times of his cancer journey. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, stepson, son-in-law, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, and all around beautiful human being. In his final days, as with his entire life, Stew was showered in love with his family by his side. Remember Stew with love and laughter; he wouldn’t want it any other way.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favourite charity.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 2 to 4 pm at the Fort Langley Community Hall (9167 Glover Road, Langley). Those wishing to join remotely can attend by Zoom, using this link
Beloved Stew… loved always, forever missed.
January 15th, 2025
I'm Jeff Wells from Wells Construction in Saskatoon.
I considered Stewart a friend and was deeply saddened to learn of his passing.
I wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences.
Over the years, Stewart entrusted me with many projects, especially during the early part of my career when I truly needed them.
I always cherished Stewart's visits to Saskatchewan; he was so approachable for conversations about the industry we both loved - construction.
Our lunches often extended longer than expected, and our phone calls, meant to be brief, frequently lasted an hour or more. I will genuinely miss those talks.
As is common in construction, things weren’t always smooth, yet Stewart never lost his temper or showed any frustration with me. He was always eager to assist or find a solution, something I've always admired and strive to emulate today.
Once again, I was truly saddened by the news. We were texting just a few weeks before his passing; I knew he was unwell but not to such an extent.
Here's a heartfelt nod and toast to Stewart, my friend!
Sincerely,
Jeff Wells
January 4th, 2025
I met Stuart when i was installing a floor in Langley and installed a number of floors for him over a number of years.
what a great man, he wore his Dr Martens boots a company i worked for in Irthlingborough Northamptonshire
as a child Stuart went to his grandparents in Wells Next Sea in Norfolk England a small fishing village which we talked about as i had spent many weekends there
growing up as my parents owned a cottage there.
you will be greatly missed
December 13th, 2024
As Rebekah aunt and uncle our first meeting with Stew was when they stayed at our home in the UK with their first son Sam as a baby. Regrettably we were unable to attend their recent wedding in Vancouver but upon meeting for the first time we were immediately impressed with the relaxed and amiable personality of Stew. We have met with Stew and Rebekah on many occasions when they have visited the UK and had the pleasure of staying with them at their home in Langley in 2010.
Stew was a model and laid back host and nothing was too much trouble to ensure that we enjoyed all the amazing sights and
experiences in Vancouver and beyond ensuring that we were able to visit Whistler, Vancouver Island and many other places.
He was a model father and although he was running a business he always found time to indulge in family life even baking bread for breakfast amongst many other things. Our lasting impression of Stew is of a one off and nicest laid back person we have ever met. Rest In Peace Stew.
Love from Geraldine and Brian.
December 10th, 2024
We were privileged to have 3 men of 3 generations in our family,who exhibited those wonderful gifts of kindness, generosity, laughter and smiling countenance- my father Thomas, my brother Gordon and my nephew Stewart.
Sadly all succumbed to cancer, but even in the darkest days of their lives, they exhibited positive, encouraging outlooks on life. Stewart was a nephew much loved, revered and enjoyed. Always smiling, he could brighten the darkest days, and bring joy.
We shall all miss him, and we grieve with his family, but thank God that we had the privilege of calling him nephew and cousin. Rest in peace, dear Stewart.
December 5th, 2024
I met Stewart many years ago through the Rover-Landers club, our deep conversations took place on top of mountains, besides beautiful lakes and around blazing campfires. We soon learnt we had so much in common, not only Land Rovers and a longing for the outdoors but also with the love for old vinyl records and the punk / alternative music from the late 70's & early 80's. In the 90's we also travelled to many of the same places and had a Canadian / British connection with our partners, we were both involved in Construction and were similar ages. Its not often in life that you find such great connections. Stewart, such a wonderful, generous person, full of smiles and enthusiasm. Its hard to understand why you will no longer be joining us on our rustic off-road adventures, we will continue to include you in our around-the-campfire conversations and will be looking up to the stars and saying "cheers". A special man, you will never be forgotten.
December 3rd, 2024
I met Stewart and Rebekah in 2018 when I joined the RoverLanders of BC. Stewart was always smiling and eager to lend a hand when the winches, chainsaws and shovels came out on a Club trip! Around the campfire he willingly shared his red wine when I forgot mine! His smile and easy manner will be greatly missed.
December 2nd, 2024
Stewart, I have never had the pleasure to meet you. I knew you only through what you imparted on your son Sam, and through him I could see a good man and excellent father. May your love live through generations, and your rest be peaceful.
November 30th, 2024
Stewart was the epitome of a wonderful older brother and I admired him so much. He was effortlessly popular, always knew the latest cool music, and could fix anything. He was a calm and wise voice of reason in my life. He protected me as an older brother should and was always there for me no matter what. He drove me crazy as a kid (mostly on purpose), with practical jokes, incessant drumming, and his punk rock band that practiced in our basement.
He had an incredible sense of humour. With a twinkle in his eye, he’d set off our mum with a quick witted one liner, pull a prank, or do something silly to crack me up. He made me laugh during the hardest times of my life including my awkward adolescence, our mum’s dementia, and even his own cancer journey.
My kids loved their Uncle Stewy who read them stories, bought them ice cream, and gave them presents like whoopee cushions and flying screaming monkeys. I will continue to light a candle for him on his birthday, which he shared with my daughter, and proudly see him in my son, who shares his quick wit and sense of humour.
I appreciate that I’ve had the privilege and gift to have him as my brother in this life.
I’ll miss you so much big bro. Love you. 💕✨🕯️
November 26th, 2024
Stew…a man I looked up to. The perfect example of a successful business man & a true, successful family man.
We’ve been working with Stew for several years and since day 1, I’ve been taking notes. The way he lived his life - both in business and personally was something I always admired.
A few months back, I had the privilege of joining the entire Craig family for dinner in their backyard and this really opened my eyes. I’ve always strived to have the perfect balance of both my professional & family life and it’s been a real struggle for me.
To see Stew have & maintain such great relationships with his family while owning and operating a successful business with his wonderful wife Rebekah, opened up my eyes to the fact that it is possible.
I consider the Craig family like family to me as well. Getting to know them over the years has been an honour.
Stew - your legacy will live on forever.
Craig family - a bunch of rockstars. You are an amazing family.
Always know, we’re here for you.
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