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CRAIG YAHIRO  Obituary pic

CRAIG YAHIRO

Date of Passing: Jan 10, 2018

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CRAIG YAHIRO It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Craig, a devoted son, partner, brother and dear friend to many, on January 10, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by family. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his mother Meg, girlfriend Jane Knutson, brother Scott, and sister Cheryl (Ken) Tresoor. Craig was predeceased by his father Frank in 2016, and has recently been joined by his faithful companion, Hogan. Craig was born on May 25, 1958 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended Neil Campbell School, John Henderson Jr. High and Miles Macdonell Collegiate. Craig enjoyed playing hockey and golf throughout his childhood and treasured the lifelong friends he made along the way. After graduating from the University of Winnipeg, Craig pursued his passion for golf. He completed his five year CPGA Apprenticeship Program under the guidance of Gerald Morrissey at Rossmere Golf and Country Club. Upon receiving his Class "A" member status with the PGA of Canada in 1986, his first position was as an Assistant Golf Professional at Mill Woods Golf Course in Edmonton, Alberta. He then became Head Golf Professional at Chinook Golf Course in Swift Current, Saskatchewan with his long-time friend, Tom Betz as his assistant. In 1991 Craig took the position as Head Golf Professional at Rossmere, which was the backyard to his family home growing up. He valued the relationships he made with the members and those who visited the club. Craig was honoured to be the recipient of the PGA of Canada - Manitoba Golf Professional of the Year in 2009. With our short golf season, Craig was fortunate to spend his winters in Arizona. Many of his drives down south were with his co-pilot, Hogan. Craig knew all the pet friendly hotels on his route. It was in Arizona where he met Jane and his winter family, the Knutsons, with whom he enjoyed many golf, cribbage and Parcheesi games. Craig had a smile for everyone he met and the friendships he made in Canada and the United States were everlasting. Whether you were just starting out, or a seasoned veteran, Craig's greatest source of pride was getting people to love the game of golf. His skillful instruction helped players improve their game and even allowed some to make a few snips during a friendly round. Craig's sense of humour, kindness, and his caring and thoughtful nature made him so easy to be around. He was an incredibly loyal friend who would do anything for you. The family wishes to express our sincerest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center for their care, compassion and professionalism. Thank you also to our family and friends for their love and support during this very difficult time. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. A celebration of Craig's life will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road, Winnipeg. Reception to follow. Show kindness to others each day just as Craig did all his life. Forever in our hearts. We love you, Craig.
Publish Date: Feb 3, 2018

CRAIG YAHIRO It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Craig on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A complete obituary will follow at a later date.


Publish Date: Jan 20, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2018

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

  • Just read a wonderful article in Wpg Free Press today (May 23, 2020), and it made dig back to memories to the mid 80's when I purchssed my first set of clubs from Craig (Rossmere) and then my custom fitted Pings in the late 90's. He was a delight to deal with, and was an excellent teacher. Last memory was at Tom Betz send off at Grand Pines, he always had a smile and a heartfelt greeting . . . . he always made you feel you were a cherished friend. Keep it in the short grass, and when my time comes, I hope you can slot me in for a lesson. - Posted by: Frank Kuerten (Friend) on: May 23, 2020

  • Firstly, my sincerest condolences to the entire Yahiro clan and to the multitude of friends that Craig had. I knew Craig, like a lot of people, from Rossmere Golf Course where, at the time, I worked and he was hanging around :) - Posted by: Jack Simpson (Friend, albeit from a long time ago ) on: Mar 06, 2019

  • I am so shocked and saddened. Craig started me playing golf when I vacationed in Scottadale so long ago! Even though I haven't had lessons from Craig in many many years, every year I have hoped to return to Arizona or go to Canada. He has been the best experience of all my golf endeavors. I called him a couple times at Rossmere over the years to make sure he was still there also. He was a wonderful professional and person. I never found a golf pro that could come close to his teaching skills and personality. This was my winter to finally make a trip to resume lessons with him. I just now googled Craig to see where he appeared...never expecting to see this sad news. I will continue to always think of Craig with the great pleasure that I have for the past almost 30 yrs. Marilyn - Posted by: Marilyn Friel (Student) on: Sep 06, 2018

  • So sad to hear of Craig's passing. Deepest condolences from the Thomson family to all of the Yahiro family. Craig was a true gentleman and surely will be missed by everyone he knew. - Posted by: Gray Thomson (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2018

  • Condolences to Scott Yahiro and family for the passing of the well respected, well embraced and well loved Craig Yahiro. sincerely Dan Lester and the Lester family. - Posted by: Dan Lester (friend of Scott Yahiro) on: Feb 12, 2018

  • The best lesson I ever had in my life. I love the whole family. - Posted by: Bill Armstrong (Friend ) on: Feb 09, 2018

  • Our sincere sympathy to the Yahiro family for their loss of such a wonderful person in Craig. Our time with Craig was through hockey with the Steelers Men's Hockey team. Craig was always there smiling and just having fun on and off the ice. We will cherish our time with him forever. He left us too soon. - Posted by: Liz and Bob Omeniuk (freinds) on: Feb 08, 2018

  • I was so saddened and shocked to hear about Craig. I am sure as you didn’t want to believe it was true. Craig was always very kind. Sending prayers to everyone in the family and a hug to my friend Cheryl. I wish I could be there Monday, but my thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Karen Zapisocki (Friend) on: Feb 08, 2018

  • Craig and his siblings grew up in East Kildonan, and attended all the same schools that my siblings and I attended. In particular, Craig was good friends with my brother Randy and I all through our elementary years at Neil Campbell School. Although I haven't had contact with Craig in many years, seeing his picture brings back many memories of a warm, funny and fun loving loyal young friend with a million dollar smile. Most sincere condolences to the Yahiro family, and the countless friends Craig made since our youthful friendship. Rest in peace old friend. - Posted by: Jeff on behalf of the Gzebb family. (Childhood/family friend ) on: Feb 07, 2018

  • We were shocked and saddened to learn of our good friends passing. Our sincere condolences to Meg, Scotty, Cheryl and Ken, and Jane. The good times we had over the many years will be in our memories forever. Craig will be missed and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. moe i ka maluhia R & M - Posted by: R & M (Friends) on: Feb 07, 2018

  • My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Yahiro family. I was so very saddened to hear of Craig's passing, a life cut far too short. Rossmere will just not be the same without Craig's presence. Absolutely every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face and a warm "Hello, how are you doing?" Seeing him and Hogan riding around on the golf cart always brought a smile to my face. He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Julye Rogoski (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2018

  • Craig was my first customer and became my first friend when I entered the golf business. He was honest, loyal, kind, funny, but mostly human. Although our paths crossed a little less over the last few years, the times we spent together were still important to him, and I will always remember that. To the Yahiro family, Jane, my deepest condolences. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Ray Hayes (Friend & Business associate) on: Feb 06, 2018

  • I am shocked and saddened to hear about Craig's passing. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Yahiro, Scott, and Cheryl and Ken. I have such great memories of Craig from my days working at Rossmere. He was so kind and had such a great sense of humor. He made me laugh every day. I always smile when I hear the name Craig Yahiro. He touched many people in his life. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Corinna () on: Feb 06, 2018

  • Many fond memories playing golf and hanging out with Craig. You will be missed. Rick Baker, Orlando, Florida - Posted by: Rick Baker (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2018

  • What sad news! Craig was a wonderful golf teacher: patient, knowledgeable, kind. I, for one, benefitted greatly from his expertise. He will be missed by many in the golf world. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Janet Potter (former golf student; colleague of Cheryl's) on: Feb 04, 2018

  • Our deepest and most sincere sympathies to Meg and Sheryl, Ken Scott and dear friend, Jane. Our hearts are with you during this trying time. Craig was the essence of Rossmere. It will be difficult not to see him playing or just driving around the course with Hogan, so he could say hi. Craig had not a bad thing to say about anyone and for sure no one could say anything negative about him. He had a way to always make you feel welcome and at home, from the moment you walked into the shop. We will miss you, my friend. Rest forever in peace. Kathy and Pete - Posted by: Kathy Slezak (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • I am so sad to learn of the passing of Craig Yahiro. I remember many times when Craig and I would visit at the pro shop or play a round of golf together. My late father John Olthof thought very highly of Craig and what he brought to the Rossmere Golf Club in both professionalism and a friendly face in the pro shop who would always be available to the members for advice on their golf game. Rossmere was a family at one time with many people who touched both Craig and my life who have left us also far to early- Vic Peters, Tom Betz and also my father. My condolences to the Yahiro family on your loss, rest in peace my friend you will be missed .. - Posted by: Stephen Olthof (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • I met Craig many, many years ago. Craig was always happy and smiling. He treated everyone with respect and like they were the most important person in the world, just like his dad, Frank did. When Norm worked at Rossmere Golf Course, he would see Craig, Frank and Hogan all the time. We would be a part of the Yahiro family for many Christmas holiday gatherings! We were always welcomed and their company was always enjoyed! Norm and I both will miss seeing Craig. He was an awesome and amazing person to know! 💐 - Posted by: Corky Karen Goldberg Schmautz (Good friend) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Sincere Condolences to the family. Craig was a Class Act Pro at Rossmere. Patience, kindness & a true love of the game. He was a mentor to me & my love of golf. Always loved visiting with Hogan. "Kindness to all" - Posted by: Michele (Former client - golf) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Thanks for being an Incredible mentor and friend Craig. Condolences to the Yahiro family. - Posted by: Kevin Hassett (Friend ) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Craig was a wonderful friend and terrific golf professional. We enjoyed many great times in Arizona and had the privilege of having Craig work with us at the Chinook Golf Course in Saskatchewan before his return to Winnipeg where he spent so many successful years as the Head Professional at Rossmere. Our thoughts are with Craig's family at this difficult time. Craig will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Harry and Doneta Brotchie - Posted by: Harry and Doneta Brotchie (friend and co-worker) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Condolences from the Chrustie family to the Yahiro family. Heartfelt loss obviously and our prayers and thoughts are with the Yahiro family during this time. Bill, Marguerite, Carolyn, Stan, Kristy and Calvin. - Posted by: Calvin Chrustie (Friend of the family. ) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • So many of us weep for our world's loss. This is a beautiful recap of a life well-lived, but cut too short. To the Yahiro's and Jane, your memories will give you relief as time heals. I expect Craig and Tom will provide us with some comic relief from the Heaven's above...I'll be watching for the signs! Rest in Paradise, my dear friend. To you closest to him, may the love of your and Craig's friends provide strength as you learn to live without his physical presence. Lynn - Posted by: Lynn Gacek (Friend ) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Meg and family and loved ones, sending you loving thoughts and prayers at this very sad time in your lives. We are so sorry for your loss..Craig was such a kind and gentle soul and always a gentleman. Knowing we will never see his face or hear his voice again leaves a big hole in our hearts, but we will always cherish fond memories of Craig. God created angels to guard us wherever we go and an angel was with Craig when he passed. Heaven has been blessed by another very special angel called Craig. He is with Jesus and his angels and his loved ones who are no longer with us, his loving father Frank and his close friend Tommy Betz. Rest in peace our dear friend. God bless you and your loved ones. With Love and Respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen. - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen (Friends) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Craig will sadly be missed by the entire Riddoch Family. He was such a big part of our lives for so many years. We will fondly remember our times together at Rossmere, Falcon Lake and in Arizona. I will especially miss my kind and thoughtful dear friend. There wasn't a week that went by without a "Check In" You will always be in my thoughts...Luv you ROG - Posted by: Tim & Lynda Riddoch (Friends) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Thanks for our many years of friendship Craig! I will always see your smiling face and love of people around you!! One kind man that the world will miss. Regards, Siggi - Posted by: George Sigurdson (Golf friends and group insurance adviser) on: Feb 03, 2018

  • Our thoughts are with your family at this time of your heartbreaking loss.Our family was together sharing memories of Craig,which inevitably led back to Melrose days. Patrick perhaps summed it up best ,when he said the older kids wouldn't give them the time of day,except Craig who was always friendly,caring and prepared to share the puck. Doesn't look like much changed during Craig's life.Oh yeah, we all remembered his crazy helmet. Thinking about you, Neil, Gloria and family. - Posted by: Neil and Gloria payne (Friends) on: Jan 28, 2018

  • Dear Cheryl & Ken, We are saddened to read about Craig's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hugs, Jan & Fred Butler ...... Palm Desert - Posted by: Jan Butler (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2018

  • Our thoughts are with you at the time of your heartbreaking loss.Our family was together sharing memories of Craig,which inevitably led us back to Melrose.Patrick perhaps summed it up best. He recalled the older kids wouldn't give them the time of day, except Craig who was always friendly,caring and prepared to share the puck. Doesnt look like much changed during his life,Oh yeah we all remembered the crazy helmet he used to wear. Neil, Gloria and family - Posted by: Gloria and Neil payne (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2018

  • It is heartbreaking to hear of Craig's passing. Craig & my late brother Tom were great friends. I met Craig on many occasions. He was a wonderful, fun loving guy. I will never forget the friendship he & Tom shared & I was so happy, grateful he shared them with our family. RIP Craig. - Posted by: Irene Plowman (Betz) (Friend) on: Jan 25, 2018

  • I golfed with Craig as a young junior at Rossmere and I was a member at Rossmere for many years when Craig was the pro. Craig was the nicest guy anyone could know! He was easy going and incredibly patient, especially when providing golf lessons to our 3 young kids! Craig will be missed by his family and many good friends... Our sincerest condolences! David & Robyn Unruh.. - Posted by: David & Robyn Unruh (Friends) on: Jan 21, 2018

  • It was my pleasure to call Craig a friend, colleague, roommate, teacher (Sempi), student (Kohi), host, fellow fitbitter, Altra-er..YOU will be missed...GOD'S Speed buddy. Seve Phoenix, AZ - Posted by: Seve (Friend) on: Jan 20, 2018

  • Our family is thinking of you all at this time. May the love and support of family and friends ease your sorrow. Much love - Posted by: Leota and Wayne Turner (Friend of Cheryl and Ken) on: Jan 20, 2018

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