- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
LYNN CRAIG
Lynn was born and raised on a farm in southern Ontario. She was the youngest girl, and second youngest of 11 children. Born with fiery red hair, Lynn was a kind and gentle child that grew into a fearless and joyful adult.
At the age of 20, Lynn ventured from her small town to Vancouver to visit her sister. That trip would change her life when she met Ken. Their love would be an adventure lasting over 50 years. Ken was the best friend she ever had and the greatest man she ever knew.
Their marriage took them across Canada to some of the world's most beautiful and harsh places. Their adventure took them from BC to her beloved Yukon, on to the Northwest Territories and ultimately around the province of Manitoba, where they would make their home for the last 30 years. Their devotion to one another throughout their life in the R.C.M.P. and into their golden years, is something to aspire to.
On this journey, they became a trio, which was a formidable trio indeed. Welcoming their daughter Stephanie while stationed in the Yukon, Lynn embraced motherhood, giving Stephanie all that she needed. She spoiled her with the greatest gifts; kindness, work-ethic, and courage. Cultivating a fierce independence and strong opinions, Lynn supported everything that Stephanie chose to do - even when those choices took her far from home.
Lynn adapted with ease in each and every posting and left each one with lifelong friends. She volunteered and worked tirelessly while weaving herself into the fabric of the community. Those places, and the people that she met there, were forever in her heart and she in theirs.
Lynn was a lover of nature, enjoying camping throughout the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. She loved animals but most particularly birds. Her favourite was the cardinal but she wants to come back as an eagle - so she can have sharp teeth, which she didn't have in life. She was an avid gardener but dabbled in many different pursuits over the years as she sought the most out of life. Lynn loved music and dancing. Family kitchen dance parties to the Bee Gees were a regular occurrence. And she loved to travel, adding more wonderful stories and new friends with every trip.
But Lynn's greatest love was her family - both her family by blood and by choice. She was a mom to literally dozens of kids throughout the many towns she lived in and found her bonus daughter down the street when they moved to Stonewall. Louise Helbig was her daughter by choice and Madison Helbig was her granddaughter.
Lynn Craig embodied all that was good in this world and will not only be remembered by her family but the hundreds of people that she touched during her lifetime. Lynn will be deeply missed by Ken, Stephanie and her partner Todd Grant, Louise and Madison Helbig, and countless friends both near and far.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the professionals at the Stonewall Hospital, the Interlake home care staff, and the ALS team at Deer Lodge. Your care for her made it easier for Lynn and Ken to battle this disease together. Lynn faced her diagnosis with infinite resilience and courage, hopeful that from its devastating impact on her and her siblings, a cure might be found. Because that's the kind of person Lynn Craig was. The kind of person who would try to make things better for others.
If you would like to remember Lynn please help continue her fight against ALS by supporting the angels at the ALS Society of Manitoba or donating to I AM ALS, an organization who she helped inspire.
Because Lynn was so humble, she did not want a service. Actually, she didn't even want this obituary, but it was important for us to share her story of a life so well lived, with so much given to the world.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
-
We were saddened to see Lynn's sweet face in the paper and learn of her passing. We never did exchange names when we all met just after Christmas last year in Stonewall. Lynn was one of those rare people you meet who displayed caring, calmness and warmth as soon as you met her. We all liked her right away. We met again after that, but only once or twice. Ken, we could see your devotion to her. You will remember teasing Mom as somehow it was determined that you were a Riders fan and she was a true Blue Bomber fan - the rivalry began! Our hearts go out to you and your daughter at this sad and most difficult time. Sincerely, Edna Tarrant (Mom) Tracy Tarrant Terry Billingham - Posted by: Terry Billingham (acquaintance) on: May 21, 2020
-
Ken and Stephanie, So sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. I have wonderful memories of your family. You were great neighbours. Dad and Mom always talked favourably when speaking about the Craigs. Stephanie, I babysat you a few times. You were listening to chapter books at bedtime not picture books! Such a smart little tyke. Lynn would say one chapter, but you managed to cajole a couple out of me at least. I still have the graduation gift you gave me. A gold bracelet with my name on it. Your Mom was the person who ordered it, wrapped it, and paid for it, but she allowed you to gift it to me. I was very touched by that gesture and will carry the fond memories with me always. Prayers and hugs to you both in these difficult times. Condolences form Henri and Sharon Beck, as well, The Miscavish family. - Posted by: Sharon Beck (nee Miscavish) (Friend) on: May 14, 2020
-
Ken and Stephanie, Boyd and I are deeply saddened to hear of Lynn's passing. We offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of a great lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Boyd and Lynn Smith (Friend) on: May 14, 2020
-
I didn’t have the chance to know Lynn before ALS but that would have been fun. Lynn is a gracious, kind, loving woman with a heart full of forgiveness. Our time together was short Lynn but it’s impact will last a lifetime. I will cherish the time in your sunroom watching the birds feeding and the squirrel being the squirrel and watching you smile at the sun as it warmed you. I will Remember the precious time sitting in the living room Watching ice road truckers or snow rescue or you telling me about the curling girls From your hometown. I will Cherish helping Ken help you in and out of the car not because you needed the help because it is a way to say thank you for being you. I will remember the Canadian Thanksgiving walk around the neighborhood in the newly fallen snow. I will fondly remember the ALS Gala and you toughing it out Late so that you could represent. I will Miss sending you pictures of the cardinal at the feeder and those Sunday/Wed chats and Stephanie calling you Momsie. Although sadness comes I will not be sad because that’s not what you wanted. I am A much better person because I knew you Lynn Craig. Thank you for welcoming me and fly on Eagles Wings and stop by the feeder so I can say hello. - Posted by: Todd (Family) on: May 13, 2020
-
Lynn was such a loving; caring and giving person. She looked after my Daughter Erin for a number of years and treated her as a daughter almost 24/7 and showered her with love and generosity. I am so grateful that she and Ken were there for Erin and took her on many ventures that Erin has spoken about. Her and Ken made many of our Christmases such great memories. Rest peacefully. - Posted by: George Bailey (grateful friend) on: May 10, 2020
-
To Ken and Stephanie, From afar I send affection and a message of regret that you are experiencing the loss of someone so dear. As a child, Lynn had a profound influence on my sense of belonging as she exuded positivity and caring. When you entered Lynn and Ken’s space and home you always felt welcome. I recall gazing at Lynn with much admiration given her calm demeanor and steadfast disposition. In addition to aspiring to develop such personal traits, I was determined to one-day grow my hair like Mrs. Craig! As years passed and life informed many shifts, our families changed and so did our home locales. Yet this is a lady who went out of her way to share a precious and thoughtful gift on my high school graduation. Many years later, miles apart, she shared more of herself, with a gift which warmed my heart to which I continue to cherish today. I share this message in homage of a beautiful woman who touched me as a child and I send a message of gratitude for having been blessed to have such childhood experiences and memories, while being ever grateful to Lynn for her love and support as a precious friend to my mother. Hugs, Cheryl - Posted by: Cheryl O'Connell (Friend) on: May 09, 2020
-
Ken and Stephanie Sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. I hope she didn’t suffer too long. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers Take Care Ella - Posted by: Ella Miscavish (Friend ) on: May 09, 2020
-
No words can describe how sorry we are for your loss. Know that our thoughts and hearts go out to you Ken and Stephanie and your family. - Posted by: Roxanna Kowalchuk (Hogman) (Friend ) on: May 09, 2020
-
Our deepest condolences to Ken, Stephanie and partner. I still remember the regular deliveries of fresh bread. Trevor still has the Christmas stocking she made. I still remember the pot holders she made. A talented mother, a giving friend and a loving wife is now at rest. Till we meet again Lynn, the oven will bake best at 375 degrees. - Posted by: Andre and Lil Arsenault (Former co-worker, neighbour and friend) on: May 09, 2020
-
So very sad to hear of Lynn's passing. Hugs to you Ken and Stephanie. So many memories of our time in Swan River and Stonewall with our families within the RCMP. Love Linda and Dennis Hogman - Posted by: Linda and Dennis Hogman (friend) on: May 09, 2020
-
Condolences to the family and friends. Rest In Peace in God's arms. - Posted by: Barbara Boycey (Friend) on: May 09, 2020
-
Met Lynn & Ken when they were stationed in Ste Rose, Manitoba many years ago. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Alan & Debbie Pinette (Acquaintances ) on: May 09, 2020
-
I'm so very sorry to hear about Lynn as I just saw it in the obits. I am thinking of you & Steph & my deepest condolences go out to you. - Posted by: Dianne Clarke (Friend) on: May 09, 2020