My deepest condolences to Craig's family. Craig and I first met in Bethesda about 20 years ago through our respective kids schools and church. We instantly bonded over sports, particularly college basketball and football. Despite the fact that Craig was a big Ohio State fan, and I’m a Penn State guy, we got along just fine, LOL. After Craig’s divorce, he and I, and sometimes a couple other local friends, would meet up periodically at Rock Bottom in Bethesda for beer and to play pool and watch sports. One random night, we met and chatted up this random somewhat older kinda dorky looking guy who was there with two much younger attractive women. Craig and I were like… what on earth is going on here… so we ended up playing pool with them for a few hours. To make a long story short, it turns out this guy was a world famous author, either in the science fiction or horror genre. I can’t remember which genre nor can I remember his name. But as soon as they left, we googled his name on our phones and it turns out he had written and sold lots of books and was one of the preeminent authors in that genre and was also probably extremely wealthy. We laughed hysterically about the randomness of it all, and how the $$$ probably attracted the younger ladies. Good true story, Craig and I had a blast whenever we hung out at Rock Bottom. He was always a fun guy to be around. He seemingly knew everyone in this town but didn’t brag about it. He only ever bragged about Kate and Caroline! His eyes lit up when he talked about them and their various interests and accomplishments.

Around this time, I recruited Craig to play on a mens league basketball team that I assembled. Before our first game, Craig joked that he hadn’t played a refereed basketball game in a long time. I think he had just turned 50 but was still in great shape and was still a good player. Our team had fun, but in the end we were no match for the younger guys that we played against week in and week out. Regardless, it was a great experience that both Craig and I enjoyed. Craig also spoke about his 6’10” brother David and how we would have added him to our roster and won the league had he lived closer. 

Eventually Craig met Amy, and life got busy on both our ends as our kids got older and more involved in school and sports etc. Although we saw each other less often, we texted and stayed in touch. I know that he was very, very happy to have met Amy because he told me as much shortly after they started dating. I was very happy for my good friend Craig. 

I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Craig’s diagnosis. By all indications, he was a healthy guy. I just couldn’t believe it. I prayed for Craig as he went though his various medical treatments with Amy at his side. I prayed that the best doctors and modern medicine would cure Craig.  I deeply, deeply regret not making the time to see Craig one last time before he passed. 

Unfortunately, my wife and are out of town and can’t make the April 1 event. 

My prayers go out to Amy, Kate, Caroline and all of Craig’s friends and family.