Craig Michael Richards

Craig was born on August 3, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He enjoyed playing with cars, trucks, trains, and planes; watching Pixar Cars movies; and singing Baby Shark, even during church. He loved to swing on the playset, jump on the trampoline, and to run around the house and in the yard. When he fell down, he was quick to get up and keep going. Craig was a clever boy. He learned early how to open the freezer, to climb out of his crib, and to move chairs around to gain access to things he wanted. When being pushed in the jogging stroller he was known to call to go faster, even uphill. He liked to drive fast in his little dune buggy and on Grandpa’s toy tractor.

Craig loved helping out in the garden and kitchen with Mom. He could find all the ripe strawberries and tomatoes, as well as some that were not fully ripe. He became adept at cracking eggs with one hand and loved making and eating crepes. Following his surgery, he lost the ability to eat through his mouth for three months. When he relearned to swallow, he was able to enjoy large quantities of crepes with whipped cream, pizza with olives, and popcorn “with a great deal of butter on it.”

In the face of difficult cancer treatments, Craig was a model patient. He loved going to the hospital to see the nurses, whom he referred to as his “best friends.” He would run from the car to the door of the clinic, run to the check-in counter, run to the waiting room, and run to the treatment area, bringing a welcome enthusiasm and energy to the support staff.

Craig is survived by his parents, Sara and Mark; grandparents Sherilyn and Mike Johns, and Bonnie and Doug Richards; siblings Ryan, Rachel, Jared, Maria, Clara, and Greta.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the skilled and compassionate staff at UNC Children’s Hospital and Specialty Clinic and Transitions Kids hospice care; RocSolid Foundation, Make-a-Wish of Eastern North Carolina, Zach’s Toy Chest, Flashes of Hope, Pinky Swear Foundation, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Beads of Courage, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Wake County Speedway, Howell Movie Theater, and SPC Mechanical; and to innumerable neighbors and family members who brought meals, helped out with house cleaning and yard work, and provided emotional and financial support.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am EDT Friday, October 1 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on 590 Bryan Dr. Apex, NC. Masks are required. An outdoor luncheon will follow. The service will also be broadcast on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N05Fmnvy_H8).

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a painted rock to the family for Craig’s memorial garden, or making a donation in support of children’s cancer research.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com for the Richards family.