I just found out about this tragedy and I am so sorry and stunned.  I knew Craig from the track, he was a very good player, but most importantly always friendly and honorable.  I always enjoyed sitting with him even if I knew he wasn't going to give anything away.

I know this is an unimaginable struggle, and I just want to express my condolences to those that knew Craig and will miss him.  I will miss him as well.

Again so sorry for the loss.

Justin " Mr. wonderful" Jelinek

Some of my most fond memories of my brother are when we went to the cabin with our friends growing up.  I will continue to reminisce every time I go up there.  I love you and miss you Craig.

I just learned Wednesday night Craig has passed away, completely shocked and devastated for his passing. I met Craig about four or five months ago we had many many talks at the pokertable, and I will miss him very much, the place will not be the same without him.R.i.P my friend 🙏

With love and remembrance, we share in your sorrow.” Damaris From Canterbury park.

I have know Craig for 2 years and I have a lot of good memories of him, he is kind hearted, honest. There is a ceratin innocence in Craig that is rare to find, I will truly miss Craig!

Phil and Dennis,  my heart is broken for you and Lauren.   There is no pain quite like the loss of a child.  There’s a profound emptiness inside.    I don’t know yet but they say it gets easier.   I pray that’s true.  
Thinking if all if you.

It’s really wonderful hearing the memories of Craig from his friends, fellow players, and card room staff. He was obviously very loved. I had known him for the last 17-18 years or so from my time working at Canterbury Park. He always treated the staff, players, and myself with respect. I hope the Wilkerson family can take some comfort in knowing that Craig was polite, kind, generous, and fair to everyone he encountered. I’ve never heard anyone speak I’ll of Craig. I’ll miss him very much and remember him always. God bless you, kind sir.

I met Craig a few years ago, while playing Poker at Canturbury Downs. I had seen him often but never really talked to him. Then, one day, while I was losing (as usual) and quite badly, I talked of how I hated my life, etc, — and Craig, upon hearing this, changed seats to sit by me. He was worried I was serious — about hating my life — and wanted me to know that he was always there for me if I wanted to talk. What a guy! What a good heart. He stepped out of the game for a while just to make sure I was okay. I’ll always remember that: How he cared about my well -being to make sure I was okay. RIP, Craig. I’ll miss seeing you at the tables. God bless you. I’ll be praying for you and your family.

Craig was always a friend, and a great competitor, I was sad to hear the news. Condolences to his many friends and family.

Brothers don't shake, brothers hug.  From high-school, working at the movie theatre together, and being college roommates.  Halo 3 in Sherburne, hundreds of rounds of disc golf, meeting up to watch new episodes of breaking bad on AMC.  Our lives went in different directions the last several years.   Regardless, if either of us ever needed anything we could always call each other.   I'll miss you, I'm grateful for over a decade of memories.  I love you brother.

Craig and I had become good friends over the past few years.  We regularly spent time together at Canterbury, and connected away from the poker table too.   We shared a lot of laughs, and discussed many serious topics as well; what was going on in our lives, our hopes/goals, etc.  Craig was an honest, loyal person; who understood a lot more about life than people gave him credit for.  I miss Craig a lot, and would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends.

Condolences to Craig's family! He will be missed at canterbury park! Won't be the same without him! 🙏 Rip craig!

I hardly ever go to Canterbury anymore but when I did go, you were always someone I'd look for to say hi to and catch up. I'm reading old text messages between us and I just keep thinking to myself how good of a dude you were. I will miss you Craig.

My condolences to Craig’s family and everyone touched by him. He was always a good guy and cared about others before himself.

 Even when I did or said inappropriate things at the table, he would hit me up with “just don’t do it again because that isn’t you.” I often told others that I would hire Craig for his great attitude alone. He was a treasure.

I will miss Craig. He always said hello with a genuine inflection in his booming voice. See you on the other side, my friend.

I always thought of him as a gentle giant.  I'm going to miss the random conversations we would have in the customer smoking area at Canterbury. Rest in peace. 💕

I am soo sad about Craig being gone. He was a very nice guy, always treated me, and as far as I know a lot of other employees of Canterbury with kindness, smile. Always said me complements about my serving..
You will be missed, you was a part of our Canterbury  "family ".. Rest in peace 🙏

Craig you will be missed!  I will miss bringing you your grilled cheese and fries with a side of ranch and two Mountain Dews! Also our talks in the smoking lounge. Rest in peace.

Craig, your presence will be greatly missed here at Canterbury! You were always kind and considerate with all of us. Won't be the same without you here!
Deanna Lopez

thank you for sharing ur kind genuine happy soul with us everytime  we saw you. Your spirit was so bright gentle. We miss you already. may your mind and spirit rest easy now.
lots  of love Julz

RIP Craig. I always enjoyed seeing you at CP, and you never had a bad word to say about anyone. The room is going to feel very empty without you. I hope you have found peace, and I will miss you my friend.

Craig was one of those guys who always wanted to be known for the joys he liked, which happened to be his love for poker. He never lost has drive for his passion and that part of him will carry on through the ages. His time here was cut short but his time here will never be forgotten. Rest up big easy the man upstairs has a seat waiting for you in the after life.

Journey well, Bro.  You were always the welcoming familiar face and gentle demeanour who made our game interesting . CP feels a bit empty without your presence. You will be missed.

One of the kindest and gentlest guys I've ever met. He'll be very missed.

In my 18 years dealing at Canterbury Park Craig never complained about my dealing or caused a problem at the table. He always made sure to help out the dealers, whether it was about a ruling, a question about where the button was or if he wanted to make sure the dealer got a toke. you will be missed. 
R.I.P Craig. Matthew Jensen

I'm so sorry for your loss. Though Craig's time was far too short, the light he brought to those around him will never fade. Craig touched lives in a way that will be remembered forever. His spirit will continue to inspire and be felt in the hearts of all that new him.  

Pete U

Thank you Craig for always being so generous and kind to me in the 6 years I have been a dealer. You will be missed and the room won't be the same without you. I hope you're up there playing a game of cards looking down on us. You will be missed.  Rest In Peace

Craig I can't quite believe you moved on yet it's going to take some time to soak that in.  I miss you, I love you and I take comfort knowing you are in peace. Through out our friendship you were always the first one there to endure the hardest of times with me. You will live on in my heart for as long as it beats. My deepest condolences to your family I am so sorry for your loss.  Danny Kinney.

Craig always took the time to say hello, I met and knew craig from playing poker at canterbury park, where you would find him doing what he loved, I tried to hand the baton off to him for loving poker the most out of regulars, he denied and agreed with others I loved poker the most. Craig had a friendly vibe and cheerful smile, if ever borrowed money if needed, always paid back with extra, Was well know at the card club and from what i witnessed was one of the yellow chip crushers!  Rip in the heaven Craig Riley

Such a sweet hearted man.
Never , EVER  a  bad word from Craig.
Always chatted with me every shift.
RIP sweet man. 
You will be missed 🙏♥️🙏

My condolences to Craig's family.
What a big hearted and friendly person Craig was. Always took the time to listen and talk with me no matter what the situation is. The nice's person I know that genuinely cared about other people besides himself. I'm glad to have known and be friends with. Forever will be missed my friend. (MK)

Craig, you were more than just a regular at the poker table—you were a true friend. You were always attentive, ready to jump in and do whatever was needed. We had countless moments together, from the wild parties to those nights where you listened to my less-than-perfect freestyles without a hint of judgment. You were the one I'd count on for that classic shoulder tap, whispering to borrow a hundred. I'd always give you two, and you always made sure to pay it back.

I’ll never forget those times when you'd run it up and play for weeks, riding the highs and lows like only you could. Your steady presence, your laughs, and yes, even those awkward walks away when I needed to wrap up the conversation—you will be missed more than words can say.

Rest in peace, my friend. You will always have a place at my table.

Craig had a heart as big as the poker room. He would have gave the shirt of his back if you needed it. He was my friend, always asked how I was doing, cared what my answer was. I’ll miss you buddy, I know you are in a better place, save a seat for me at the big game!

Craig was a genuinely kind person with a big heart. He was a good friend to myself and many others. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family.

My condolences to Craigs family and to all his friends at canterbury park.  I came to know Craig well through my son Danny K ,his closest friend of many years, he was to me like a gentle giant and was always there for his friends. I will surely miss him,all my love.  Bob K.

OBITUARY

Craig Earl Wilkerson

7 December, 1987 – 10 September, 2024

Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home

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