Craig A. Lapham

Craig Lapham, 67, passed away suddenly August 18, 2014 in Lansing, Michigan from complications of a recently diagnosed disease of Amyloidosis. He was fighting the “good fight” with treatments and a positive attitude, looking forward to recovery.

Craig was born June 27, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Robert and Helen (Robertson) Lapham. He retired in 2001 from Jackson Northwest School District where he was a High School Science Teacher. His retirement in 2001 was also the graduation year of his son Kirk from The College of Wooster, and the two Geology degree holders embarked on a road trip to Alaska as a retirement and graduation celebration. Craig then spent nine years with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as a field scientist, retiring again in June 2013.

Craig graduated from Cass Tech (Detroit) in 1965 and Michigan State University in 1969. He returned to MSU for his Master’s Degree after serving in the US Army in Augsburg, Germany from 1970 to 1974. He was a loyal fan of all MSU sports and attended the 2014 Rose Bowl with his son. In his own words: “One of the best things I’ve ever done!”

Craig was an accomplished woodworker, builder and loved all outdoor activities; especially cross country road trips, camping, backpacking and sailing the Great Lakes. Craig was also very social and his circle of friends grew through all stages of life: childhood, high school, MSU, Army, work friends, cottage neighbors; all are part of his circle and are a testament to his kindness and presence.

Craig’s life took on an enhanced glow with the arrival of his 3 grandsons. He was very proud and happy to have playmates that enjoyed his taste for Oreos, Pop-Tarts, Yogurt, the Cottage, Lake Huron, and singing the old favorite “I’ll take the high road….you take the low…” as we neared the “bonny, bonny shores of Lake Huron”. His grandsons learned the importance of raising the MSU flag upon arrival at the cottage–once a sailor, always a sailor--it also served as a wind indicator. He continued to live life on the water with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jill (Irish) Lapham; son, Kirk (Kimberly) Lapham; mother-in-law, Audrey Irish; three grandsons: Grant Alan (5), Blake Robert (2) and Wesley Irish (4 weeks) Lapham; two brothers, Russell (Gretchen) Lapham; Mark (Jayne) Lapham. Nieces and Nephews: Margaret (Dan) Bouchey, Andrew (Heather) Lapham, Peter Lapham; Matthew (Hilary) Lapham, Brittany Lapham; Kaitlin (Bryan) Gate, Shannon Irish; Aunt, Ginny Kewin; Uncle, Marty Lapham; Cousins Nancy (Bob) Smith, Diane (Keith) Anderson, Gary (Susan) Lapham, Jan (Michael Byrd) Connor, Michael Lapham; and the Circle of Friends.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust (GLFT), 230 N. Washington Square, Suite 300, Lansing, MI 48933; in memory of Craig Lapham (to be directed to the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative).

The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason, Michigan, with the Rev. Dean Meadows officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.

On-line condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com