Craig Robert Bethune

Nova Scotia has lost one of its finest citizens with the tragic passing of Craig Robert Bethune on Saturday, February 28. After a perfect day of skiing with his wife, Heather, and good friends—with plans for dinner to look forward to—Craig passed away suddenly and painlessly at their chalet in the Wentworth Valley.

First and foremost, Craig was the loving husband to Heather (Rainnie), and proud father to his son Matthew (Shelby) and daughters Lauren (Duncan) and Jessica. He was also the devoted "dog dad" to his beloved golden retriever, Leo, and the late Lekse. Everything Craig did, which was enormous in scope, was centered around the love and well-being of his family; they will miss him terribly.

Growing up in Berwick, Craig was a graduate of Western Kings District High School. He went on to study Kinesiology at Dalhousie University and later became a licensed Respiratory Therapist. His expertise and acumen led him to professional positions in the medical equipment industry. This career moved him around Atlantic Canada and then internationally to Bermuda; however, Craig and his family eventually returned home to Nova Scotia as he advanced his career. Craig was held in the highest esteem by his peers, of whom there were many.

In his spare time, Craig was a tireless volunteer. Always willing to step up in governance and fundraising, his medical background and passion for sport were an attractive combination. His many roles and causes included: the IWK Golf for the Green Committee; the Board of Tennis Nova Scotia (also serving as President); the Board of Sport Nova Scotia; founding member of Get Up There (the fundraiser supporting colorectal cancer); Director of Tennis of the Waegwoltic Club; and avid volunteer at the Brunswick Street Mission. He was also a board member of the Wentworth Trails Association, a volunteer hockey coach for the Halifax Hawks and a twelve-year participant and Team Captain for the QE2 Ride for Cancer.

Craig was an accomplished athlete. His first love was tennis; starting as a key instructor every summer at the Berwick Tennis Club, his racquet bag was never far away. That passion continued for the rest of his life—summer and winter, home and away. He played often with Heather and other regular partners, as recently as last week. Craig also loved to ski with his family and friends, and played hockey in high school as well as curling, badminton, and softball. He was a prolific golfer whose short backswing could hit the ball a ton (at least 30% of the time). Craig was also a "super fan." Whether cheering for his beloved Bruins or for his neighbors’ kids' school team, he was equally enthusiastic. Craig’s other passions included woodworking, gardening, and music (specifically vinyl).

If you were on Craig’s list of friends, you knew about his many other passions. He was a dedicated Tragically Hip fan and the most entertaining "backup" singer. He traveled to many shows flanked by his good pals, all dressed in Hip t-shirts and denim jackets—a tradition that included attending Gord Downie’s final show in Kingston. For all we know, Craig and Gord are singing "high dough" together right now. Craig had a rich group of lifelong pals; he will be missed every weekend, which, for him, always started on a Thursday. Craig was an extraordinary host and a skilled chef.

Craig was the loving son of the late John Brian Bethune and is survived by his mother, Sharon Louise (Middlemas) Bethune, and by his brothers, Peter (Shannon) and Jason (Tracy). He will also be dearly missed by the Rainnie family: Gavin and Nancy; Lynne (Phil) Gaunce; John and Michael (Christine); and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Gower family, Charlene Tattrie, Mellissa May, the volunteer Fire Department, and the paramedics and RCMP on the scene.

A celebration of life will be held at Old Ashburn Golf Club on Saturday, March 14, from 3:00–5:00 PM (tributes at 4:00 PM). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, a charity Craig was very passionate about.

Craig Bethune was "Ahead by a Century."