Craig Leonard Thornton was born on October 12, 1953 in Pocatello, Idaho to Ivan Edgar Thornton and Gladys Lorraine Ranstrom. He grew up in a little white house a couple doors down from his grandparents as the middle child of 5, with his four siblings Vickie, Sue, Debbie and Todd. His nickname was “Tubby the Tuba” and he was considered the “favorite” (at least that is what he thought). From a very young age he excelled at sports. He practically grew up with a ball in his hand. His dad coached him at baseball, and he loved spending time playing at the park across the street. He also enjoyed running and basketball. He was offered a scholarship for cross-country and baseball, and chose to play baseball at Idaho State in the mini-dome. He was awarded the Most Outstanding Freshman Baseball player that year.
At 19 he sacrificed his baseball dreams to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first ever in his family. He was called to serve a mission in Mexico City, Mexico and quickly fell in love with the culture, people and food. This influenced the remainder of his life, never missing an opportunity to speak Spanish, travel to Mexico, and serve any and everyone. Three months before the end of his mission, he received the devastating news that his father had suddenly passed away. Instead of coming home he knew his dad would want him to stay. From his journal he said, “I’ll just have to keep my chin up and give a little more effort.” The following month was the most successful of his mission.
After returning home from his mission, he went to Brigham Young University. On his very first day there he met his beautiful bride, Lisa Jean Carlson. They had their first date on Valentine’s Day and were engaged on Mother’s Day. On July 25th, 1975 they were sealed in the Provo, Utah Temple. The following year they moved to Colorado, where he started a career in Real Estate. He also started 2 successful family businesses and then returned to Real Estate later in life, sharing an office with his beloved father-in-law, Lee Carlson.
Craig and Lisa had 5 children in 8 years, and he spent much of his time with his kids whether coaching or supporting them at all of their games and recitals. He also continued to play sports. Whether he was on the baseball field, basketball court, or golf course he left people in awe, and also created some of his closest friendships. He was a fierce competitor, but also enjoyed sharing his testimony with all those he was around. Craig’s intensity on the court was almost as strong as his desire to serve the Lord. Some of his favorite Church callings include serving the youth, working with the Spanish community, doing missionary work and volunteering in the Temple.
Craig loved deeply. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren and friends. This love, along with his competitive spirit, helped him fight his battle with cancer these last three years. On May 8th, 2022 he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ike and Lorraine, his brother Todd, and granddaughter Lilia. Craig is survived by his wife Lisa, son Cory (Tiffany), and daughters Amy (Darrell), Jen (Dustin), Emily (Aaron), and Traci (Collin). He loved and adored his grandchildren; Sadie (Nic), Brock (Sarah & Jane), Jaxon, Max, Ruby, Mya, Peyton, Jaide, Tristan, Camden, Brody, Lucy, Beckett, Brigham, Aydan, Asher, Ella, Cruz, Ledger, Svea, Elin, Macfarlane, Margaret, Mary and Maizy.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 13th at 9:30 am at the Denver North Stake Center, 100 Malley Drive, Northglenn, CO. Funeral services begin at 11 am. Interment will follow at Olinger Highland Cemetery, 10201 Grant Street in Thornton.
The family would love for you to share your memories of Craig by sending them to [email protected]. In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made for Craig’s Flower Garden to @linnea-young-2 via Venmo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Thornton family.
