Craig Samuel Burd

Craig Samuel Burd, age 63, was taken from us much too soon in the early morning hours on March 20, 2022. His battle with frontotemporal dementia and prostate cancer came to an end as he passed away at home surrounded by family. He was a fun and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Craig was born on March 16, 1959 to parents Howard and Frances Burd in Royal Oak, Michigan. Soon after the family relocated to La Habra, California, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Many hilarious stories have been told of the shenanigans Craig along with brothers, Jeff and Steve engaged in over the years. A few even involved the family dog, Boots.

Throughout his childhood, the family traveled to Pennsylvania every couple of years to visit the grandparent's dairy farm.  For city boys in the country, it was heaven; playing in the hayloft, riding on tractors and wagons, chasing the cows, and even helping the cousins with chores. There would always be large gatherings of the extended family with enormous outdoor barbecues.   

In 1981, Craig married his wife of 40 years, Diane. He and Diane enjoyed riding Craig’s motorcycle to the beach, attending Laker games and numerous concerts. Together they raised two children, Sean and Nicole. He was a very involved dad, attending nearly every one of the kids’ school plays, activites, award ceremonies along with countless basketball and soccer games. He happily spent most weekends, for close to 20 years, either in a gym or on a field, proudly cheering on his son or daughter. He truly loved watching his children excel in sports. 

In 1988, having worked six years as a tile setter for John Owings Tile Company he ventured out on his own and Craig Burd Tile Company was born. He enjoyed many years as a successful business owner, often with one of his children by his side, learning the skillful art of tile setting. 

Craig was a hard-working man who never missed an opportunity to teach his children, whether it be planting flowers in the garden, doing home repairs or car maintenance. He enjoyed many activities throughout his life such as surfing, playing guitar, camping and boating. One of his favorite places to camp was on Lake Mead with his wife and kids, which they did for many years. Craig was a real outdoor man; he appreciated and deeply respected all elements of nature. He cared for all animals but none more so than dogs. 

In his later years, he joined SASS (Single Action Shooting Society) where he was known as “Random Sam.” As much as he reveled in the competition he truly valued the camaraderie with the guys of his Cowboy Posse. 

Craig will always be remembered as a kind man with a huge heart and a terrific sense of humor. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Howard Burd, and his mother, Frances Burd. Craig is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Sean; daughter, Nicole;  brothers, Jeff and Steve and five nephews and four nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration 

at wwwtheaftd.org

A Celebration of Life will take place at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton, CA on April 9, 2022 at 12:00 PM