A fond memory popped up from years ago when we were living in North Park, CO. Craig came to see us, and we hiked the nature trail at Big Creek Lakes looking for mushrooms! We saw beautiful scenery and learned so much about mushrooms! And, of course, we ended the day’s experience sharing a fine meal of mushrooms we’d collected. Craig will always be fondly remembered as wise, adventuresome, and fun to be with. May he rest peacefully, and may the loving memories of past times bring comfort to those closest to him.

Even though I was only a recent graduate from the geology program at Mesa State College, Craig recommended me to be on the council of the Grand Junction Geological Society. His confidence in me, despite my limited accomplishments up to that point, did much to motivate and inspire me. 

I always valued Craig's ideas and opinions on matters involving geology. I dearly wish I had had more opportunities to avail myself of his abundant knowledge.

Craig and I used to have so much fun stomping around the southwest with Dick Dayvault and talking about life.  He had a great sense of humor and adventure, was wicked smart, and was a blast to hang out with.

Craig was a good friend for about the past six years. I'll always remember him as just that...a good friend. He was easy to talk with and fun to be around. It didn't take us long to find common ground. We shared stories and were always able to laugh at the same jokes! Nothing better than that. There is no way to replace someone like Craig, known to me as a true friend.

Jack Gustafson

Craig and I worked many jobs together during the years at the Grand Jct. Office. It was always good duty when I got to work with Craig. We explored some really out-of-the-way routes and sites on our way to and from work sites. Craig always knew to most obscure route to get to where we were going. Those are fond memories I will never forget. Here's to you, old buddy.
Mark Plessinger

We worked at the Department of Energy with Craig as a colleague for many years. He was a smart, well-respected scientist with so many types of rocks in his office, it was amazing! Craig could name each one of them and where it was from. We always admired his passion for geology and his patience in explaining and teaching others. 
He will be missed by so many people.  A true loss.

Gary Baur and Jalane Glasgow

Hike on the Palisade Rim trail - L-R Gene Byrne, Craig Goodknight, Laura Young and Dave Peterson

I first met Craig in 2020 when he accompanied Dave Peterson and I on a hike to a very remote geocache located in the Coal Creek area north of Palisade. Later Craig became one our dedicated hikers with the Palisade United Methodist Church “Great Outdoors Hiking” group. During our many hikes together Craig and I became good friends and shared other activities such as bike rides, concerts, and gatherings at each other’s home. Craig was a professional geologist, and he shared his vast knowledge of this subject with others on our hikes and made the hikes much more meaningful. Craig was a modest man with a calm demeanor, always a gentleman and a friend to everyone he met. It is with much sadness that I say goodbye to my dear friend. May you rest in peace.

To my nephews Steven and Mike, and my niece Lucinda,
Hello my dear ones,
I wanted to let you know how much I cared for your dad!  I kept up with your dad over the years by exchanging Christmas cards. He would keep us entertained with all the outrageous hiking trips to Kilimanjaro at age 74? And I was so impressed with his enthusiasm and ability to stay fit throughout the years. He never let age slow him down! The news of his passing was just such a shock to me because he was so healthy and fit for his age! I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a big personality and so positive in his outlook on life, he definitely will be missed by many and especially me! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you in any way.
I love you guys,
Aunt Sheri and Jim

Will miss working out with him in Silver Sneakers and learning about all the hiking travels he did. His energy was awesome and could overcome anything.

I knew Craig nearly 50 years. I'm a day older and he always teased me about it.  We ran many 5ks together--about the same speed.  We climbed some fourteeners and made a couple of long, memorable backpacks in the Grand Canyon. Professionally, Craig was lead geologist on one of the most important reports I ever managed. He was an exceptional geologist, hiking companion and person.    The photo is Craig preparing a rappel in the Canyon. We didn't have enough rope and tied a rope we "found" to the one we had, thereby breaking several rules of "climbing." We always said we would keep it a secret!

Not sure we know how it all works at the end, but I’m sure Craig took an arm load of books, maps, and a wagon of rocks with him to heaven. I am and always will be grateful for the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend.

I worked with Craig at DOE for several years.  He will always be remembered as a great friend and colleague.  He will be missed.

I worked for years with Craig. We planted the corner posts for the Moab disposal site and travelled to Amchitka together. Craig was a tireless worker and really knew his stuff but was also fun skiing and hiking with. Craig was a people person…always looking for a group to do stuff with.  But  I’ll never forget how we both wanted to run a 6-minute mile…Craig finished with a 6:01 and I finished with a 6:03…just couldn’t catch him!

I worked with Craig at the DOE office for 25 years and always appreciated his friendship and skill as a scientist. A truly good man who will be missed.

OBITUARY

Craig Steven Goodknight

September 27, 1949 – August 10, 2026

Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory

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