Craig Metcalf passed away peacefully at his home in Holladay, Utah, on March 30, 2026. He lived his life with grit, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to learning. His work ethic, curiosity, and determination were admired by all who knew him.
Born on September 2, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kathelyne Fonnesbeck and Lloyd E. Metcalf, Craig grew up in Millcreek, where he proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He often reminisced about his time at the Boy Scout National Jamboree, an experience that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors and adventure.
Craig married Denise Heiner on November 20, 1973. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Together they built a family grounded in love, faith, and shared experiences.
He was a devoted father to Elizabeth and Lindsay, and a doting grandfather to Brooklyn, Elder Brady Letzelter (Texas McAllen Mission), Carter, Clara, William, and Charles. Craig was immensely proud of each grandchild and delighted in watching their talents grow. He loved sharing his passions—skiing, running, tennis, golf, boating, and travel—with his family.
The red rocks of Lake Powell, the gray skies of the Pacific Northwest, and the sunsets of Maui were among his favorite places.
Craig earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Utah, followed by graduate work in biochemistry and medical devices at the University of Utah and the University of Berne in Switzerland. He was an early member of the University of Utah’s Artificial Heart team, contributing to groundbreaking medical innovation.
He later graduated from Lewis & Clark College Law School in Portland, Oregon, and went on to earn mediation degrees from BYU, Pepperdine University, and most recently Columbia University.
A pioneering Salt Lake City patent attorney, Craig built a successful legal career. He worked at Questar Corporation and several Salt Lake area firms, making significant contributions to the technology and intellectual property fields. Throughout his career, he served as a mediator, Utah State Bar IP Chair, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Utah Technology Council.
Craig was also deeply committed to service. He supported numerous charitable organizations, including the Mountain West Ronald McDonald House, the Ouelessebougou Africa Project, the India Cultural Center, Adopt a Native Elder, Self-Help Homes, the Westminster College Entrepreneurial Program, and the Federalist Law Society.
He is survived by his wife, Denise; daughters Elizabeth (Benjamin) Kingsbury and Lindsay (Jared) Letzelter; and his beloved grandchildren Brooklyn, Elder Brady Letzelter, Carter, Clara, William, and Charles. He is also survived by his siblings Pamela Shepherd, Patricia (Kevin) Corless, Kevin Metcalf, and Kimberlee (John) Sieverts.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Intermountain Murray Hospital Heart and Lung staff and to Dr. Jared Crisafi of Intermountain St. George for their exceptional care and compassion.
Services
• Evening Viewing: Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 S. Highland Dr., Millcreek, Utah 84106
• Morning Viewing: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 10:00–10:45 a.m. Holladay 18th Ward 2625 Milo Way, Holladay, Utah 84117
• Funeral Services: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Holladay 18th Ward
Livestream: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26032360369872
Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park
