Craig Robert Schindler

Craig was born in Berne, Indiana to Harold and Velma Schindler, the youngest in their family with two older brothers, Douglas and Kent, and one sister, Claudia. Craig married Margie McGough from Geneva, Indiana in 1966, and they had three wonderful children, Todd, Valorie and Trent. He was drafted into the Army in 1971 during the Vietnam War. In 1986, he met his second wife, Patty in California and they had a son, Zachary in 1990. He lived in Carlsbad, CA with his family until 2018 when they all moved to Vancouver, WA. (including his father-in-law, Schuyler Burton-age 94). The move was difficult for Craig at first but he grew very fond of his new neighbors who became good friends. That along with the purchase of a classic ’57 Turquoise Chevy Bel Air and entering car shows changed it all for him!

Craig was a “born salesman”. In his early years, he was General Manager for a clothing store chain. He then became the National Account Director at a dental manufacturing company based in Savannah, GA., and following that, National Sales Manager for a Jewelry tool and equipment manufacturer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas. He also managed a retail jewelry chain in San Diego when the family moved back to California. Craig was an entrepreneur at heart and decided to start PBS Sales Group in 1998 with his wife, Patty – he would handle the sales with his years of contacts in the dental and jewelry industries and Patty would do the administrative work. They were quite a team!

Craig was an incredible husband and loving father and had so many dear friends. He leaves behind his wife Patty, three sons, Todd Schindler & wife Krissa, Dr. Trent Tipple & wife Jennifer, Zachary Schindler & wife Yuliia, and his “favorite” daughter, Valorie Clouse & husband Stephen; along with 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his precious sister, Claudia June Schindler Hill of St. Petersburg, FL; Sisters-in-law, Maria Cleveland, Cynthia Gernannt, and Judy Schindler; brothers-in-law, John Quintana and Joel Gernannt, and numerous nephews and nieces; and let’s not forget his faithful dog, Bella!

During his last week, Zachary & Yuliia moved up their wedding day (which would have been 8/08) so that he could attend at the hospital and he was even able to be a witness on their marriage certificate. All his children flew in to be present at their brother’s wedding and spend time with their father in his last few days. That love and the lasting memory of it allowed him to give up his battle with cancer and peacefully leave behind all he had loved in this world!

His smile, his voice, and his laugh will always be cherished and missed.