Craig was a steady hand at ARC.  I enjoyed his droll sense of humor and can still see his smile.  I can't believe he's gone!  I enjoyed working with him.

One of the finest men I ever had the pleasure to work with.  His style of management stayed with me long after.  If you went to his office to meet with him, he would take no calls, receive no other visitors until you were finished.  He listened.  He cared.  He is deeply missed.  My prayers for the courage and strength of his family.  Peace,

For 57 years Craig was my best friend.  For some of those years, he was my only friend.

Craig, or as I called him "Cecil B DeMill" was a fantastic person, consummate professional and big presence at the Red Cross.  He will be missed.  Rest in Peace Craig.

Craig played a pivotal and positive role in my life on multiple occasions, and for that I'll always be grateful.  As with others, he overlooked my shortcomings and gave me extra chances.  I will miss him, and all that he stood for, from this point forward.  And I'll never forget the mega-remake of the Red Cross “Standard First Aid” film back in the 80s.  Craig discovered that we had hired a caterer for the shoot, and he was not pleased.  But he tried to be tolerant of the added expense, until the day he heard that we were served Cornish game hens for lunch.  He went ballistic.  I'll never forget the moment, as he turned bright red and struggled to get the words out:  “Gornish game hens?  You had Gornish game hens?!!”  What a guy.

I met Craig in 1994 at the Red Cross working on Spanish-language projects. We stayed in touch for video production projects until very recently. I have great memories of Craig. Some people were afraid to contradict him. I found out he was truly a friendly bear. My deepest sympathies to the family.

I am so terribly sorry.  I have such fond memories of seeing Craig enter the Red Cross Production unit on his first interview and beginning work, and we all took such pride in watching and sharing his growth from novice to the point of his being the man in charge.  We worked for many years on staff together and in the years since, from filming among monks in France to falling off boats in the Chesapeake.  Throughout it all he always combined a down to earth seriousness of purpose with just the right touch of humor to keep us all in touch with reality.  He was one of the best friends I have known in the business and personally.  His passing leaves a huge hole in all of us.  Rhoda and I send our deepest feelings and thoughts to his family and friends.

Dear Diane and Anna,

I am so sorry that I could not be at the service on yesterday. Craig Reinertson was well known in the Health and Safety Services department at the American Red Cross.  As I remember there wasn't many video shoots that he was not apart of.  Truly, he will be missed.  I want to say to you and your daughter keep your hands in the hands of the Lord; He will see you through all that you have to endure.  The Lord will never leave nor foresake you.  In times of trouble He is always there. May the comfort of God's love give you peace.

Betty Butler, H&SS

So sorry for your loss....what great contributions he may be remembered for!

Craig was absolutely one of my favorite co-workers of all time. We spent many hours together on video shoots and in the editing room for all sorts of Health and Safety programs. Reading Maureen's post really made me laugh at so many memories and absurb moments. The coolest part is that we all had a great time even while working so very hard to produce a fabulous product - and that is because of his vision, leadership and great nature. He truly has made a difference in this world - and he will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Diana and Anna.

The American Red Cross tv production department was my film school. Craig forgave many a C and D on my report card. I had a shoot once in the ARC studio with union actors and a large crew. Craig voiced a bit of skepticism about the way I wanted to direct it. I went ahead anyway, but when we looked at the footage it became, to me, painfully clear that Craig was right, I was wrong, and the whole thing would have to be reshot—to the tune of about $6000. Another boss would have fired me on the spot. All Craig did was shake his finger at me, as at a difficult child. Not a word then, or later. The subject never came up again. That's a great guy.

Healing thoughts and prayers go out to Diane and Anna and the entire family.  Craig's memory will live on through those that loved him.

I am so sorry to hear of Craig's passing.  I, too, worked many years at the Red Cross and knew Craig as a kind, valuable co-worker.  May his family find peace in their happy memories of him.

Craig always welcomed us with his warm smile and hospitality. We will miss him greatly and are very saddened by his sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to Diane, Anna, and to his family at this difficult time.

I was sorry to hear of Craig's passing.  I worked with Craig at the Red Cross and always enjoyed his warm personality and sense of humor.  His spirit lives on in those who loved him.

Working with Craig on video projects was always a joy. His work prepared thousands of volunteers to save lives and serve on disaster assignments. His work is a legacy that will continue to help others cope with crises.

I first met Craig in the '80s when I worked for the American Red Cross president.  Craig was part of the production team who created the ARC TV spots.  He was one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing.  Rest in peace Craig. My heart goes out to his family.

Craig was such a dear, a professional and wonderful person, always with a gleam in his eye and a great heart. The entire Red Cross family was expanded by his life and service. Our warm thoughts and prayers to Diane and Anne.

I am so very sorry to learn of the untimely and far too early passing of Craig Reinertson.  The world is definitely missing one bright light and short an incredibly kind heart.  For those who knew Craig, he will surely be missed.  I hope by sharing my memories here, his closest family and friends will find comfort during this sad time.

I worked with Craig at the American Red Cross on the production of numerous public service announcements.  He was always on top of things and never missed a detail -- yet remained calm, resilient and in the moment amidst the chaos of a shoot day or days.  For one shoot, we set up in his house where  he and his family made us all feel welcome.  I believe Anna was around 10 or 11 and he was quite the proud Papa of a budding violin or flute prodigy and an adoring spouse to Diane. I remembered feeling like just one of the family and noticed the warm, kind energy that filled their home.  I could tell that Craig had a heart that was open fully to his family and the world.  It made him a joy to work with and a privilege to know. 

Please know that while Craig's life was not eternal, his love is.  It is reflected in his work, his relationships, his gifts of time and energy to so many in this guest book and beyond.  I know his love will surround you eternally.

I first met Craig in the late 70's when I was the communications director of Red Cross in Tulsa. The best thing was his sense of humor. He and the other production guys helped me with a telethon of, shall we say, longtime stars, and we loved calling it the Calvacade of Has Beens. He cracked me up every time we talked about it. I had the honor of working with him when I went to national headquarters, and my husband and I were blessed to see him and Diane just this past January. His bright light continues to shine in all of us, and even though my eyes fill with tears, I can think of Craig's wit and still smile,

I was lucky enough to know Craig for 30 years. He was a nice, fun person. He helped me when my husband was dying at the hospital by installing a new fan in our bedroom, and helped clean my shed after my husband passed away. I will always remember him, his smile, his generosity and his energy. I can't believe he is gone. Rest in peace dear Craig.

As my first production boss - Craig gave me my first break in television.  He was a trusting guy!  Over the years and miles, I remember him with great fondness...how he pushed, laughed, shook his head in disbelief...then went off kayaking to make it all better!  He sometimes took veerry loonggg lunches...all for the better of himself, us, the work we did, and how we lived life.  Memories of Craig will be long lived.  Thanks boss.

I was extremely fortunate to have met Craig.  From the first instant I met him he treated me with friendliness, fairness and professionalism.  I remember thinking, wow, this probably won't last, just wait until the project starts.  To my surprise I remember saying that here was an individual who treated everyone fairly, gave constructive suggestions, had integrity and was a gentleman to boot.  I have always respected his professionalism and friendliness and most just being Craig for any need or question I had.

May you rest in peace, you are tremendously missed by all.

Gonzo

Over the last few years, I had the chance to get to know Craig quite a bit. He has been there for family and friends, to help while they are going through difficult times.  When I think of Craig, I see his beautiful smile and the love that he had for Diane and Anna.  May he rest in peace.

Craig and I met at the Red Cross when I needed to develop a recruiting video. It was my first experience and I was worried we had taped too many people and it would be too long. Craig assured me that after we got through editing, it would be just fine. He was right of course; it went from two hours to under four minutes. We had lots of laughs over the things that we cut out. Recently, Craig and I worked together on several videos that were incorporated into Red Cross disaster training courses. He was skilled at getting the message I wanted to convey and never seemed to get annoyed by my many requests and changes. He even answered an email I sent him on Saturday, the day before he became ill. I will miss him.

I was lucky enough to work with Craig on a lot of Red Cross shoots where we spent many hours logging notes on the finer points of chest compressions and whether the accurate weight of drama in countless scripted scenarios was steady or downright goofy.  Much of my memory of those times are often filled with Craig's serious intent broken by laughter at some of the comical absurdity that would inevitably erupt.  I can still see him laughing and shaking his head after some of the 'did that really just happen' moments on those shoots. 

Like many colleagues we all would share details of our lives and families and I remember Craig's almost bashful adoration of Anna and Diane whenever they were mentioned.

I have lovely memories and much gratitude for the opportunities Craig gave me and I will miss him. He was a really good guy.

Much love and support to Diane, Anna and all Craig's family through this difficult time.

I always liked Craig.  He always was interested in what you were doing on the farms on the eastern shore.  Always had a smile.

Craig gave me my first break in professional television production at the American Red Cross.  When I first got there, I was a rookie, but when I left after about 10 plus years of working w Craig, Dan and the ARC crew, I was a seasoned veteran. Craig gave me the opportunity to grow and excel in the fine art and science of tv production.  He had a great sense of humor and trusted me to help keep the productions of ARC in top form.
May God grant him peace and bestow strength on his family.

I am so sorry to hear that Craig has left us -- I'm sure everyone who knew and/or worked with him is devastated by the news.  It was wonderful watching Craig grow and develop during the years I was a part of the Red Cross production unit.  Craig became a good friend, and a trusted and highly talented addition to our group.  I remember fondly and with great respect working together in all kinds of situations, both in the studio and on location -- he was always more than equal to the task at hand, and never without his great sense of humor.  I've missed him since I left the unit, and I'll always be grateful to have known and worked with him.

I worked with Craig and got to like his humor and professionalism.  His family is in my prayers.

As a child, I did not know Craig that well, due to our 10 year age difference. However, as an adult I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my cousin, and visiting with him and Diane, whenever I went to DC.  My last visit with him, in March, will always be my favorite. Picking me up at my hotel, hearing his laugh and loud voice and his Hi Mary! greeting, trying to figure out a new parking meter in downtown DC, eating at a tapas restaurant where we ordered 6-7 different things, Craig seeing grasshopper tacos on the menu and convincing me to order one with him.  I can still hear him saying, come on Mary, let's go for it, watching him eat his in two bites and saying to me, Come on Mary, chug it down, it's really not that bad, and so I did, and it really wasn't that bad! I told him at the time that I would always remember that he is the one who talked me into eating grasshopper. We talked about our dads, about our kids, about his new house, he pulled out a sketch from his shirt pocket to show me of the house, we walked through downtown DC afterwards and then he and Diane dropped me back at my hotel, telling me that I needed to come see them again.
I can still see myself as a six year old little girl, on a family visit to DC, sitting on the bottom of a sailboat being operated by Craig, sobbing my eyes out due to fear that I was going to drown. He would have been 16. I know now that I was in safe hands.
I always saw many things in Craig. A film producer, a sailor, a world traveler, a dog lover, a builder, a father, a husband, a child who grew up in DC during times of national conflict, and even a bit of a hippie.
I will always remember his rosy, cherubic cheeks, his smile, his graciousness.
Life is not fair at times, it is what it is, and we must move on, however hard. I will miss you very much, especially the visits and talks that were left undone.

OBITUARY

Craig Joseph Reinertson

July 22, 1949 – July 29, 2012

Demaine Funeral Home

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