Craig Ashley Heikkila

Craig Ashley Heikkila was born to Eddie and Ruth Heikkila on December 15, 1972. He was a big boy with a big heart. He was and always will be immensely treasured. One of Craig's strongest and most beautiful character traits was his love and devotion to his family, especially his parents.

On February 16, 2022, God decided that it was time to release Craig from all his pain as he passed away without warning. Craig’s death has left all his family, friends and all that were blessed to know him devastated. Craig wanted to live and make a difference. He often spoke of steps he could take to help others and was the first person to help someone in need. Craig’s generosity and loving spirit extended into his quest to find, support, and love any animal in need. His most recent animal love was for his beloved dog, Rex. In fact, his last text on the eve of his untimely death was to a dear friend about Rex’s shenanigans that day. He lived a complicated life, but always continued to fight for peace, acceptance, love and forgiveness. He always had it, but, sadly, could never accept it for himself, except from his dog. 😊

Craig poured his heart and soul into his music. It was his escape to a place where he could find peace and forgiveness from our savior. His music was spiritual in nature. He composed under the name, Old Wiseman. He definitely lived a hard life that earned him this title, but he hoped that through his music, his life experiences could help others to also see the light and correct their path. He never stopped helping those less fortunate than him, even if he only had one dollar left to give, he gave it. Once as a self-proclaimed Breatharian (only living on water and air) he bought burgers for homeless people, even when he was homeless for a short time himself. That was his servant heart on full display. He had nothing, but yet he always wanted to help those with greater need.

He was a fierce protector of God’s animals and brought home many animals who were wounded by broken people. Through his own brokenness, he healed dogs and loved them. They gave him such unconditional love, as did his family, but most of all Craig was loved unconditionally by God.

Craig is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edwin and Nita Heikkila and Charles and Tennie O’Dell. He is survived by his parents, Eddie and Ruth Heikkila; sister, Carrie Ellen Heikkila Adamian; brother, Chris Heikkila and his wife, Pam Stauffer Heikkila; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew, nieces, and his beloved dog, Rex.

“You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” Author Unknown.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, February 24 at 2:00pm at River Pointe Church in Richmond, Texas.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Craig’s name to the Houston SPCA.