I just happened across this obit notice...So very sorry for your loss!
Unc always treated me well and I am left with fond memories of his silliness and corny jokes. I still think of him when I buy dish sponges (supposed surprise gifts from his grocery shopping marathons) and when I drive down Dead End roads (One time after dropping the guys off at Boy Scouts, we drove down to the end of one and he reached down behind the driver's seat in his Cutlass, pulled out a wrench and said "Dead End" in a scary voice - I think I was like 6 or 7 at the time.) Ha! 

My deepest condolences to all Craig's loved ones. I was shocked with grief when I ran into Tai walking through the neighborhood yesterday and learned the tragic news. Craig and Tai would often stroll through the neighborhood and stop and chat with Mike Moldovan and I. What a pleasant and loving couple; we always enjoyed the visits.
My heart is heavy with this news.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Tai, Craig's children, his family and friends all.  May he live on in your hearts and memories.

My heart is numb and empty and sad knowing my life will never be the same without my dad.  Dad, I miss you and thank you for the time we had together.  For the memories I have and your grandkids have.  They are irreplaceable.  When I look at something in my life that was touched by you I remember an act, a comment, a joke, a lesson.  Lettuce leaf your memory in peas.  If I did not carrot all I would not be worthy of your vegital phrases. My children rise to your annoying morning army wake up call still, only to carry on your words in their heads, and to their kids.  You are so loved, so missed and so remembered.  Just one more camp I wish I had. One more fish fry.  One more ballgame. One more loss at shoes. One more hug.  One more I love you.

  There's almost nothing I didn't do with Craig.

Carpooling  my first years at the Survey, with Rick Spechler and Ray Mularoni too,
Going out to lunch,
Pinballs at the Hubb Bar, with Tony also,
Training classes in Denver, with Dave Brown too,
Field work, report writing, doing projects,
Movie making (Mr. Sandman),
Partying,
Playing sports  horseshoes (state champ), volleyball, softball (right field of course),
Attending sports events  baseball, football, basketball, soccer,
Pellet gun shooting (with Barr too),
Bar hopping,
Cruise ship stylin'  No kidding. He must have scored free tickets. Travel your mind back to about 1980. Can anyone picture Craig and I on a boat with 4,000 
passengers? We were single when we boarded, and definitely single when we deboarded.
Tubing, boating, camping, canoeing, and almost canoeing (I'll try and add that story later).

Yes, we did a lot together. He's gone now. It breaks my heart that we will do no more things together. I miss him already. BUT, nothing can take away all the things we did do together. I cherish them now, and will in years to come.

I am very sorry for the lost of Craig Hutchison. He was the best great grand uncle of mine as he not only took me on big trips to Washington D.C. but also offered his help whenever I am in need of it. To me, Craig was more a friend than a relative; he took me to best burger places in North Carolina and New Jersey, attended my first middle school concert, and invited me to his house whenever Christmas or Halloween come. We played Cribbage in the small trailer at night as well as promotion. We played mini golf and I was always half dozen behind. I am sorry I did not play promotion with you last time I was in Florida; I wish I could sat down more and spend more time with you. May you rest in peace.
Sam

Craig was like a brother and it's taking some time to wrap my head around his passing.   From our days doing fieldwork as his field assistant in Tampa up until his last visit to Rainbow Springs with Tai for tubing or sitting around the campfire, Craig was full of life and a joy to be around.  We tipped many a beer together over the years, although with age fewer than we both would have enjoyed.  Craig was kind and a friend to all who knew him.  He never spoke ill of anyone and he will be missed by everyone.  This Bud's for you my friend.

                                    We will always remember you, Craig!

My wife and I first met Craig at his house in 17 years ago. He was friendly, warm, kind, and funny. He and his wife Tai have always been very hospitable and have made us a lot of delicious food over the years.  
After dinner, the four of us always played cards. He was very good and enjoyed playing cards, although he most enjoyed winning. He would always smile like a baby when he won! He enjoyed going to the beach, swimming, boating, and camping.  We still remember our two families staying at the rental house at Sarasota beach in September 2016. We played cards all night and went to the beach to see the sunrise and take beautiful photos! We had a wonderful time together, and we will never forget it!
Our hearts were broken when we learned Craig passed away from a brain injury on Christmas day 2017! We couldn't believe he passed away! We wish we could play more cards, have more BBQs, have more beer, play more golf and have more fun together! ..
Loving thoughts to Tai, Sean and Stella. Take care! We are on your side!

Craig, be at peace in heaven! We love you!

Gong Yan & Ou Yangchong

May you find peace in heaven, when I hear the sadly news, I pray in my heart for Craig. Craig was a gentleman who loved my dear aunt by all his heart, this was the initial reason I like Craig. Also, I cannot forget a lot of fun with him, particularly, the first time I visited Tampa, he ride me and aunt with his boat at the lake near the house with cigar and beer in our hands. Enjoy life, Anming, he told me. It might be the first time someone told me to enjoy life. Not only enjoy life, he has a pure soul, together with my aunt, they created and shared 23rd years happiness, which is important part of our big family's happiness. certainly, Craig will find peace in heaven, since he had already found peace in his living life, together with his family.  Enjoy your life in heaven, Craig! Enjoy life here at this side of the world, my dear aunt! And enjoy life everyone Craig loved!

Craig Hutchinson, my uncle, left us for more than a week. But I still cannot accept such a good person leaving us in such a sudden way! On the evening of November 23, 2017, when I learned that Craig was dying, I was crying on the streets of Xichang. How I wish he could wait for my retirement, and then I can go to the United States to stay with him and Tai, my aunt, for a while.

In 1993 when Tai sent a letter from UAE to me saying she married an American. She enclosed with their wedding photo. When I saw the happy smile on Tai's face, I knew she met the right one who really loves her. Craig seemed very polite, looking at his bride gently on the picture.

In the summer of 1994, Craig and Tai brought my cousin back to UAE via Chengdu. It was the first time I met Craig. Craig and Tai insisted to have dinner at Garden Restaurant of Jinjiang Hotel, one of the two five-star hotels in Chengdu at that time. It was the first time I went to the upscale restaurant therefore when I saw the price on the menu, I almost screamed in horror! I remembered an ordinary Sichuan cuisine, vermicelli with spicy minced pork, was sold for about 35 yuan, but my salary was only 170 yuan for a month. So, I told Tai: The meal here is too expensive. I want to leave. Tai pressed my shoulder and said Craig would not to spend too much on meals for himself, however, he wanted me to have such an experience since I have never been to such a fancy hotel before. Yes, even though I visited some wonderful hotels and had dinner in some fine restaurants later, Garden Restaurant is the most memorable one ever in my memory. Up to now I can still remember the elegant and quiet environment, the clean and tidy tablecloth and the courteous waiter!

Later, as I got more and more familiar with Craig, I found that he always wanted to make others happy, so he was full of love for everyone around him.

At the end of 2008, I got a chance to be a visiting scholar in Carnegie institution of Washington in Baltimore and in 2009 I transferred to Moffitt Cancer Research Center in Tamp. Therefor I was lucky to spend about two and half years with Craig and Tai. I remembered when I took the flight from Baltimore to Tamp for Christmas holiday, my head was dizzy because of jet lag. I called Craig at the airport to tell him my flight information and left my files in the phone booth with my 2019 form and other important documents. When I arrived at Tamp, the Baltimore airport staff contacted Craig and asked me to go back for my stuffs. Craig helped me to ask the airport staff mail those documents directly to me. Therefore he helped me to apply for my SIN number with the 2019 form.
 
In two and half years of my staying in the United States, whenever I needed Craig, he always came soon and gave me lots of help. I cannot forget Craig help me to move from one place to another with lots of furniture! I cannot forget Craig took me to shopping and taught me how to use coupons to save money! I cannot forget those wonderful gifts prepared carefully by Craig and Tai giving Sam and me lots of fun! I cannot forget that Craig took Sam and Sam's friends to camp on the beach and attend to the Pirate Festival! I cannot forget on Halloween Craig brought Sam and Sam's friends knocking one door to another for candy at his neighborhood! I cannot forget when Sam arrived at Tamp, Craig took him to the library and borrowed baby books and read with him to correct his pronunciation! I cannot forget Craig was attend Sam's four concerts and gave great encouragement to Sam! I cannot forget every meal Craig prepared for Sam and me! I cannot forget that in the summer of 2014, Craig drove from Boston to Tamp with Sam! Craig brought Sam to visit some universities and some national parks. In Bostin they watched a baseball game. In Gettysburg Craig recited the fragment of Gettysburg address for Sam. They spend four weeks and it's help Sam to understand the United States better. 

Craig, who is thoughtful, loving life and kind, has left us, however, he is always alive in Sam and my heart!

I am deeply saddened by sudden loss of your loved one. I will remember his sweet smile , funny jokes, his open-minded and warm -hearted gratitude.  He is a great father, husband and friend. 
He will be missed dearly. 
My thought and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.

My family and I will always remember Craig fondly from our days in the UAE in the 90s and time spent at his home in Florida. To us, Craig was the quintessential gregarious American. He always had a can-do attitude. I remember once when Craig came over to our apartment for dinner, he noticed the door between our kitchen and dining room which often got in the way. He asked if I liked the door and I said no, thinking nothing more of it. The next thing I know, he took down the door and proceeded to putting it in storage. He was always very helpful and often rolled up his sleeves when he saw the need. I will also remember Craig from playing cards. He was always up for a good game, especially if he was winning. If he wasn't, we had to play until he won. I remember his boisterous laugh, his love for beer, and overall great company. Craig was generous and considerate, he had hosted us in his Florida home numerous times including our relatives from China who didn't speak English. He often asked if they liked the food and if there's anything else he can get for them. We are very grateful for his hospitality and for the great memories we made together. Craig is dearly missed but memories of him and his legacy will live on in all the lives that he touched.

Craig,  I cleaned up some personal belongs. Most of the cloth I bought for you with many memories .  He did not like dressed up & I kept push on you. But I knew that you appreciated the nice "unnecessary " things I got for you. I gave your most valuable collections -- the cars to the kids. Some people may think that I  am craze. i hope that the kids will be happy & gratful . Brandt did say " thank you, Tai" when I signed off the sport car title to him yesterday .  I will give the collectable Eurovan to Shelby . I hope that she will enjoy it with the kids. I will sell the pick up & give the money to Sean to get something to keep the memory of you. I know that you were very fair to the 3 children. I am fair too although I can not make it perfect even from dollar perspective because each car has different number. Sean does not complain with the much less value truck. Appreciate that Sean & Stella promised to keep Craig's USF scholarship found going on after me in the future.  Brandt offered helpful hand. Sean moved to back to home as you told him to take care of me .   Thank you for the good job we did on him. He became a fine young man.  
I am very grateful for the wonderful 23 years with you. I grew a lot . Thank you for let me return to school ! Thank you the 23 years editing & English teaching! Thank you for supporting my work.  I feel guilty because I worked too hard & did not spent much time with you. I thought that I would quit my job to stay with you for a year or two, but never was a good time. I thought that you would have live 100 year old at least 90 sine you were so healthy. You quit beer foe bear for a few years especially last 2 years. You drank more water & ate so healthy. We had lawn & tress serve.  I thought that I could stay with you at your old age & take care of you to return your kindness...

Craig: I had Lots  of tears & little sleep! I am still in shock & denial stage for  your senseless & sudden departure ... Thanks over 300  family & friends support , kind messages, the food our friends in the neiborhood , the generous donation for your USF scholarship fund. Daris sent pictures from your new home site. The deers ate all the beautiful roses at the first night. Hope that you had fun to watch the wild creatures eating the flowers.  I provided comfort in the last over 3 decades. I never truly know the intense acute pain ... I really appreciate the nice conversation in the early morning on 12/22. Thank you for telling me that you loved me & thanked me the wonderful 23 year happy life. I also told you the same. You made me happy & became a better person. Your friends told me that you were a happier & a better person too after you married me. .. I worked a lot in the past 15 years. But I was always there for you when you needed me, but this time was too late to save you...

(funeral speech)
To all of Craig's family and friends present here today,

Craig's shocking, unexpected, and untimely passing is a solemn reminder that none of us know how much time is allotted in this life and that we should make the best out of every moment we have.

As a geologist and as someone who knew Craig through Sean, who's been one of my best friends since high school, it was always interesting to talk to Craig to get a perspective on what life was like for geoscientists back in the day, and how different things are today. In passing, he would always be sure to talk to me about my career perspectives while nudging me to go work at the USGS. Knowing that my dad was a stamp collector, Craig would usually show me some new additions to his collection whenever I was over at their house,  I would then pass this information on to my dad. 
 
As one of the most organized and thorough people I've ever met,  I've always had the good fortune to get Craig's advice regarding home maintenance. Whether it was figuring out what was wrong with my well or how to properly maintain a septic system (or who to call), he was the man with the answers who got stuff done.

However, apart from just knowing Craig as Sean's curiosity-instilling dad or Tai's caring husband,  I'd like to share some unexpectedly random connections that I've had in my life related to him,  some of which show how broad his reach was and how small the world truly is. 

One time, maybe 10 years ago, I was talking to my dentist's wife, who was also the dental hygienist. In passing, I mentioned that I was a geologist, to which she mentioned that she worked at the USGS many years ago in an entry-level position. I asked her if she knew Craig, to which she responded yes and fondly mentioned her brief stint there.

Another time, while I was just starting graduate school, Craig asked me what I was going to be working on. I said, hydrology, which he was quite happy to hear. Then, when I mentioned who I was going to working under, oh Lenny, he exclaimed, with a big smile on his face! Apparently, Craig knew my Master's advisor quite well back in the day before he retired from the USGS. 

Craig's memories about the Arab Emirates have also ended up hitting close to home, as after a brief period of my employment, I was glad to be back in Tampa to talk about how much Abu Dhabi has changed or the mountains around Al Ain. 

On this note, I'd like to once more remember Craig as a curious, thoughtful, and dependable person.

Farewell Craig Hutchinson and may you be forever remembered by those you've helped and whose lives you've touched.  You will be dearly missed. 

Thank you.

A Tribute to Craig Hutchinson (funeral presentation)

It is truly an honor to speak about a person like Craig today and I thank you for this opportunity.
Our Lake community is fairly close knit  when neighbors are in need, there is usually someone to reach out and lend a helping hand -- many times that person was Craig.
Deb and I have lived here over 14 years, but whenever the first time was that I met Craig, I knew he was one of the Good Guys ---- and we were lucky to have a neighbor like him.
1st Encounter Someone in a john boat tooling around the lake with a live Blue Heron sitting on the bow of the boatwell that someone was Craig and the bird was named George. The epitome of someone who was One w/ Nature.
To me, Craig was a Caretaker, a Watchful Eye.
He watched over his Family.with his love, compassion, guidance, and intellect.
•You could see it when you saw Craig and Tai taking strolls down Willowdale Rd., or in the picture of Tai taking care of Craig in the hospital, when they first met.
•You can see it in his wonderful loving children.
•You could see it in how he took such immaculate care of his home..even in retirement he seemed to be always working on something.
But to me, and many others, he watched over and took care of the Neighborhood.
•He was a good listener, something many of us have yet to masterwhen he listened you could tell he actually cared about what you were saying.whether it was being nice or maybe his quest for knowledge, you knew he was paying attention to what you had to say.
•He would lend a helping hand or he would lend you a tool or he would take the time to show you how to do something.
•He would give advice..many of us have advice, but not always the right advice.if Craig gave you advice, 9 out of 10 times, it was beneficial to follow his advice.
•Or, just provide moral support.
Best way to describe what Craig did for the neighborhood is to talk about his impact on Half Moon Lake, the entity that brings us together and that we all enjoy so much.
In the 90's water levels in the lake were becoming dangerously low at times, as a result of lack of rainfall. The lake is crescent shape, hence the name, and at the center of the lake there is a very shallow pass. When the lake is low, it is hard to get boats through the pass. Additionally, when the lake is low the health and beauty of lake are compromised. 
Well, Craig, with his leadership, time, and knowledge of water resources was able to find a solution to help keep the water levels up. He proceeded to 
•Collect a large sum of money, (approx., $25,000) with significant contributions from residents;
•Apply for and receive a water resource permit from SWFWMDsomething impossible to get today; and,
•Install a large 700 gpm pump next to the lake that withdrew groundwater and pumped it into the lake, during times of low water levels.
HE DIDTHISTO PRESERVE THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY OF HALF MOON LAKE SO RESIDENTS COULD ALWAYS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BOAT, FISH, WATER SKI, JETSKI, OR JUST SIT IN THEIR BACKYARDS OR ON THEIR DOCKS AND ENJOY THE SERENE SETTING OF THE LAKE.
He didn't stop there, though, he would:
•Go around the lake and pick up trash and debris;
•Take water samples and submit them to UF for a program called Lake Watch;
•Monitor and record water levels;
•Monitor the record pump meter readings;
•Submit monthly and annual reports to the state; 
•Maintain and repair the pump as needed;
•Maintain a fund to pay for operation of the pump; as well as, 
•Provide an annual summary of the status of the pump and fund to all the residents on the lake.
So not only did we lose a friend, we lost the caretaker of the most precious natural resource that our community has the good fortune to share and enjoy.
Finally, as I wrap up, I'd like to speak to you, Tai. We can only imagine the immense suffering you are going through now, but as you deal with this tragic loss, please know that there are so many people here, along with those who couldn't be here, that love you and would do anything to help ease the pain.
Craig's watchful eye lingers over you from above, but we (and I speak collectively for many) are here to watch over you and comfort you as you try to heal from losing such a wonderful man like Craig. 
God Bless you Tai, Sean, Stella, Brandt, Shelby, Daris and the entire Hutchinson family. May you only know happier occasions in the months and years to come.

Many wonderful memories of working with Craig in the UAE - a generous colleague and mentor at work; a fun golfing partner and friend when not at work. Loving thoughts to Tai and Sean.....Dan and Cristy Bright

Another sleepless night.  My mind is occupied with you.  My heart is bleeding!  I wish that you were here...

Dad will always be in our memories. He had always been an intelligent scholar, editor and hydro-geologist, a loving husband and father, an enthusiastic horseshoe player and champion, a helpful neighbor and environmentalist who preserves the nature, and above all, a great person who loved to serve more than to be served. It is rare to see someone who is as talented, versatile and kind-hearted. The inspiring life he lived and the loving beautiful memories we had are the legacy I will carry on forever.

I miss and love you dad dearly
It hurts me so much to have lost an amazing father who passed before his time
It especially pains me to have seen the way you went
The world is worse and darker without you, there is a gap in my mind, soul, and a presence that is missing
May you forever rest in peace doing what you loved most, go and forever be with God.  I will see you one day!

Dear Family and Friends,

My heart is broken and my life is shattered when my dear husband and best friend for 23 years suddenly left!!  Thank you for your kind, caring words!  Thank you for spending our 23rd anniversary at the funeral home !  Thank you for your presence on the viewing, the service, the final good by at the National cemetery!  Thank you for the home cooked food, the restaurant delivery, the cards, the messages, the phone calls (Please forgive me not able to answer!), the flowers, the plants and the generous donations on Craig B Hutchinson USF Geology Scholarship Fund!  You are deeply appreciated and forever remembered!  I may not have your address to write Thank you card to you all because I do not every one's address.  Wish you all have safe and happy wonderful life!  Enjoy every gathering with your friends and every moment with your love ones!  

Love you all for every nice thing you did and kind word you said!

Tai

To my dear family and friends,
My heart is broken and my life is shattered when my dear husband and best friend for 23 years suddenly left!  Thank you all for your kindness, the caring and loving words, the cards, the beautiful flowers, plants,  the home cooked food, and restaurant delivery , your presence on his viewing, service, and final good bay at National Cemetery and generous donation on Craig B Hutchinson, USF Geology Scholarship fund are deeply appreciated and forever remembered. May all of you have a safe and healthy life and treasure every moment with your family and friends.  Craig touched hundreds of people's hearts.  He will be forever in hearts!

Will miss you from USGS reunions. Laguna Niguel to Santa Barbara to UAE; it was all good!
All our love, John & Micki Singer

My prayers and thoughts are with you always.

"Craig will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  As a cousin I will always remember his friendly smile, laugh, and welcoming spirit in his home.  May you find strength and peace in the memories you cherish of him."

My sincerest condolences to the Hutchinson family.  I knew Brandt and Shelby since they were babies.  Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori England and the England family.

Craig was great man, a friend and our  neighbor. We will miss his presence but remember all the good times we shared as neighbors. He will be missed by all.

I will miss his laugh.   I see him fishing and golfing with Leo and the pain is eased. My deepest sympathy 

Craig was my guy and one of the best horseshoes players that I've ever seen. I saw him once a week and two Sundays every month for over 12 years. He helped me merge the S. Tampa Shoebardi Club, the Tampa Horseshoes Club, and the Moose Lodge horseshoes team into the number one horseshoes team in Tampa. We represented Tampa and placed first and second in every tournament entered all over FL for 9 years. Craig was our no. 1 player. He was a gentle man, personable, humble, approachable, and so full of life. I speak for all of our over 30 horseshoes players that he will be truly and sorely missed. God Speed Craig and our sincere condolences to Tai and the family.

I will surely miss Craig.  a great friend and neighbor.  I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him and share many fun times . one of a kind.

We are sorry to hear of Craig's passing.  He was one of USGS's best!  And, a good friend.
We miss you already.  Love, Don and Carol Jorgensen

Condolences to Craig's family.  I'll never forget the many evenings we spent together at the top of Jebel Hafit overlooking Ail Ain.  Love you Tai and Sean.

I am saddened to hear of Craig's passing. I enjoyed knowing him since undergraduate days at USF. It was always great to talk with him at the USF Geology Alumni Society annual banquet. 

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

I loved playing horseshoes with this great man he will be deeply missed prayers to his family ❤❤❤❤❤

OBITUARY

Craig Brandt Hutchinson

October 4, 1943 – December 25, 2017

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services