Craig A. Welday

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, M. Diane Daum; younger brothers, Kirk and Brett Welday;

numerous cousins, nephews, niece, their families, many loving friends, and beloved pets Ricochet & Rowdy.

Many of you knew him from his 34 years with the fire service.

On March 12, 1976 State Assemblyman William Campbell (chairman of the committee on fire services);

Phillip Favro (chairman of the state board of fire services; Edward Bent (supervisor of State Fire Training)

and other dignitaries, identified Craig as Certified Fire Fighter I, registry# F1-00001 for successfully

completing the California State Board Fire Services basic training program. He was featured as the first

certified Fire Fighter by virtue of being President of the first class to graduate from this program.

Craig began his career with Covina Fire Department, proposition 13 laid him off, Manhattan Beach Fire

picked him up as a Certified Paramedic (Certified 33 years) and then he lateraled to Redondo Beach Fire

where he spent 28 years. He was a Paramedic (where he delivered several babies, some named after

him and helped countless people with medical emergencies); Paramedic Proctor; Plan checker/Fire

inspector; Engineer; and ended his career as a Fire Captain. He concurrently taught Fire Engineering at El

Camino Junior College.

Many knew Craig as a recurrent Lifeguard for over 23 years. He spent many hours in Division Towers, on

Baywatch, and instructing Junior lifeguards. Besides watching the water and the people in it he would

watch the people on the sand and notify them when they had been in one position for too long and they

were likely to sunburn. His supervisor said Craig had many female fans on duty that were known as

"Welday's Girls". They were always bringing cookies or other treats to headquarters to find out where

he was working.

Many knew Craig as a consummate athlete and waterman. He received many awards, ribbons and

trophies beginning as a swimmer in school, then as a longboard surfer, a drag boat racer and a paddler.

Whatever sport he competed in he always pushed his body to the limit for the win. He is in the Guinness

Book of World Records for paddling across the English Channel with 6 of his friends. He also went

through several boats in his Drag Boat Era that brought him more trophies. Later years you might find

him in King Harbor just hanging out on his pleasure cruiser with his wife and dogs, Ranger and

Sugarfoot, or kayaking around the harbor.

Many knew Craig from riding his motorcycles. He challenged his mind and body by riding solo from

Torrance to Daytona Beach, Florida for Bike Week. He was a little weather beaten from rain, hurricane

weather and his new bike breaking down on the way home, but he was exhilarated and rode many more

times to different locations solo and with friends.

Many knew him for restoring his 1940 Ford and attending car shows. However somehow if he thought

his budget was covered for $500 it would always end up around $1500.

Whatever his new passion was, whatever challenge he took, he attacked it at light speed with verve and

gusto. He was an unfiltered light igniting others along his journey to join him or move out of the way... Sometimes his favorite activity challenged him back as evidenced by his many sports injuries and

numerous surgeries. Doctors were always amazed at his ability to recover and still compete at a high

level. But as Craig would say, "You have to go for the win, 2nd place is just the first loser."