Craig Owens Vander Vennet

Waynesboro: Craig Owens Vander Vennet, 49, of Waynesboro, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. He was born on July 21, 1963 in Chicago, IL and was raised in Newport News, VA. He graduated from Hampton Roads Academy, attended Greensboro College and graduated from James Madison University. He had careers in Charlottesville, Virginia Beach and Waynesboro, VA. Craig had been a resident of Waynesboro since January of 2007. He attended Springdale Mennonite Church. Mr. Vander Vennet was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Roger and Elizabeth (Owens) Vander Vennet. Craig is survived by his beloved lifetime partner Jay Burkholder. He is also survived by four siblings and their spouses, Kenneth Roger Vander Vennet and his wife Terri of Newport News, Stacey Waller and her husband Rick of Carrollton, VA, Scott Alan Vander Vennet and his wife Theresa of Monroe, CT, and Keith Douglas Vander Vennet and his wife Greta of Oakville, Ontario. Craig is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews: Charles Vander Vennet of Framingham, MA; Elizabeth Sickles and James Waller of Carrollton, VA; Patrick Vander Vennet and Jon Conciatori of Monroe, CT; and Claire, Grace and Kenneth Vander Vennet of Oakville, Ontario. He is survived by his beloved friends Dorothy and Henry Blount, Lurlene Lowe, and the entire Burkholder family. He also left behind his canine friends Desi, Betty, Max and Clairee. He was a generous soul who always saw the best in everyone. Craig always put the needs of others before his own. He left his mark on the world through innumerable acts of generosity and humor. Craig loved all people and was dearly loved in return. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday October 28, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the Springdale Mennonite Church with Pastors Stacey Burkholder and Dave Chappell officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3025 Berkmar Drive #7, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or by visiting www.heart.org; or to The Poor Clare Monastery, 550 Holly Fork Road, Barhamsville, VA 23011 Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.