Having been almost a life-long friend of Bill's (since Glebe Collegiate Institute (High school)) and many shared experiences including school productions and parties, I can honestly say that he was indeed a treasured individual who rarely left anything intellectually un-commented. Bill was a fine man and I'm very happy to say that he was a great friend. I will miss his presence here on earth.

I did not know him personally, but i do know him from his contributions to Pure Pwnage. It may have been a silly web series to some, but he taught me a lot through just his voice. One of my favorites was, "It's the decisions you make- when you have no time to make them- that define who you are". Teh_Masterer will be missed.

It was a privilege and pleasure to know Bill. His warmth, sharp wit and wonderful sense of humour was a precious gift to all who knew him. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies to his family. Be assured that you are in my prayers.
Joy D. Fitzgibbon, (Member, Senior Common Room, Trinity College, University of Toronto)

I remember Bill 'Mad Dog' Craig from my Trinity days, particularly his oratory in the common room following dinner.  He had an eclectic personality and unique perspective on life that I sure will be sorely missed.

Bill and I connected on every family get together and the most fond memory I have is Bill being so pleased that he lived so close to his beloved nephew Jonathan. He turned to me and with his trade mark smile he pronounced .. "How good is that"

Our deepest condolences to Bill's family - we were honored to be his guests at High Table and the SCR a few years ago, and remember him as the consummate priest, gentleman, and scholar.

My sincere condolences to Bill's family with his passing. I remember fondly days at Glebe including Latin classes with Mr. Savage and the trip to Italy; and serving at St. Matthew's; and many other moments throughout the years. His passion and enthusiasm will be missed.

Thank you Bill, for sharing breakfast with me at College, your knowledge of Robertson Davies and Trinity, without you I would have hated my brief time there and not understood why. You listened so closely to me, I wish we had stayed in touch. 
"I want to be remembered as a footnote: CRAIG SAID" Yes you did.

It was with great regret that I heard of Bill's passing this Christmas.  I first met him when he returned to Trinity as a Senior Fellow in the late nineties.   Over the next few years he became as welcome and necessary a feature of the college as the JCR or dining hall.    I will always remember his wit, his good humour, and above all, his friendship.  May he rest in peace,

Ahhh, Bill.  We'll miss him.  I helped vote him in as head boy in Glebe after his "I had a dream!" speech and later heard him debating in the Junior Common Room at Trin, always impressed by his erudite rhetorical style.  The world just got a bit dimmer.

Bill was such a fixture at Trinity College.  Engaging, knowledgeable on an exhaustive range of topics, compassionate and always ready for a good thought-provoking conversation – he really was unique.  His death was a shock and came too soon.  He truly will be missed.

For his years of leading our Parish of Christ Church Ashton, we well-remember Bill's informed, scholarly, witty, engaging demeanor ... blended with a devout faith and gentle grace that warmed the hearts of all who knew him.
We cherish the great in-depth discussions we have had with him in the past, and already miss the future conversations that can no longer be.
A great soul has passed, too soon.
Our deep condolences to his family.

My condolences to Bill's family and friends at their loss.  May your memories of his wisdom and wit lighten your hearts.

Loved our annual visit to Ashton for a service, then over to the rectory for a little 'nip' then off to the Pub for lunch.  Will miss your laugh, Bill

I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill in person, but he was kind enough to befriend me on Facebook, upon my request, based on our mutual interest in the Anglican/Episcopal church.  It was through my husband, Derek McCulloch, who was Bill's first cousin, that we became connected.  A dream of mine was to visit Toronto some day, meet Bill in person, and hear him deliver one of his sermons in church. I am sad that I will never have that opportunity. I hope the Craig family will find some small comfort in knowing that their brother touched my life in a profound way. I miss him already.

We were profoundly saddened to learn of Bill's death.  We knew him for almost 40 years and grew to enjoy, appreciate and love him more each year.  We will miss his humour, his wide-ranging interests and joy in life.  Above all, we will miss Bill.  One of his most delightful characteristics was his love for, and pride in, his family.

Please accept our heart felt sympathy.

Bob & Judith Tyrrell
Ottawa

As one of Dr. Craig's student in his History of Christianity II class which ended on December 12th 2011I would like to express my sympathy to the Craig family. Dr Craig was a kind, gentle man who made his love and knowledge of the history of the Church come alive to his students. 
                                                          Rev. Barbara Graham

His answers were fulsome and delivered with grace. "Just say the Word"... what is the word?

Our Dear Friend Janice and your family members ~  How very shocked and saddened we were to hear of Bill's passing.  Our love to you all,  Dan & Margot (Hart)Moore

We spent many happy times with Bill over the years in Ottawa and area.  We are happy that we had a visit with him very recently.
We recall a family story of when he was a young lad on a camping trip with his parents. It had snowed through the night and when leaving the camp in the morning the person at the gate remarked "we have a bright "sun" this morning". Bill quickly replied "Yes and my name is Billy Craig." Our four sons, Bill's cousins have grown up hearing this story repeated often.
We feel the loss of Bill greatly.
Aunt Jean and Uncle Irv (Murph)

We the parisheners of St. Columba and All Hallows will miss him very much.  His sermons were very educative, interesting and topse to listen to. Our deepest symapthies to the Craig family.
                          
                                                                  Francis & Chandranee Xavier

As a former classmate at Glebe Collegiate , I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Keeping in touch via social networking these last few years constantly reminded me of the brillance, wit and intelligence of this kind person. My condolences to his family-truly a dear soul. Our world is much poorer for this but think of the grand debating session that will play out in heaven.

I'm very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. We knew each other from Trinity College where he was a fixture in the class of '79. My condolences to his family.

When he lived in Ottawa we would meet at the Bishop's Levee and go for a coffee or beer after.  I introduced him to Chris Palmer and Don Leclair who became close friends and for whom he performed their wedding in Ashton.

There will be an informal gathering at the home of our mutual friend David Armstrong, 613-371-9446, 7h00 PM January 13th.  I first met Bill at David's Christmas party, where they were singing dirty songs in Latin.

I have fond memories of Bill Craig at Trinity College, about 30 years ago.  I was an undergraduate in Arts and Science and he was the most lively and sociable of Divinity students, always full of life and wit.  He was famous for his exuberance, and for his sweet and generous disposition.  My condolences to his family, friends and parishoners.

Bill's death has taken from me a friend who has enriched my periodic return visits to Trinity College in so many ways.  I have looked forward to the warmth of his greeting and the intellectual stimulus of his company, and our occasional reminiscences of good old Ottawa.  I will miss him greatly.  May I offer my deepest condolences to his family.
                                                   Gordon Watson (Mahone Bay, N.S.)

Sorry to hear..I went to High School with Bill and followed him on Facebook.He will be missed!

Bill had been a good friend since we met on the playing fields of Mutchmor in 1964, through Glashan and Glebe, to rectories in the Ottawa Valley and, finally, at a distance through social networking. He always had a unique take on things, and was a respectful, skilled opponent in debate. He is sorely missed already.

Sincere condolences.  Greg Robinson, St. Columba and All Hallows Parish.

Two things always struck me about Bill whenever I talked with him: how fun he was to be with, and how much he knew about so many things.  He always made for charming good company, and you could count on him to be a gracious and engaging part of Wednesday evening at the Senior Common Room at Trinity  His wit, though sometimes sly, was essentially kind, and this was most conspicuously on display at annual Trinity College convocations when, as public orator, he created Latin puns for his citations for honorary degrees (though unfortunately for him he generally had to explain these to me).  As a co-supervisor of his doctoral thesis, I was comfortable in the knowledge that he knew far more about his subject than I did.  How passionate he was about his texts!  "Gladly would he learn, and gladly teach."  He was the very epitome of the phrase "a gentleman and a scholar."  What a terrible shock to receive the news of his very untimely death.  He had so much more to give the world.

Our condolences to Bill's family.
We really enjoyed Bill's time at Christ Church, Ashton.
His sincere committment to his task and well thought-out sermons were always appreciated by us.
He will be missed.

Ed & Marg Weldon

Bill and I were both members of the class of 7T9 at Trinity, and when I first met him, I didn't know what to make of him. I had never known anyone quite like him.  As I got to know him better, I grew to like and respect him.  Bill was an important part of the fabric of our year, and it is difficult to think back on my days at Trinity without smiling at the memory of Bill Craig.

I ran into Bill on the street about ten years ago, and pulled him into a nearby bar for a couple of drinks and a long conversation. Bill was always up for a long conversation.  It was a wonderful afternoon.  At our most recent 7T9 Trinity reunion in 2009, Bill was in fine form, arriving soaking wet after having managed to be outside at the very instant of a brief downpour and grumbling that he thought, given the addition of his most recent divinity degree, he might have had a bit more influence.  

The world is a poorer place without Bill Craig.  Rest in peace Bill.

As a student at Trinity ( '79) I will always remember Bill's acerbic wit, humour, dedication to the latin language and to the study of history. There was lots of debate when Bill was around and much Sherry drunk. I will miss him.

So sad.  My sincere condolences.  I remember Bill fondly.  He was a major, indeed legendary, presence in the class of 7T9.  Rest in peace, Bill.

Fr. Bill was a beloved member of our Parish Community during the years he spent with us at St. Matthias, Bellwoods.  We value the time he spent with us, his intellect displayed in all of his homilies and his abilities during the celebration of the Mass.  We had great personal chats when there was an opportunity to drive him home and we always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humour.

On behalf of the Trinity College, Faculty of Divinity students, may we give thanks for Bill's life and for his gifted teaching,inspiration and exemplary ministry.  Our prayers are with Bill and his family.  May light perpetual shine upon him and may his soul, through God's mercy, rest in peace.

Shauna Cairns Gundy and Jonathan Lofft
Co-Heads of Divinity, 2011-2012

Bill - it's too soon by far! You will be missed.

I met Bill several  times, and was always grateful for the opportunity. He was a remarkable man, and my heart is with his family, friends, and everyone else mourning his loss.

I always looked forward to seeing Bill when I visited Trinity or attended Corporation. He always had something interesting to say and he listened to what others said. He enhanced any debate or discussion and was full of knowledge and insight, and humour. I first knew Bill as a server when I was Assistant at St. Matthew's, Ottawa and considered him a friend during his ministry in the Diocese of Ottawa. When I was in Shawville, Quebec, he visited me on his way to Campbell's Bay, where he had served. To who else would I give my extra copy of the Canons of 1604? Bill was devoted to our beloved Church, especially to Trinity College and the parishes in which he served. He was deeply loyal to his friends and family and we are all poorer without him. His knowledge and interests made him an exceptional person and priest. Bill was a person of deep faith and a good friend and I will miss him very much. May he find rest and peace in the God who he loved and who loved him. "May the angels lead thee into paradise...et cum Lazaro, quondam paupere, aeternam habeas requiem."

Bill was a good friend at Trinity (both of us 7T9), though we followed our own paths afterward. I'll always remember his learning, and even more his sometimes acerbic wit (both on view in endless games of Botticelli!). Last time we saw each other, I made the mistake of commenting on a certain sameness I'd noted in Church sermons; he responded, "Well, if you only attend on two occasions a year...". We'll miss you, Bill.
Randle

Bill Craig was a wonderful friend, a scholar, a fellow of Trinity College and a devoted priest. His lectures were brilliant, garnering the highest praise from his students. I was always in awe of his knowledge of history, particularly his historical understanding of the papacy and of the reformation period. His passing is a great loss to me, to his other colleagues, and to the students of Trinity College. On behalf of myself and  the Trinity College Senate, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to Bill's family.
â€œIt pleased God to save those who would believe through the folly of the gospel messageâ€ (1 Cor. 1:21)
 Requiescat in pace.
Michael G. Steinhauser
President of Trinity College Senate

Bill's impressive mind and deep faith were a constant encouragement - not just to me but to a host of others in so many places. Also it was a delight to be in the same deanery clericus with a man of such great taste and well rooted mature faith. Requiem in pace.

On behalf of myself and the congregation of Presteign-Woodbine United Church I'd like to offer our sincere condolences to Bill's family, friends and congregation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of loss.

Bill was warm, witty and erudite.  He was a kind and gentle man, full of fun, quick to offer help and advice when needed.  I met Bill on my first day of high school and saw his love of learning grow as he went on to higher education.  I will cherish forever memories of shared times at the rectory in Campbell's Bay, indoor croquet, good food and better wine.  Rest in peace dear Bill; you will always be remembered with love.

Bill was a good man, imbued with a keen sense of humour. I'll always remember our amusing historical debates. Rest in peace Bill.

A treasure ... too early taken from us.
My sincere condolences to all the Craig family. Rest in peace Bill. You will be greatly missed by all of us.

Grief is always so hard but especially at Christmas time.  My condolences to my cousins and the entire Craig family.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I will fondly remember Bill as will many friends in the Diocese of Ottawa and elsewhere. He was a young teen in my youth group in St. Matthew's, Ottawa in the early 70s and even then he was mastering Latin and Greek. He was fun to be with then and continued to be so throughout his life. Indeed a gracious and gentle man. He loved his church and the academic life. Condolences to Bill's family. May he rest in peace and may all the trumpets sound for him on the other side. +Peter

I'll always remember he since of history and his sense of humour. Rest in peace, Bill.

Bill was a man that I met once face to face once but it left a lasting impression. I will miss his quips on Facebook and his always funny outlook on things. Rest in Peace Bill. The world mourns because you are no longer in it. Godspeed

A priest and learned scholar.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory. - Fr. Daniel Graves, Trinity Church, Bradford.

I never knew him personally, but I will always remember his excellent voice acting on Pure Pwnage.  Rest in peace, 'Teh Masterer' - we won't forget you

I remembered Bill coming into my office when I asked him to be priest in charge of St. Columba and All Hallows.  I was impressed by his realism and good humour.  He was a great shepherd to that church and very kind to me.  We shared our interest in English church history.  I have a copy of a draft of his thesis which he sent to me before I visited Hampton Court Palace before the first meeting of the ECGI core group in London.  May he rest in peace and rise in glory.  + Patrick

Fr. Bill sure knew how to work The Simpsons in to a sermon at St. Matthias, and make it relevant. My son liked that.

We were saddened by the news of Bill's death. Sorry for Jonathan's loss of a dear uncle and friend; sorry to lose someone who linked our family life and our church life. We will remember Bill's smile and whimsical presence, his love of his family and church, and his passion for church history. He always had a few nuggets ready to share. May light perpetual shine upon him.

I will miss the delightful conversations in the Quad. Glad to have shared this incarnation with him.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. 
We saw Bill over the years at his nephew Jonathan's house, he was always smiling and ready with a joke or a great story. Bill was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew him.

My condolences to the Craig family for their loss.

Ian Macdonald

The last time we saw Bill, he was very happy:  Everything was going well with his life, his parish, his apartment, and his prospects.  So our last memories of this kind and dear friend are very heart-warming; we will sorely miss him.

May he rest in peace.

Fr. Fred Tiplady - Graduate Faculty of Divinity, University of
Trinity College, Toronto.
Class of 1968

I fondly remember Bill's mischievous smile, and his deep concern that the church was losing touch with its past. His last act toward me was to remind me that as clergy we are responsible for helping people learn to pray. In pace resqiescat.

He was such a kind and learned man, that he would speak of kindness even to the insects. In our fast-paced world, that kind of care is a rare and beautiful quality. We will miss him.

OBITUARY

The Rev. Dr. William Leonard Craig

18 June, 1956 – 24 December, 2011

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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