Craig will be so missed!  I joined the Microsoft Finance Team in 1983 and only Craig had the vision to adivse me how to invest and better my life.  Not only did he teach me about finance but how to make more of my life. I looked to him so many times for direction.  Because of him I made wise decisions that made my life and the future of my children a better and brighter future.  Than more than that, he made me laugh at just the most crazy things.  He made such an impact on my life and future and I will be forever thankful for him and the experiences he brought to me.  You were someone so special and I will forever remember you with happy memories.

Carol R. Nelson (Microsoft)

We knew Craig and Joan through the Lincoln Continental Club and the PNR Classic Car Club. We will miss him greatly. He was so charming, friendly and modest. At a Lincoln Club meeting/auction, Craig was cautioning me to not bid $30 for a Lincoln mirror because he said that amount was too much money for me to spend on the mirror. I could buy a new mirror for less. He was very concerned about my finances. Then when I was bidding for some Mariner tickets in the Owners' box, Craig again said I was bidding too high. He could get me some tickets. I didn't know he was the Owner who had donated the tickets! I appreciated his cautionary financial advice. Later I did learn about his wealth, but never from him. To me, Craig was a great car-guy who shared his love for Classic Cars and his car knowledge with all who knew him. He was a wonderful man.

My life is enriched from knowing Craig for the past 14 years.  I was so fortunate to have worked with him on two of his passions – the Seattle Symphony and Village Theatre.  His charm, warmth and generous spirit was infectious with everyone he met and I loved his wry wit and sense of humor.  He brought light and life into every room he entered.  I will miss him terribly.    Joan, my love and deepest sympathies go out to you.
Karen Rotko-Wynn

Dear Joan,
We remember with delight the generosity Craig showed the Pacific North West Lincoln and Continental Owners Club, with his gifts to the national meets we ran as well as sharing his car collection with our members. Not only will we remember his generosity but his friendship and participation at our meets. The world seemed a better place when Craig passed our way and he will be greatly missed. Our love to you Joan.

Craig was a great musician in addition to being a great humanitarian and businesman. His background as a musician and his love of music and opera contributed to the kind, sensitive, and thurough person that he was. A true Renaissance Man, a sportsman, a "raconteur", and a kind and loving husband. A truer friend could not be asked for.
Martin & Penny Berinbaum (Vancouver BC.)

Dear Joan,
We were so saddened to hear about Craigs death.  He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.  Craig was one of the first at Microsoft that Don met and was truely impressed by his style and the man that he was.  We were very lucky to get to know him.
Don and Janine Hasson

We have known Craig and Joan as neighbors for about 25 years.  we have very fond memories of our son and Puccini,
craig's golden retriever,rolling down the grassy hill together. 
We will miss you Craig!!

dan and joan zunterstein

I met Craig in the early days of Microsoft and found him to be approachable, warm and always ready to share a laugh. He had a terrific sense of humor and was not above contributing to a practical joke. Example: As the recruiter for Microsoft and a student pilot at the time, Craig and another colleague told me that Microsoft was going to have a heli-pad built on top of the Northup building and that it was all "hush hush" and to keep it confidential. In my excitement to start the search and network with my flight instructors to find that heli-pilot, guilt finally got the best of Craig and he fessed up. But not after he got the best laughs.

Years later, I was fortunate to cross paths with him again while working at Light Sciences. We picked up where we left off: sharing stories and telling jokes. He was still that same warm, approachable and self effacing person from years ago.

Salt of the earth, he was.

He will indeed be missed.

I was sad to read about the passage of "Uncle Craig". Cindy, Pam and Amanda were next door neighbors and childhood friends and the memories I have of Uncle Craig are of a wonderful, sophisticated and warm person. Condolences to his family.

Craig's passion for the M's and for old Lincolns and Continentals was truly infectious. I remember his grin as he turned on the rotating Mobilegas flying horse in his warehouse. I raise a glass to you, Craig!

Craig was my first boss at Microsoft back in 1986.  There was so much going on and it was incredibly hectic.  But, any time I needed to talk, Craig was always there with his great smile, sage advice and keen wit. I consider myself very lucky to have known Craig. Craig lived life so well. We are all so lucky to have known him.

Craig was truly a great "baseball" person....always catching and pitching his enthusasim in all aspects of his life.  His triple play was making the Model A Ford Club of America into a true business asset, supporting the Arts, and using his talents to help others by supporting the Light Sciences Oncology.

His infectious grin; especially when he was driving his phaeton with Joanie by his side, was awe inspiring....I'll miss his chuckle and gleem in his eye, He's hit that "home run" and is rounding third and coming home to heaven....

Patti Jones, Model A Friend

I feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with Craig!  He was the most genuinely nice person I have ever met!  Anyone who met him, even for a brief instant, went away feeling they’d made a new friend for life.  While I do work for Light Sciences Oncology, my interaction with Craig was more about baseball and the Mariners!  Craig always had a comment or story to share about our beloved Mariners.    Thank you Craig, for keeping major league baseball in Seattle, and your extreme generosity to the arts and cancer research!  There is a huge hole in our hearts now, but your goodness will go forward for generations!  Joan please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in the future!

'Uncle' Craig was not a relative by blood but by the heart. My father and Uncle Craig co - horts in crime as youngsters were the best of friends through out their loves. I have two memories to share that always bring a smile to my face. When my dad and Uncle Craig were young, they ditched school to work on a fort that was essentially a hole in the ground in a field. My father was in the hole and Uncle Craig was lifting a bucket of dirt out of the hole. When Uncle Craig saw his mom striding across the field he was so surprised he dropped the heavy bucket of dirt on my dad's head. My dad tells you with a smile that the only thing that saved his life was his WWII helmet! My other memory is a bit clouded. We were at a church service, perhaps a wedding or funeral, we were very young. Uncle Craig sat with his neices and my sisters and I. When the collection plate passed down our pew he called out, "Help yourself kids!" He was a scamp. I will always remember him with a smile. Thank you, Uncle Craig, for being the best friend my dad ever had.

Craig will always be known to me as 'The Colonel". With his bright smile and witty personality how can one not LOVE the man! His generous and warm heart made him an irreplaceable man. If I ever needed help a little "pick me up" I knew I could always count on "The Colonel". He made my day and life a better place!! I will miss you Colonel Sir!!

   Model A enthusiasts admired Craig for not only his dedication to the "hobby" but for his generosity in time, talent and treasure..all aimed at enriching the lives of those he came in touch with.
   And "touch" he did, whether it was by exercising his business expertise and taking the helm of the 1994 2nd World Meet, firmly guiding everyone and making it the success it was...sharing his collection of restored vehicles kept in Lincolnshire...arranging for a behind the scenes tour of his beloved M's Locker Room for the National Model A Banquet one year..to the genuine delight he expressed at running into various people right down the street at the local grocery!
   Craig had a warm smile that reached clear to his eyes and was always ready to laugh at a "good one".
   He was a many facetted man with drive and determination,  as well as a very loving soul who will be greatly missed BUT whose legacy to the WORLD will live on in many ways!
   Wrap yourself up in the many memories you made together Joan, and he will remain close to your heart forever!
   With deepest Sympathy

Dearest Watjen family.  Craig was an amazing light...he drew people to him by his presence and remarkable smile and zest for life.  He energized me when I was around him. He had a flirty way that made you feel at ease; he never had to talk about himself (unless he was pulling off some joke; for example his injured leg due to a fall at Pampelona while chasing the bulls). He was dignified, yet accessible; brilliant yet spoke in the most understandable way; and best of all, used his wealth in a myriad of important ways to help his fellow man. We have indeed lost a man who exemplified what was right about this country.  Your spirit is enduring dear friend...may each of us in our own way carry on the light and spirit you passed to us. My life is enriched for having known you. Condolences and blessings to you dear Joan...may all those wonderful times you were together help assuage your grief. Always, Charlie & Benita Staadecker

I knew Craig from his work on the Village Theatre board. We worked together on several projects. Sometimes I'd see him at the Pro Club where we'd catch up on things. He made everything much more fun when he was around. Craig was so generous- not just with his donations, but with his time and energy. His active interest in the arts was a gift not only to the groups he supported, but also to the community. Everyone who knew Craig will miss him very much. He is unforgettable. Alex and I are so sorry for your loss, Joan. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Uncle Craig was an wonderful man.  He lived life to the fullest.  He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.

We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you in this difficult time.

Craig was a dear friend of ours,He was a wonderful friend of Dave since both were three years old .We loved you Mighty Whitey .Always a smile and a very loud laugh.Our three girls called him Uncle Craig ,they are heartbroken.With your good advice all 8 grandchildren will go to college,three already there. Love to Joan we are thinking about you. Nancy & David Simpson(Pawtucket R.I.)

Craig was the most wonderful Uncle to me, and Great Uncle to my children.  Through his generosity and love, our lives have been so deeply touched.  He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. He was the definition of a truly great man to all those whom he ever came in contact.

Regardless of how we came to know Craig, we will all miss him. Since I met Craig during the course of my work with Light Sciences, I think one simple observation will serve to say more about Craig than any attempt on my part to describe personal memories of him. Craig's actions as a so-called "angel investor" are what made the pioneering work done by Light Sciences possible. Recently, I observed the ease and extent to which Craig's long-term efforts on behalf of the company could be placed into proper perspective. When speaking with venture capitalists or other prospective angel investors, base your expectations for them on your recollections of what Light Sciences received from Craig and make requests on this basis. And then listen to the stunned silence. 

And I don't mean simply the magnitude of the investment, but the other things that may be just as important - like Craig's generosity with his personal time, patience, and his insistence that Light Sciences be a company that employees will be eager to work for. For anyone to whom this was not already obvious, it would not take long to discover that Craig was a very special person. To describe him simply as an "angel investor" does not begin to do justice to his contributions at Light Sciences. He will be missed by all who knew him.

I've worked at the biotechnology company that Craig founded since 1999. Among his many interests, he was dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, and he never stopped believing in that goal. Craig was always ready with a smile, a handshake and a joke. He is a treasure, changed the world around him for the better, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

I interviewed Craig for our alumni magazine several years ago and he was one of the most kind and generous hosts I've ever met. The day and a half I spent with him and Joan was such a treat. He was so good to St. George's School and such a good man to all.

Craig is my brother-in-law and he will be sorely missed. Craig was just a all-around wonderful man. I never met a more caring & genuine person in my life. He has touched many lives with his kindness & sense of humor. We love him deeply. Our love & thoughts go to our loving sister, Joan. 
Doris & family

I will miss Craig very much. He was like a father to me, without ever realizing it, and he did so much for me, without ever realizing it. "Without ever realizing it". That quality is what made him a great man.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Craig Monson Watjen

22 juillet 1936 – 13 août 2010

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service