Craig Forrest Van Doorn Sr.

Craig's life was full of laughter and love - love for his family, love for his friends, love for bacon, cherry pie, ketchup and a pork tenderloin sandwich from Millie’s and love for an ice cold margarita. Most days Craig could be found with a beaming smile, working in his yard or riding his beloved lawnmower. The word 'retirement' did not exist in Craig's vocabulary - a true Renaissance man, Craig had more jobs than most people can name, and he was damn good at all of them.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 29, 1949, Craig was raised on a corn farm, developing a lifelong disdain for corn at the tender age of one. He graduated from Drake University with a degree in Business. Craig married Linda, the love of his life on September 27, 1975 in Des Moines, Iowa. They spent the following 47 years nurturing a family, traveling extensively all over the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand and caring for each other as best friends for eternity. Craig's favorite activities include spending time with his grandchildren, observing wildlife, watching car racing, traveling and making people laugh. Craig will best be remembered as a guy who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Whether caring for his mother-in-law and his own parents at the end of their lives, offering support to a neighbor, reffing a soccer game or moving 10 tons of dirt for his community, Craig took on any challenge with unbridled enthusiasm and a healthy dose of 'what the hell?'.

Craig will be missed for his infectious laughter and his amazing back rubs. He is survived by his wife, Linda Van Doorn of Larkspur, Colorado, his children: Craig Van Doorn Jr. of Larkspur, Colorado, Kristina Simpson of Denver, Colorado, Shannon Bingham of Huntsville, Alabama and Erin Fuchs of Raleigh, North Carolina and his grandkids: Ashley Bingham, Josh Bingham, Zach Bingham, Jenna Fuchs, Aubrey Simpson and Beckett Simpson -- to whom he is affectionately known as "Bepaw".

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Craig Van Doorn Sr.'s name to UC-Davis neuro-oncology program (Department of Neurology), or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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