Hey Craiger, where is your watch?  Those in the "know" will get this.  Miss you and wish you were here to answer that question!!!

I was out fishing for small mouth the last few days in Quebec. The same lake that we talked about for years but didn’t get to go . I could have of used your  help with the net. Lost three really nice fish right at the boat. I could hear you laughing from heaven. Tight lines Brother!

A huge loss to the world with such a gentle soul.   My memory of you shall always be treasured.   Rest in peace, Craig.   I know that you are now in a better place.  We shall meet again!

My deepest condolences, I'm very sorry for your loss.  This man was a very friendly and caring human.  He freely and generously gave us some time when we (my late father and I) came to visit.  A true credit to his father's kindness.  Peace.


I was so sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I didn’t know him well, but all of my interactions with him over the years were gracious and professional. He was highly regarded in the industry and will be missed by many people. My condolences to Don and the rest of Craig’s family.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND WISHES FOR STRENGTH AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. MAY CRAIG REST IN PEACE ALWAYS. OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU. WITH LOVE, 
FARHAD, VICKY AND BOYS. 

I first met Craig over fifteen years ago when I contacted his dad, Don, for help in finding equipment for the restored print shop at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Over the years Craig was an invaluable source of hard-to-find parts, advice on repairs, reference books on 19th century printing, and appraisals values for the printing equipment for which the Village is responsible. Moreover, he had a knack for explaining the complex mechanical operations inherent in this equipment in language that a layman such as I could understand. And, Craig taught me that keeping a letterpress print shop operating requires an attention to detail, and a willingness to get one's hands dirty.
The best example of the result of his generosity is the Village's restored 1860s R. Hoe cylinder-press, which is one of the few in operating order in North America.
In looking back, though, what the Village has most to thank Craig for is that he was a gateway to a myriad of valuable contacts--people who share his passion for the mechanical, versus the digital, world of machinery.
The next time any of you visit our printshop, remember that it exists because of the passion of Craig and his dad, and others like him.

Deepest sympathy to Craig's family!  Craig was our neighbour for over 25 years.  He was kind,  hard-working and always had a wave and a smile.  We did not need an alarm clock because Craig's truck went by our house every morning at 6:30 AM.  Craig took pride in his lawn.  My biggest compliment was when he told me a few years ago that my lawn was looking good and he had to up his game.  Craig will be missed.  Keep your memories close!    Klaas & Linda Hiemstra,  26 Bethley Drive, Scarborough

Sincere condolences to all of Craig’s family.   We are so sorry.  xo

We have lots of memories of Craig at family dinners, birthdays and parties.   He had a beautiful  laugh and a smile that lit up  his face!  We will miss him.  

I have known Craig William for 15 years and he was one of the kindest most memorable person I knew. He was a very hard worker and helped my business through our hard times, we will always be grateful to him and his family. My deepest condolences to the Black family for their loss. May he rest in peace. 

Most Sincerely
Shana Ent.

I have known Don and Ruth for several years from their visits to the Tampa Book Arts Studio at the University of Tampa when they would come to Florida for the winter.
At Don's suggestion, when I was having a problem with my Ludlow I called Craig to get some advice. Once I described the problem, Craig immediately told me what I had to do to correct it. Within minutes I was back to casting. 
I have spoken to Craig a few more times on the phone after that incident when I would call to speak with Don and he was always pleasant and would inquire about me as if we knew each other for years.
I finally had a chance to visit Don  and Ruth in Toronto and, of course, Don took me to his shop to show me around. I got to meet Craig and he was as genuine and personable as I had imagine just from our phone conversations.
During my tour of the shop, Craig invited me to set a few lines on the Intertype they have in the shop. We had a running Intertype at TBAS and I would use it for demonstrations for the students and to set copy for some projects.
When I sat at Craig's Intertype and began keyboarding some copy I was in heaven. Never have I used an Intertype or Linotype that ran so smoothly. Those keys were so responsive I had to lighten my touch so I wouldn't get double mats.
Don was always saying how proud he was of what a wonderful machinist his son has become, and I knew Craig knew his stuff from the Ludlow incident. Then when I used the Intertype it only reenforced my belief in Craig's mechanical skills.
To Ruth, Don, and family, it with deep sadness I even have to write this, but I hope you knowing that so many people knew Craig and held him in the highest regard gives you some comfort.
Peace be with you both and your family.

To the Black family we are incredibly saddened by Craig's loss. I'm sure he was a special son, father and Uncle to many and we mourn with you.

I worked hand in hand with Craig on only two occasions.  His strength, focus, and patience I will never forget.  When things got tough, he was undaunted, steady, and persistent.  I don't think anyone could have fought death harder.  In my heart I will always remember Craig.

Michael Bixler

Don, Ruth, Tamara and Tori
I had the pleasure of meeting Craig several times over the years at different family functions.  Was always a great guy.  My sincerest condolences to the family.  
Most sincerely,
Robin Coombs

The world has lost a wonderful guy.  Words cannot express how much we will miss Craig.  He was always so willing to help us when we needed his expertise with shipping printing equipment to Canada.  We were so fortunate to meet Craig and share his love of printing history.  I can only imagine the pain in the hearts of his Mom and Dad, who love him so very much.  I pray that time will help heal that pain.  May God be with you Craig.

Jack and Donna Boggs

Craig - the world is truly a sadder place without you.  Rest In Peace my friend.

Sincere condolences to the Black family for the loss of someone so near and dear.  Your journey has been long and difficult.  Craig will live on with you forever, always in your thoughts and hearts.  He was  very much loved when he was with us and will continue to be so on his new journey.  

Bev, Mario, Stefanie and Amanda

I met Craig many years ago when I visited his dad in Toronto.  He was always kind and  very forthcoming in helping with problems on machinery over the years.  He always enjoyed it when I would bug his dad about  how Linotypes ARE the better machine.  We also talked about him taking me fishing some day when I visited, but we never found the time, we both always seemed to be working.   He visited me once in TN on his way home from , I think a vacation in FL.  We took him to Cracker Barrel twice and both times, breakfast and dinner he ordered the catfish.  I was  shocked that anyone would want catfish for breakfast, but it ain’t so bad, I now eat it often and think of Craig each time.  He was a wonderful and loving man and I will miss talking to him.  I hope he has found a great fishing hole and is finally getting to relax.  He is and will be missed.

We never met in person, but spoke on the phone and worked together on some letterpress equipment projects. Craig was a good man and did a great job continuing the tradition begun by his father. When I was a boy, Don Black was the man to speak to about hot metal parts and matrices. When Craig joined the family business, he not only served the family, but also made a major contribution to letterpress printers throughout the world.  Together, Don & Craig were leaders in the field of rescuing, restoring and protecting letterpress typesetting and printing equipment for the appreciation of and use by future generations of letterpress printers.  He will indeed be missed by friends, family and the entire letterpress printing community.

 Don, Ruth, and all of Craig's family, I send my heart felt condolences for your loss. At Lyte, Craig was always my favourite. Not just because we had so many good laughs, but because of his work ethic and dedication. I'm sure the shop was always cleaner after Craig borrowed it to work on his bike! He had a key, which we didn't give out freely, because you just knew you could trust the man. I'm glad I got to catch up with him last summer on a visit, but wish it wasn't the last. XO take care.

I can only imagine the sadness the Blacks are enduring with the loss of Craig . . . but I enjoy thinking back on the privilege of knowing him and all the great times he and I had together! Craig was the hardest working person I have ever known. I helped him out on several print shop moves when he needed another pair of hands. We would work 12-14 hours a day moving Ludlows, Elrods, Intertypes, mats and type and other heavy printing equipment. At night, returning to our motel, Craig would stop at some drive through and buy me a 75 cent hamburger! Then we would go to our room and enjoy laughing about our day and how hard we had worked! What an extraordinary person Craig was, and how much I learned from him. Craig Black: a wonderful guy, a good friend, and a mentor!

Ellen & Speed Gray
Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Mr. One Point”


Don --- I'm totally shocked at the passing of Craig.  I always thought of him to be a fine gentleman and associate.  My heart felt condolences to you and Ruth at this time.

Sadden by the news of Craig's passing.
A gentleman and true genius working his magic servicing printing equipment. 
I would best describe Craig as one in a million.
Thank you Craig for your support and help.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul Nother -  Encore Promotion Products


My heart goes out to Don and Ruth, Craig's family and especially his kids. He fought a heroic battle against the disease. I remember his very subtle and understated sense of humour; we often ended up laughing about this or that. He was a helluva mechanic; clearly he could "hear" the machines' complaints, and make them right again. What a gift! He'll be missed.

We have known Craig for 30 years. He was more than just a friend. We shared many good times together. To Don Ruth Gwen and Danny our hearts go out to you. Tamara may you find peace knowing he is no longer suffering. He fought long and hard. Our deepest condolences may he rest in peace. 

Craig was a hard worker and new his trade.  He came to Uxbridge years ago for a complete day overhaul on our old ludlow (which still works quite well to this day)  He was very patient and friendly and couldn't wait to get down to our local pond for some fishing on his
lunch hour!  He and his expertise will certainly be missed.  In all our thoughts and prayers.  May God rest his soul

Joe Curtis and all the Baldwin Sales Uxbridge team

We are just so heart broken to hear about Craig's passing.  Our love goes out to all of his family and especially Don and Ruth and Gwen and Danny.   We wish we lived closer and could share in his celebration of life but please feel our hugs and love and sympathy from afar.  We will be there in spirit and pray that your shared memories of his life shared with yours will help get you through this difficult time.  With love, hugs and our sympathy, Sherryl and Wayne

To Ruth, Don, Tamara, Tori, Gwen, Danny and all Craig's family and friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences at this terribly difficult time for all of you.  When we moved from Ireland back in early 1980 we met Gwen & Danny and through them the Black family.  We valued their friendship and kindness shown to us.  It was evident they were a very close family and I can understand now how you all must feel saying goodbye to your precious Craig.  You all watched him suffer so much over the last few months and years - but the pain is gone now for him.  And I am sure he will guide you through your grief and pain and know that he is watching over you and giving you the courage and strength that he had right through his illness.  The lovely warm and kind messages shared in his memory here are a true testament to the kind of person Craig was.  He made the most of life in his work and leisure and enjoyed it all. Craig leaves a legacy of his accomplishments in life and most importantly love and respect that will carry through to his family members.

We wish you peace now Craig, the suffering is over.

In the words of James Joyce.....
They lived and laughed and loved and left
And the world will never be the same.

Deepest Sympathy.

With lots of love from
Margaret & Larry Murphy
Ireland xx
 

I have a few good memories of Craig and his passion for the old presses but the one that I will always remember is the first time we spoke....I called him and told him I had an old Inter-type machine here that I wanted to scrap and asked him he wanted it, he was at my shop 2 hours later (Scarborough to Oakville on a Friday afternoon) with another gentleman, a cube van, 3 blocks of wood and a car jack! For those of you that know the inter-type will know this was a monster to move but within an hour it was on the truck heading back to it's new home. I will never forget how happy he was to "save" that piece of history. That was our first of many interactions over the years....He saved a windmill from my shop 2 years ago as well, below is me saying goodbye while Craig made it secure in his pick up truck......Thanks Craig for saving presses all these years. You will be missed 

We have known Ruth, Don and the Black family, since 1971, worked many years with Don, we attended both of their kids weddings, because of my printing business I had many dealings with both Don and Craig but lately it was with Craig, never met a person so straight forward, so honest, so courteous, so helpful as Craig, We are going to miss that soft smile he always had on his face whenever he talked to you and most of all we are going to MISS YOU! May you find peace and tranquility in the House Of The Lord and watch The Leafs WIN the STANLEY CUP.

To all Craig’s family and friends:
During the 30 odd years we have known Craig we considered him to be a kind, caring, hard-working and considerate man who loved his family and friends and we consider it to be an honour to have known him.
We send our  condolences to his family and friends on the loss of their loved one.
I was happy to take care of his loved pussy cat      
Hunter when he managed to be able to take a few days break.  He showed me where the food was etc but I noticed there was no drinking bowl and  I  asked where that and his bed were. 
He answered very seriously that Hunter will only drink from a running tap and not to worry about a bed as he sleeps on the foot of  his bed! (Silly me, of course he does!)  I loved taking care of his much loved pet as I felt it was the least I could do for this fine man.
Both Craig and Bill battled the same disease and  he  always enquired about Bill’s health 
battle and they shared praises for the oncologist who treated them both.  His kindness was  appreciated by both of us.
Rest in Peace Craig. We will never forget you.
Pam and Bill Gilchrist

Ruth and Don, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time.


I had the honour and privilege of knowing Craig for 35 years. 

We were introduced by a mutual friend in 1984. I was only 18 years old and he a few years older. He was not like other young men I'd met. His charming, self-assured, kind, generous, hard working, respectful and humorous personality immediately won me over. It was not long before we were inseparable! He shared with me his love for snowmobiling, motorcycle racing, golfing, photography, exploring Ontario and all things printing. While I introduced him to my world of horses, dogs and living a country lifestyle. We appreciated one another's dedication to our choosen careers.  Understandibily though he never really did take to helping me muck out horse stalls! 

Unfortunately our lives and careers took two different paths and we lost touch. However after approximately 30 years our paths would cross again. And I was blessed to have this man in my life not only once but twice.

 I know just how fortunate I was to have you in my life. And I have so many cherished memories of our time together. Whether it be our trip to the Dominican,  snowmobiling or motorcycle racing, roadtrips or you ever so patiently trying to teach me how to play golf I cherish them all! They are etched in my memory forever.

I remember when you started your long and courageous battle against cancer you once said to me "Against All Odds"! Telling me that you were going to beat the odds doctors had given you. And for many years you did just that. You did it in your own way, on your own terms, in the places you loved surrounded with the people you loved most. And I admire you for that. 

Although I will miss you, this is not goodbye! This is just until we meet again. And I know we will. You will forever be in my heart and memories. I will never, and could never forget you. You had a profound effect on my life and for that I thank you.

Love always, 
Jacquie
Or as you always said to me "Ditto" 

To Don, Ruth and all the Black family,
Seven years ago we had the privilege to meet you and Craig during a visit to the Don Black Linecasting shop. 
My wife, Angela and I considered it an honour to be hosted by the Black family. I particularly enjoyed chatting to Craig about printing and learning about how he packed my Linotype mats so well.
Just like Craig, we both enjoyed operating Don's C4 Intertype on the day.
Our deepest sympathy from Tony & Angela Robinson and family, Australia.

The Blacks, Don and Ruth, and Craig and Gwen were our neighbours for many decades.  The Speller family sends their sincere condolences to all the family during these difficult days.  We are thinking of you all.  Randall and John and family.

I have received very few gifts in my life that I felt like someone had truly put some thought into.  One such gift came from Craig.  I have cherished it ever since and it hangs in a place that I always see it and fondly remember the caring, loving man who made it.  Craig you will be missed but not forgotten.  Rest In Peace.


Heartfelt love, support and condolences to Tamara & Tori ❤️
Here for you always xo

I have had the privilege  and honour of being friends with Craig for the last 30 years.  Craig was a very generous, loyal and extremely hard working person. 

Over the years we had many great times, from the vacations at the cottage where you and Stuart double dog dared me to get up on the skis, the three of us on the motorcycle trip through NY and Vermont.  The many golf games where you and Stuart would share my shots between the holes, just in case I got a good one. The laughs we would have when I would try to outdrive you, although I was hitting from the forward tees.  The many nights laughing in the garage.  

Thank you for being my friend, I feel really lucky 

Will truly miss you and will NEVER forget you

Till we meet again 

Love Lynne xoxo



Although we never met in person, Craig and I spent much time on the phone conversing over both printing and personal issues.  I think I can honestly say that not only did we have a very good business relationship, but we also developed a real meaningful friendship and comradery during those times together.   I sincerely appreciated his kindness and helpfulness.   I will greatly miss my chats with him.
My most  tender thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.   May God's Wonderful Grace and Mercy be with you all.   - Weddingstar. com,  Alberta



We were friends for over 30 years and shared many memorable moments such as our kids births, road trips and some crazy moments which will stay with me forever.

You were a loyal friend to me and an Uncle to my kids. I always admired your work ethic and loyalty to friends and family. It is a tragedy for your life to be cut short by this terrible disease.  We cheated death numerous times during our adventures but sadly, cancer was unbeatable for you. However, I take comfort in knowing that you will be making all of your birdy puts and landing huge muskies for an eternity in heaven.

We will miss you but never forget you. Love ya man!

Stuart 

I never met Craig, as I'm in England and Craig was in Canada, but we spoke many times on the phone as old school printers. Craig was aways helpful and positive, we always laughed at other peoples misfortune, which is the printers way, I liked him very much.

I send my love to Don and Ruth and all the family at this sad time.

Elrod Andy

YOU WILL BE MISSED CRAIG  IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO TALK TO YOU AND DO BUSINESS TOGETHER. GOOD TIMES HAD WHEN IN TORONTO WITH YOU .MAY THE LORD SHINE HIS LIGHT UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Ray Heard

OBITUARY

Craig William Black

February 2, 1962 – September 8, 2019

Jerrett Funeral Homes

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