Obituary of Rev. Eldon Craig

On January 23, 2020, in the company of his family Rev. Eldon S. Craig, of Shawville, Quebec passed away. He had recently turned 81 years old. Eldon was active in ministry for over 60 years first in the Standard Church of America and later in The Wesleyan Church. He had a passion for progress and to see the ministry of Jesus flourish. His vision for the church often caused him to push past the status quo to see new opportunities. He served churches in Sealey’s Bay, Brockville, Egypt, North Gower, Pembroke, Ottawa and Shawville. His influence and connections extend through many people in ministry and beyond. He was the kind of man who would start a conversation with anyone and they would be his friend before they parted ways. He had so many experiences from growing up on a farm, owning horses, working on his father’s Model T Ford and living in unique locations in Canada and Egypt. These practical moments in life have been part of his deep insight and wisdom. Moments like this charmed their way through his preaching and his everyday approach to people and life. He is survived by his loving wife Frances and his 3 daughters Sharon Guptill (Jay) of Cole Harbour, NS, Merri-Lynn Raddatz (Kevin) of Pembroke, ON and Vallerie MacCallum (Rob) of Kingston, ON. He has also been delighted to love and be loved by 12 grandchildren they are: Benjamin Guptill (Patricia), Joel Guptill, Nicolas Guptill (Ariel), Lucas Guptill (Ana), Matthew Guptill, Candace Bell (Mark), Corey Raddatz, Collin Raddatz (Carolyne), Caleb MacCallum, Daniel MacCallum, Brooke MacCallum and Nathan MacCallum. It gave him great joy to invest in 5 great grandchildren as well, they are: Riley Guptill, Madison Guptill, Parker Guptill, Brody Bell and Brock Bell. He will also be missed by his siblings: Doris Kenny (Roy), Iva Shultz (Elmer), June Craig, and Elwood Craig (Gladys) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Cheryl and infant granddaughter Jessica Hope. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the ministries of New Hope Fellowship in Shawville, Dr. Mutchmore and the nurses of the Pontiac Community Hospital. Friends may call at Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church, 42 Cedar Haven Rd., Cobden, Ontario on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Celebration of Life and Influence will be held in Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 11 a.m., with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers please make Memorial donations to the Building Fund of New Hope Christian Fellowship Church.