Craig Barrett Downing

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Apr 9th, 2016

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Death Date: Apr 9, 2016

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Biography: This past Saturday, April 9th, 2016, Craig Barrett Downing unexpectedly, tragically and suddenly left us. For all that touched his life, he was beloved. Craig was a member of the ?brotherhood of the rope? -- he loved to run, boulder, mountain climb and bike. He was born December 6th, 1982, became an Eagle Boy Scout, graduated from Little Rock Central High and received both undergraduate (two majors in integrated biology and molecular, cellular & developmental biology) and master?s degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to his battle with mental health, Craig was a strength and conditioning coach at CU where he particularly enjoyed working with track and field athletes?especially the men?s & women?s cross-country and distance runners. Though a Razorback, his heart was in the mountains of Colorado. He leaves behind his parents, Nancy, Dick and Tracy, grandmother, Marilyn, his sister and brother, Whitney & Blake, nephew Heath, Uncle Larry and Aunt Roberta as well as the many Niles family uncles, aunts and cousins. A celebration of Craig?s life will take place at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Friday, April 15th from 5-7:30 p.m., barbeque and sharing of memories will begin at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America?Quapaw Council. And, God took Moses to the top of the mountain and showed him the Promised Land.

Condolences(27)

Arnaud Du Pasquier

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As a member the CU Ski Team, Craig inspired me to push my limits further than I ever have. He was the best Strength and Conditioning coach I have had throughout my carreer at CU.
Furthermore, Craig was one also the kindest coach I had.
He was the one person I always wanted to make proud during my season. One time, he even came to our Regional Championships and skied with us! Imagine that, Craig on skies.
He will remain a great source of inspiration for me throughout my life.

I wish my sincere condoleance to his family.

Stephen Kasica

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Craig was the most intelligent, hardest-working strength and conditioning coach in the CU athletic department. As a track and field athlete, there wasn't a personal record I set nor race won that didn't owe something significant to the hours of instruction and encouragement he gave me in the weight room for nearly four years. His death is a great loss to any athlete who has ever worked with him and for those who never will.

Marian McMullan

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dick,
I have just heard of the tragic loss of your son and my heart breaks for you and your family. If Craig was just a glimmer of what you are, he will be the brightest star in the sky. With sadness, your friend, Marian.

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Craig had many friends in Boulder, and we are so sad to hear this news of his passing. Craig was a very special man - kind, generous, loving. We miss him dearly. Godspeed, Craig.

Natalie Peterson

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

CRAIG WAS AMAZING! THE WORLD LOST AN ANGEL ON EARTH.
RIP GOD BLESS!

Randy & Karen Wilson

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dear Nancy and Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss. May God strengthen each of you and hold you close during this most difficult time.

Mary Waldo

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sending prayers for the Downing family at this very sad and difficult time. Peace.

Tina Bodiak

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A beautiful and appropiate prayer from The Book of Common Prayer and Enriching Our Worship 2:

O God our strength in need, our help in trouble: stand with us in our distress, support us in our shock, bless us in our questioning, and do not leave us comfortless, but raise us up with Jesus Christ.
AMEN

May the entire Downing family sustain their faith under the light of God's never-ending love and light of His coutenance.

The Bodiaks send their love and compassion to all of you.

John, Tina, Michael, John Paul, Danya

Jane Lovett Holt

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincere heartfelt sympathy. I didn't know Craig but Dick helped me when my first husband died and we have remained friends. Nancy goes to church with us and occasionally the Judge and I make the 8 o'clock service. I feel close to both Mother and Dad. Also having lost a son to cancer when he was thirty, I know how wonderful St. Margaret's and the BSA can be at giving support. It is so difficult to lose a child at any age. I will hold you all in my prayers. Bet Jonathan met him at the Gate with ropes in hand. Peace be with you all.

Sonia Petty

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blake, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of loss.

Sonia Petty

David Cowan

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so sorry to learn of Craig's passing.

Satena Scoggin

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincerest condolences to the family. No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one. I pray that God grants you all peace and strength at this tragic time.

Toby & Kelly Thompson

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are very sorry for the loss of your son Craig. May the peace that only Jesus can bring be with you and your family during this sad time.

Darcie Harvell

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincerest condolences. We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to church and high school together. I saw him during my stay at a local hospital in April 2014, i never said anything to him and have regretted it ever since. I wanted to hug him. For days i wondered if he would even remember me...i'll remember Craig forever. Again, my sympathies to all his family and friends.

William P. Dougherty

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest condolences to Dick and his family.

Carroll walls

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

The Walls/Gilbert/Berg family our thoughts and prayers are with the Downing family in the lost of Craig. We love that u are celebrating the life that Craig loved and the life u saw him grow up to enjoy and experience. I know Melinda was waiting for Craig at gates of the Lord's Heavenly Mountains. She is saying "Dick: I was here at the gates for ur boy"
I'm sorry I'll be out of town to celebrate the perfect place for Craig's life of fun and experiences. Prayers and thoughts are with u and the family.
Carroll walls

Joe Phelps

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dick, my condolences to you and the family.I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a son. Be strong, brother.

Allan & Laura Gold

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our hearts & thoughts are with you at this difficult time. You are a kind, generous and loving family. We know that you will have many wonderful memories to comfort you.

Respectfully,

Allan & Laura

John Fair

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met Craig when he came to Jefferson Elementary in the 4th grade. By the time Jr high came around I am proud to say he was my best friend. We always seemed to be together no matter what was going on. I holds a very special I'll place in me heart. We were both in Boy Scouts and we had an amazing time. It is so hard to believe that he will no longer be here physically but he will always be here in spirit. I love you very much Craig and I know the you now sit at the Lord! May you always be talked about as if you were in the room and I will see you again. Take care of Papa Smurf!!

Brent & Sharon Brown

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dick and family: we were saddened to learn about Craig passing away. As you mourn the loss of Craig, try to remember the great moments you shared with him over the past 32 years. Hopefully, this will put a smile on your face. I'm sure that is the way he would want to be remembered.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU and watch over you during this time.

Please let us know if you need anything down the road. We'll be here for you.

Melissa Smith Allen

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. May God grant Craig eternal rest and give you and your family the peace and comfort that only He can You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Melissa

Chris, Alma and Vivian Hallman

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

It was profound sadness we received the news about Craig's passing. Chris always described his relationship with Craig as one of the most important bonds he had growing up and one that he held close, well into adulthood.

Upon meeting Craig, I knew I was blessed to have married into a family that would gift me with family members that were kind, loving, warm, sincere individuals, like Craig. He didn't greet me with a handshake, he hugged me and I knew he absolutely meant it. What a great memory and representation of who Craig was.

While Craig is no longer on this Earth physically, he will live eternally in our hearts as one of the most wonderful people we've ever known.

We love you very much Craig, and will miss you everyday.

Love,

Chris, Alma and Vivian Hallman

Jenny Boshears

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am thinking of all of Craig's family members and loved ones during this terribly sad time and sending deepest condolences and love.

Brin Nirenberg Sr.

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Although I've never had the honor of meeting Craig in person, I have had the pleasure of working with Blake here at MCE. My first born son was taken from this earth recently and I struggled with this turn of events. He was a mere 20 years old with a lifetime of memories still ahead. Then my wife said, "He was taken to save himself from a lifetime of pain and suffering". I've not shared that with anyone else until now, but for some reason I felt the need too. It helps me, may it help you. Think not today of your loss, but his glorious gain. Peace be with you.

Brandon Booe

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am sorry that you are not with us anymore but I know that you are with my brother, Chaffin. Blake, you were always there for me and I am for you.

Mar Lynn Booe

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Craig was one of the first of friends that my son Chaffin met at 2 years old when we first moved to the neighborhood. They stayed friends even though their lives changed as they grew older. I always remember how courteous he was and will always remember that he showed great respect for his family and friends. He is now in heaven with Chaffin and all of his relatives and friends so we have great comfort for that. All of my love to Nancy, Blake, Whitney, Heath and Dick

Susan Starker Witherspoon

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Craig was one of the best friends to my son, Brad! He was always there for his sisters, Brooks and Sallie. This saddens me deeply to know we have lost another son, brother, and friend. So many, so soon! I know that Craig will be in Heaven with Brad until we all meet again.
MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU!
Fondly, Susan, Brooks and Sallie Witherspoon

Craig Barrett Downing

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