Robert D Craft

Robert D Craft, 75, passed away at home on January 2, 2021, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.  Bob was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Leo and Kathryn Craft in 1945 and grew up on the family farm.  He led an interesting life and always had stories to tell his children and grandchildren.  From serving in the U.S. Marines, studying physics and mathematics, working with NASA, and hitchhiking across the country more than 4 times, he enjoyed meeting interesting people everywhere he went.

After attending the PhD program in Physics at the University of Oregon he ultimately settled in Roseburg where he remained an active member of the community throughout his life.  He loved volunteering with the Special Olympics, Roseburg Track Club, and other local non-profits.  After establishing the Horticulture program at the Wildlife Safari he went on to become the Education Director and pioneered a collaborative program between the Winston-Dillard School District and the Wildlife Safari utilizing park activities for individuals with disabilities.  His true passion lay in education and he devoted the majority of his career developing educational programs at the local and state level as a grant writer, developer, and hands-on educator.  He was a member of countless associations and boards in the local and state region, always with an emphasis on education. He remained active until the end of his life as the developer of the Northwest Education and Training Institute, a private non-profit online university designed to meet the needs of lifelong learners as well as the continuing education needs of business owners from around the country.

He will be remembered as a devoted father to his son Justin, stepfather to Jenny, Mikel and Heather and loving husband to his wife and companion of 40 years, Linda.  He enjoyed long-distance running, a hard day of work in the garden and a glass of red wine in the evening. He was known for spontaneous discussions about science, philosophy, physics, mathematics, and history.  He had a curious mind and a kind heart which he loved to share with his grandchildren; Erin, Olivia, Mia, Cannon and Thomas. Being their grandfather was his greatest joy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Special Olympics.