Craig Bagshaw

June 28, 1978 - July 6, 2021

Funeral Details: A private celebration of life will be held at a later date

It is with heavy and broken hearts that the family of Craig Bagshaw announces his sudden death on July 6, 2021 in Alban, Ontario at the age of 43.  Craig’s loving companion Baxter, his beautiful Great Dane, has left this world with him.

Craig was born in Sudbury, Ontario.  Cherished son of Pat and Jim, dear brother of Lyndsy (Shane) and loving uncle of Carson, Brooklyn and godparents, Dale and Val.  Craig will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends, co-workers and our Family HH gang.  All spoke so highly of his kindness to help others in need and his loving heart that he had for everyone.

Craig was his mother and father’s heart, soul, pride & joy and will be deeply missed. Craig was considered a genius by many family members and friends when it came to technology.  He also had an incredible gift of knowledge when it came to a lot of various topics and always sounded like he knew what he was talking about.  You always felt like you learned something new after every conversation with Craig.

There was never an issue he could not resolve.  It all started when Craig was 12 years old and read the DOS manual (disk operating system).  He also drove his mother crazy taking apart computers, walkmans, watches, clocks, and anything else that had a mechanical component, to figure out how they worked; his closet floor was always a heaping pile of parts and cords.

As most of his close friends knew, Craig had a hearing problem, he wore hearing aids from the time he was 5 till around 12, then because it wasn’t cool anymore, he decided to stop wearing them.  From then on in he drove us all crazy by talking way too loudly and, you had to repeat everything at least twice.  Craig also played the keyboard by ear, he would listen to a song a few times, then before we knew it, he was pounding out the song on the keyboard.  He used to keep our Happy Hour gang dancing to his music till the wee hours of the morning.

Craig was a Senior Technology Consultant with Telus, he loved his job and was very proud of what he did.  His first job with Telus was working on the DND (Department of National Defence) contract.  He was a very patriotic Canadian and he considered it an honour to be able to solve a lot of their technical issues.  He NEVER quit; he always found a solution to whatever he was working on.  Many a time he worked through the night to resolve the issue.  He loved working with all of the team members at Telus; they were more than co-workers; they shared an amazing friendship together while completing some very complex projects.  At the same time, they enjoyed some laughs and had fun finding the solution; they worked so well together; he will miss them all.

He had that same mentality when completing projects around our cottage or fixing a boat motor.  In the last year, he built a complete boiler system at our cottage providing heat so that we could come here earlier in the Spring and leave later in the Fall.

Craig moved to Barrie where he could be closer with Lyndsy and her family. Many memories were made with trips to Florida and times shared at the cottage.

He loved spending special time with his nephew Carson and his niece Brooklyn.  He often laid on his bed with them and Baxter watching old Looney Toons, Woody Woodpecker, Bugs Bunny, etc.; he was a big kid at heart.  He always wanted to make sure they shared experiences together, whether it be taking them for a boat ride or throwing them into the pool.  His heart was so strong for them.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking on the following link www.georgiancollege.ca/giving

A Legacy Scholarship, in Craig’s memory, has been set up with Georgian College in Barrie.  Funds raised will support students entering into the Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree with Computer Programming Diploma.

His memory and kindness will continue to live on forever.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

CONDOLENCES

38 Condolences
  • Susan Majbroda
    Posted on: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Reply

    I worked with Craig at the Valhalla inn he was friends also with my daughter Amanda Adam and crystal I am truly sorry for the loss of Craig and his puppy he always had a great smile thinking of you and all your loved ones

  • Deb and Stew Parker
    Posted on: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Reply

    Don’t even have the words to express how we feel about losing Craig. Our hearts are broken. We had so many wonderful times over the years with him and will cherish each and every moment. He will live on in our hearts forever. Big hugs to you Jim and Pat, Lyndsy, Shane, Carson and Brooklyn. I know Craig loved you all so much. XO

  • Rita Strand
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Oh, Im so so sorry for your loss of the special man that Craig was, for you all and for David and me who met him in Florida quite a few times over the last years. Words are too “lean” to describe my emotions but be assured: Im thinking of you , strongly.

  • JoAnne Desgrosseilliers
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    My heartfelt condolences for this profound loss. Such a beautiful tribute to Craig. Thank you for sharing. Love Jo-Anne

  • Wayne Doyscher
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Even though I only new Craig for a few short years, I certainly enjoyed his highly intelligent and insightful conversations we had.
    I will truly miss him. My heart goes out to Pat and Jim and the whole family.
    Rest in peace my friend…… I know you are in that fourth dimension we always talked about

  • Helen Monkhouse
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Lyndsy and family

    Sincere condolences to you and your family. Treasure all the memories you have. I never met him Lyndsy but if he was anything like you he was truly an amazing beautiful person.
    Thinking of you. hugs
    Helen

  • Pat Bagshaw
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Craig………… How do I love you,,,,,,,,,, let me count the ways…………….
    There are not enough words or numbers in the universe for me to explain.
    You were a Powerful, Kind and Loving person who touched so many lives.
    I am so grateful and proud that you chose me to be your Mom.
    My heart is so broken, but I know you will help me heal and move forward…..until we meet again, RIP my son!

    Craig received his 2nd vaccine on his birthday, June 28……..on that day he posted the following

    2nd dose done……………………….
    LIFE IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT

    To all of you that were touched by Craig…………………..please live life to the fullest with him by your side.

    HE IS A GUARDIAN ANGEL TO US ALL

  • Umberto Gallucci
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    What a pleasure to meet such a great human.

    Condolences to everyone.

    Bert

  • Rami Salameh
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    I knew Craig for many years, his dedication, intelligence and support always amazed me..
    Condolences to everyone..

  • Ric Caul
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Deepest Condolences
    So Much that could be added

    I worked with Craig from the initial time he came to TELUS , he was self motivated , always eager to do more, had options/alternatives and of course opinions. That was Craig. He grew strong over those years but never lost that eagerness.

    If I could tell you directly.. you always had time for others, made sure they were heard and you did your best to accommodate, regardless of the ask.
    God Bless You Craig, you were too young and full of life to be removed so sudden.. Till we meet again.
    The TELUS family will miss you.

    When time permits, go outdoors, laugh with a child, enjoy a family meal and cherish the moment… Ciao

  • Trent Harris
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    I had the privilege of sharing several meetings with Craig and know he was a passionate, dedicated team member and a respected colleague by so many. Our TELUS family will truly miss Craig and all the camaraderie he brought into people’s lives. Sending our sincerest condolences to all of Craig’s Family and Friends.

  • Marni and Bob Horner
    Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Reply

    Words can not express the sadness we feel with the loss of Craig. We feel blessed to have known him as such a special nephew with so much love to give. He was an amazing man and will be missed by all. Our hearts are with you Pat, Jim, Lyndsy, Shane, Carson and Brooklyn

  • Amanda Hall
    Posted on: Thursday, July 22, 2021 Reply

    My heart breaks for each of you! I am so very sorry for your huge loss. I remember when Craig would home mid evening’s to a moderate size group of Lyndsy’s friends sitting around their patio….he was never too impressed with us gaggle of girls laughing and being loud!!
    Sending love and hugs to you all from Thunder Bay.

  • Pamela Bowen
    Posted on: Friday, July 23, 2021 Reply

    My deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. I had the privilege to work with Craig as a colleagues within the TELUS family and I was saddened to hear of his passing.

    My favorite memories of my interactions with Craig were his positivity, passion for what his work and technology, his creativity and boundless infectious energy.

    My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. I wish you peace and comfort and may your memories of him sustain you now and forever.

    -Pam

  • Linda Caruso
    Posted on: Friday, July 23, 2021 Reply

    Pat and Jim I’m so sorry for your loss. No words can comfort you in such a trying time. Just know you have friends who will always be there for you on your time of need. You just have to say the word. Again my deepest condolences.

  • Teresa Simonse
    Posted on: Friday, July 23, 2021 Reply

    My sincere condolences to the family of Craig. I am a retired Telus employee who worked on the DND project with Craig residing in the Toronto area. This had been quite a shock to all who worked with him. May your memories of Craig stay close to your heart. Praying for comfort to your family.

  • Lizette Martindale
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Dear Pat, Jim, Lindsy, Shane and children.

    Don and I are sending you all our deepest condolences and heart felt sadness in the lost of you beautiful son /Craig. We didn’t get to know him as a young boy after you left for Thunder Bay. Fortunately when you came back to stay at the cottage, it was love at first sight when we met this handsome, loving, young man of yours. There’s no doubt that he will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him. May you Rest In Peace dear Craig and continue watching over all your loved ones and take long, bright, ☀️ walks with your beloved companion, Baxter.🐾
    My dear friends, known that Craig will always be your precious “SON SHINE” ✨

    Love to all, Don and Lizette Martindale❤️

    PWest Arm it was love at first sight than we got to meet beautiful son.

    EST

  • Maureen Frith
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Pat and Jim
    My heart goes out to you during this sad time.
    Maureen

  • Heather and Allan Becks
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Pat, Jim, Lyndsy: We cannot find the words to express how much our hearts hurt for you. Just try to find comfort in the knowledge that others sympathize and care.

  • Paulette Hynes
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Dear Bagshaws, I am so sorry for your loss of Craig, can’t even imagine the pain you’re going thru. Didn’t know Craig that well, but sure enjoyed his Facebook posts, especially of the west arm narrows, made me think of my times at my mother’s camp. I keep him and your family in my prayers. He is a great loss

  • Vicki Kuz
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Pat, Jim & Lyndsy, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

  • Joan & Rick Valade
    Posted on: Saturday, July 24, 2021 Reply

    Pat, Jim and family … we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs of comfort and strength to you all.

  • Don and Corine Oram
    Posted on: Sunday, July 25, 2021 Reply

    Pat, Jim , Lyndsy and extended family, our deepest condolences on Craig’s sudden passing. He was a pleasant and talented fella. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Kathy Johnston
    Posted on: Sunday, July 25, 2021 Reply

    Pat,Jim&Lyndsy My thoughts prayers and deepest condolences are with you during this extremely difficult time. -Hugs-

  • Donna & Ken Wright
    Posted on: Sunday, July 25, 2021 Reply

    Pat, Jim, Lindsy & family…
    We send our deepest condolences.
    Our memories of Craig are of a wonderful young man.

  • Bob and Lana Kartanson
    Posted on: Sunday, July 25, 2021 Reply

    Jim,Pat and family. So sorry for your loss. Craig was so special to us, he was like another son. Words cannot describe his loss. Prayers, thoughts, and hugs to your family.

  • Scott Sheriff
    Posted on: Monday, July 26, 2021 Reply

    Jim, Pat and family, I’m very sorry for your loss and deepest condolences.

  • Vivian Eliopoulos
    Posted on: Monday, July 26, 2021 Reply

    My sincere and deepest condolences go out to the Bagshaw family during this difficult time! He will be greatly missed!

  • Sylvie Blanchette
    Posted on: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Reply

    My sincerest and deepest condolences to Craig’s family. I met Craig 10 years ago when we started working together on the same project. We became fast friends. Maybe it was because we were both born in Sudbury. We worked together so much on the same DND file over the last 10 years that he would jokingly comment that there were only 2 phone calls that he always answered – mine and his mother’s. Craig was a technical genius and a do-it-yourself extraordinaire. This spring he explained how he had reengineered the plumbing at his cottage to get water from the frozen lake and he was so happy and proud that he had figured it out. He even gave me a tutorial on how to do the work at my cottage. But that was Craig. Once he had spent time figuring something out he was always willing to share his ideas. Always willing to help. Always willing to listen. Always ready to find a solution to any problem. Craig was such an amazing person, with a deep love for his family. I am lucky you were my friend and you will be forever missed.

  • George Rusnick
    Posted on: Friday, July 30, 2021 Reply

    Sorry to hear the passing of Craig, I met Craig when he was at Valhalla, such an joyful person. Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful person that meant so much to so many. He will be sorely missed.

  • Elaine Kiss
    Posted on: Monday, August 2, 2021 Reply

    My deepest condolences for your loss of such a wonderful person. I had the privilege to work with Craig for many years at TELUS. He was a rock-star at his job. Craig never gave up and never let you down. Not only were we colleagues, we were friends. I am so grateful to have had you in my life and you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

  • Rebecca Cheung
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Reply

    I worked with Craig at TELUS for over a decade and although we only met face to face once (and had plenty of banter between the supremacy of the East Coast vs. the West Coast), he made a huge impression by how he embraced everyone so warmly and how he tackled every challenge we faced with integrity, passion, boundless energy and humor. If I had a problem, I knew I could count on Craig to help me solve it…and he didn’t even work in my department!

    In time, my entire team within Corporate Security got to know Craig and it was the same thing, if ever any one of us needed help, he was there…period. I remember one instance where the senior leadership team wanted a system built to track something, and Craig pulled an all-weekender, literally starting on Friday afternoon and had the entire database and system completed by Monday morning – the guy was just relentless in his desire to make things better!

    Our team worked closely together with Craig to fulfill government audits and a slew of government regulations, and again, even though when it did not fall directly within Craig’s jurisdiction, he never hesitated to give his own time (often after hours and even when he was on vacation) to helping out. I still have numerous emails and text messages from Craig to tell me that he’s going to be on vacation, but if I need him, he will answer my call…but only me and don’t tell anyone else, wink wink. He always had a way to make people feel special.

    So it is with a heavy heart and a deep deep sadness that I write this. Pat & Jim, know that your son touched many of those who have not even met him in person. His energy was infectious, his authenticity was a breath of fresh air, his technical genius was next level, and his passion for his work and colleagues is unmatched. My sincerest condolences to your family. RIP dear Craig, you left us way too soon and will be sorely missed in more ways than you know.

  • Elaine Gosselin
    Posted on: Friday, August 6, 2021 Reply

    Craig, you will NEVER be forgotten! I will miss you every single day.

    Pat, Jim, Lyndsy & family – I am so sorry for your loss! A lot of time has passed since seeing you all, but I want you to know that I love you. Your son/brother will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart as will the three of you.

  • Robbin Murangira
    Posted on: Monday, August 9, 2021 Reply

    Very sorry to hear of the loss of Craig. While I’ve only had a few conversations with him, as a colleague at Telus, he was always incredibly light hearted & kind and such an integral part of the team. My sincere condolences to all friends & family.

  • The Maki's
    Posted on: Thursday, August 12, 2021 Reply

    It’s almost impossible to pick just one or two ‘funny’ stories about Craig because they were all so funny. When we sat down to discuss stories, we ended up talking and laughing and crying for hours. We remembered when Craig tried to teach Makinin how to build a computer. There are photos, and he’s lying right on the floor with computer parts all across the floor while Makinin is sitting there probably thinking about her hotwheels cars. He may have had better luck trying to teach her to fix a car. It’s clear how Craig always wanted to share his passions and knowledge with everyone. But most importantly, its clear that he wanted to spend time with those who were special to him. It didn’t have to be fancy, or extravagant, if there were loved ones around and laughter, Craig would be there. This is also a clear example of his intelligence. Craig was a visionary, an unstoppable creative force. But he never thought he was better than anyone because of it, and really, he used all his talents and energy to make sure everyone else around him was happy.
    Tracey, Len, and Craig laughed their heads off when they tried to teach Craig to drive a standard car. He kept stalling in a parking lot and getting more and more frustrated. Tracey and Len were laughing so hard they conveniently forgot to tell Craig that he needed to gently ride the clutch. Craig gave one of his classic smirks and an eye roll and they all burst out laughing. It wasn’t a moment of anger or irritation, but a moment of total laughter. And that was that – one (very unprofessional) lesson was all Craig needed to conquer driving a standard – there was nothing he couldn’t learn. Tracey and Len have told that story so many times and still laugh out loud every time they think of it.
    Craig constantly smiled and worked very hard to make sure those around him were happy. He was immensely dedicated and unconditionally loyal to the end. Craig played the Organ at Len and Tracey’s wedding and he and his friends lugged it all the way up their stairs, to the Maki’s house, and then back again. Craig practically learned all the songs overnight – but that’s just so Craig, there was nothing he couldn’t learn, especially with music. He once painted the drums for his high school band just out of dedication to his band and love for music. He painted the entire drum set in his dad’s small unventilated workspace in their house and the entire basement smelt like paint. Later, when Jim came home and started closing windows, Len was right behind him reopening them because the paint fumes were still so strong.
    Thunder Bay Happy Hour owes Craig so many thanks and memories. He was always able to use his energy, personality, and love of music to keep parties going all night long. Not only could he play any song on the organ, but he was an amazing DJ and was so in tuned with the essence of music that he would pick songs that would immediately liven the mood and get everyone dancing and singing. So many birthdays and holidays were so full of fun and love and laughter because of Craig.
    Madison remembers when she, Makinin, and Craig went to the Buffalo Farm and took a little tour around the farm. Craig was such a charismatic person who could get along with anyone. The people at the farm thought we were Craig’s children and we all laughed and went with it – it was such a funny moment the three of us shared. Later, we all sat on the top deck at Camp and sang along to “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It was such a special, intimate moment, one of those moments that feels like it should be in a movie it was so perfect. Then “Rosana” came on. Madison loves that song, but Craig hated it. So, she told Craig she was going to play it at her wedding just to annoy him; he just rolled his eyes at her and then they both burst out laughing. That’s how most memories are with Craig: full of laughter.
    From Madison’s perspective, she thinks Craig was maybe the one person her parents have shared the best memories with. I don’t think there’s anyone else they laughed with as much. And for Madison, she always knew that no matter what, Craig would be there for her and welcome her (or anyone else) with open arms. There are literally thousands of stories, funny and not, and this doesn’t even scratch the surface. But the most important part of all these stories is not that they’re ‘funny’ but the fact that these memories are shared with Craig. There’s such much poignancy and love in all these memories because Craig was there, and even a thousand stories can never capture the all the things that made Craig so special. But it’s definitely a start.
    Craig will always be one of the most important people in the Maki’s life. Craig wasn’t just their friends’ son, he was family. His loss has left such a huge hole in our family that will never be filled again. It was a privilege to know him and an honor to be even a small part of his life. We were all so lucky to love such a special person and have him love us back.

  • Madison Maki
    Posted on: Thursday, August 12, 2021 Reply

    Craig, if I’m even loved half of what you are, I know I’ve done something right. Thank you for some of the best memories of my life, you truly shaped who I am for the better and I’ll always think of you whenever “Take Me Home, Country Roads” comes on.

    We are all so proud of you and everything you are. I love you forever.

  • Prem
    Posted on: Thursday, August 19, 2021 Reply

    My deepest condolences to his family. He is really a great person and always happy to help to resolve an issue. I have worked with him in many complex projects for many years and he always the same. Keep smiles and always act as a go to person. It was my pleasure to work with great man. RIP.

  • Freda Kerslake
    Posted on: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Reply

    I was very sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. I met Craig back in the early 2000s at Adecco in Toronto. We worked together every day for about two years. Craig made every day so much fun. He had the most amazing sense of humour. But that wasn’t all. Not even close. He was the most intelligent, exuberant, energetic, enthusiastic person I have ever met. If there was a problem he had a solution and would spare no time in fixing anything. He was a genius with computers and everyone called on him constantly. He had great passion for his work and everyone loved him. I can’t put a number on the amount of times he made me laugh till I cried almost daily. He always spoke fondly of his family and I remember his mom and aunt visiting him at work from time to time. He loved his family dearly. Craig was the kind of person that if you met him you would never forget him. A true friend to so many and a wonderful son too.

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