Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and love on August 18, 2025, after a long and quiet battle with illness.
To know the eldest son of George and Una Switzer, was to know warmth, wit, and unwavering love. His family and friends were the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with those he loved. Whether over a shared meal, a family vacation, or just a quiet laugh together.
He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family as a journeyman gas fitter. Spending decades in the propane industry, in both Alberta and the Northwest Territories. His children still remember the smell of propane on his work clothes when he got home at the end of each day. They also have fond memories of being taken on work road trips around the Northwest Territories. He retired from his career in 2013 and got to enjoy some wonderful years being close to his daughter April and watching his grandsons grow up.
He had a passion for life and a hope that never dimmed. He loved to travel, to swim, to play water polo, and to explore new foods. Especially when they were shared with good company. Fun followed him wherever he went, and he never missed a chance to make others smile (even if it meant telling one of his famously terrible jokes). Behind the groan-worthy punchlines was a brilliant sense of humor that lit up every room.
Throughout his life he was frustratingly unhurried. Craig was never in a rush to get anywhere, whether it be to learn to crawl as a baby, to catch a train in Holland, to take a drive in Iceland, to walk to the beach in Hawaii or to drive to work down the Highway in Calgary, Craig just got there when he got there.
He faced his illness quietly, bravely, and with remarkable grace, the same way he lived his life. He never let it define him, choosing to remain focused on the joy of living, the people he loved, and the memories yet to be made.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Craig is survived by his children, Geoff (Frances), April and Shawn; his grandchildren, Diana, Phaedra, Graham, Cameron and Oliver; his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Charlie; his sisters, Kim and Allyson (Lavern), his nieces and nephews, as well as many other extended family and cherished friends.
He now gets to join his wife Debbie, his brother Stuart, his parents and his best friend Art, who all passed before him.
In honor of his love, his laughter and his life, the family invites you to join them in celebrating and memorializing Craig on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:00pm at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home Edmonton South location, 4820 Meridian St NW, Edmonton, AB.
For those unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom:
If you wish, donations in Craig’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Switzer” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Sandra Ancion
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Dan & Loretta Howatt We are deeply saddened to hear of Craig’s passing. We haven’t see him in a few years, but Dan would correspond with him over Facebook. He will be greatly missed by his family! His cousins will think of him with fondness.
Condolences to his sisters!
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Deanne B. April, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I can tell he must have been a remarkable man—so many of his wonderful qualities live on in you.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and in the love that surrounds you.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Deanne & John (& daisy)
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Shelley I never really got to spend much of my childhood with my cousin Craig at our family cabin—I was the annoying younger cousin back then. But over the last ten years, we grew closer, sharing jokes and chatting on Facebook Messenger. I will miss his corny Dad jokes and that amazing laugh. I knew he was sick, but it still hurts to know he won’t be there to share a good zinger with me anymore. Rest in peace, my dear cousin.
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Karen Tecza I met Craig at a party we were having.Met him through my sister Kim.He will be missed he was a really nice guy.
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Arlene Switzer Kids:
Oh, how we will miss our Craig!! Tim, Marlee and I have very fond memories of him. He was a GENTLE man, who had a huge heart, and the capacity to fill that heart with love for his kids, his siblings, and our kids (his nieces and nephews). Our faith has taught us that families ARE eternal…and when we pass from this life, we return to our family members for a glorious reunion. Craig is now safely “home”, and joins his parents, Debbie, Art…and our Stuart.
We will attend his Memorial services, we are sending you love, hugs, and share with you in this huge loss in the Switzer family. Take care of each other. Much love, Auntie Arlene, Tim (Daphnie and baby Aspyn), Marlee and Scott
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Jennifer McDonald April my heart is with you and your family. I’m very sorry you had to say goodbye to your Dad. I know how tough that is. I’m sure he was surrounded with love and care for the time he was ill, which is a blessing. Especially for a man who really treasured family. Sending love ❤️
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Lorrie We will miss your dad very much. The best brother-in-law ever! My mind can’t stop thinking about him and wanting to hear his laugh. You were blessed to have had with you ❤️
All our love
Auntie Lorrie
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Louise Gardner I got to know Craig through his wife Deb who became one of my closest friends. Once I met Craig I felt a warmth and sincerity. I loved his sense of humor and had many, many laughs with him and Deb. He helped me through some tough times which showed how he cared about others. His family was the most cherished people in the world to him. He will be missed by many. I will miss him and my heart and condolences go out to April, Geoff and Shawn and spouses and all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. I will miss him and I know he will be missed by many. Rest in perfect peace Craig.
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Jennifer Wudrich Such a beautiful tribute!! It sounds like he enjoyed life in it’s fullest. Sending warm thoughts and well wishes to the family during this difficult time.
So sorry Karl and I will not be able to be at the service. Cousin Craig was easy to talk to. Always making ‘you’ feel comfortable in any situation. He will be missed. Sandra (Davy) Ancion