Michael Craig

Michael Cullen Craig, 71, passed away at home surrounded by his entire family on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, after a seven month battle with Pancreatic cancer.

Born July 14, 1950, in Deland, Florida, and raised in Boonville, Indiana, by Charles and Joyce Craig, alongside his sisters Cheyenne and Kelly. Michael fought in the Vietnam War from 1970-1971 where he was critically wounded in action. For his service in Vietnam, he earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Michael then moved to Denver, Colorado, where he was a successful Real Estate Broker for nearly 50 years. In Denver, Michael met the love of his life, Ellie, and they married after knowing each other for only three weeks; they were married for 43 years. Michael and Ellie have three daughters, Brynne, Kellyn, and Morgan. Michael was a proud member of the 11th Armored Calvary Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, the Blackhorse Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Denver Board of Realtors.

Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Michael and Ellie enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling near and far, attending music festivals, and golfing. There are few words that can truly speak to the volume of Michael’s character, the accomplishments he achieved, and the people he impacted along the way. He was a role model and mentor to so many and was the embodiment of living life to the fullest. While his time was cut short, his legacy will live on with all of those he met along the way.

Survived by his wife, Ellie Craig; daughters Brynne (Paul Sluder), Kellyn (Karsen Forsman), Morgan (fiancé Anthony Groene); grandchildren Gavin Sluder, Graham Sluder, Garrett Sluder, Graylynn Sluder, Griffin Sluder; sisters Cheyenne (John Whitehead) and Kelly (John Pike); mother-in-law Shirley Hanson; brothers in-law, Greg Hanson (Kristy), James Hanson; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Dial, Kristine Jiménez (Dave Chambers). Michael was preceded in death by Charles and Joyce Craig, and Warren Hanson.

Military Service: Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver.
Please arrive by 10 a.m. to Ft. Logan Staging Area C.

Celebration of Life: Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. at Platt Park Church, 1601 S. Clarkson St., Denver. There will also be a reception following the Celebration of Life.