Sharing Craig Saylors' (Retro Red) Memorial Service

[Phogfan86]

Do I see a Charlie Brown shirt on the stage? If so that proves even more what a cool guy Craig was.

***

Charlie Brown shirt ftw.

[Arizona Scot]

Kris thanks so much for posting this, I am truly sorry that I couldn't be there. As always is spirit. Dirk

[McMurdo]

Thank you so much for sharing the photo, and more importantly the description of last night, I wish I could have been there, however that would have been impossible. Craig certainly touched a lot of people in his all to short time on earth, that is evidenced by how much his passing has effected us all. Again thanks for this thread.

[Sionnach]

More stories from the service-

According to Craig's brother, Craig's favorite year (at least musically) was 1964. Craig had even compiled all of the number one songs from that year, in order on 9 discs for his brother. (A little heavy on the Beatles, he said.)

For all you boomers who grew up in Phoenix, Craig was a great fan of Wallace and Ladmo and even had "Aunt Maud's Storybook" in his collection. Sadly, I never got a Ladmo bag, though my little brother did.

Craig was not only a mobile DJ, but also musician- keyboards and sax (Diane, forgive me if i get all this wrong) and member of different music groups- the only name i can remember right now is the Noisemakers. Band members were in attendance.

For me the best story was about his response to never needing to go to Disneyland because the happiest place on earth for him was right here in Phoenix with his wife and son.

(One small note, that is really inconsequential, Craig and I share the same birthday- Feb 18. A fact we discovered on the day we met each other. Craig also married Diane on his birthday- what a great gift. Finally, Craig passed away on August 18- his half birthday. Now who ever thinks of that stuff when you get older except some crazy cusp Aquarians. But there it is-celebrational in a bittersweet sort of way like some single malts I know and Craig loved.)

[DizzyIzzy]

I had the opportunity of attending a memorial service of a man I had never met. I believe I am the kilted guy that Spartan says he saw, but was unable to say hello to. I wished I had been able to meet everyone, but it was a well attended event. I sat on the right, with most of the kilted community on the left. After the service was over, most wanted to see the items that were on display. The crowdedness of the sanctuary didn't permit me to make my way to those gathered. I'm sure we'll have an opportunity soon.

I was always intrigued by Craig. As a longtime viewer of this site, I was always intrigued by the guy with the red hair. I thought the red hair was the perfect accessory for his picture taken at the kirk-o-tartan November 2008.

It was clear after attending the service lastnight; each of you who had the opportunity to meet Craig are fortunate to have known him. I will miss having never had that opportunity.

There are a few more points of interest about the service. One was Craig's love for music. Craig, it is said, was a walking encyclopedia when it came to music. Sionnach mentioned his band. I too am at a lost for the other names.

The memorabilia was fitting. From his kilts, to his bike, and even a bottle of single malt scotch, it was a view into the life of a intriging man many of us never got to know.

The pastor made a point of welcoming all in attendance. From family, friends, church members, American Express staff, and even a shout-out to the kilted community. X Marks the Scot even got a plug.

I hope that the video tribute will be available in some medium for us to watch. If it is, the wonderfully produced tribute is worth the viewing.

One last note: For those of faith. The pastor, Randy, spoke of Craig's faith. He spoke that Craig always knew he would die one day, but not so soon. Craig knew that he was going on to a better place and this faith allowed him to be a peace.

Regards-
Scott

[Spartan]

One last note: For those of faith. The pastor, Randy, spoke of Craig's faith. He spoke that Craig always knew he would die one day, but not so soon. Craig knew that he was going on to a better place and this faith allowed him to be a peace.

Regards-
Scott

Scott, we'll have to make a point to meet up some time.

As a follow-up to your comment about Craig's faith, I remember clearly the evening of August 5, when Craig called me to tell me the diagnosis. He said, "It's okay. I'm at peace with God."

[gilmore]

Thanks so much for sharing the pix and the impressions.

[McClef]

I'm glad it was well attended. Many more of us were there in spirit.

[Riverkilt]

What a great send-off. Thanks for all the dope on it.

Gonna miss that man - he was Soooo easy to find at highland games....well sort of...missed him somehow at Flagstaff a few years ago...he was aghast I could miss him back when he had his full head of red hair...but somehow I did.

The other hook ups were great. Gonna miss that boy.

With 400 folks guessing that means that Diane has some support for the lonely days ahead.

Ron

[Freelancer]

Been away the last three weeks and I'm very sorry to hear about this passing. Very sad. Thanks for posting.