ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Robert (Rob) Craig, the beloved and former pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Columbus (2007 to 2012), passed away peacefully Saturday October 19th 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There will be a Memorial service and reception in Rob’s honor at 2:00 p.m., Saturday December 7th at the church. We are so blessed that Rob’s wife, Sharon, will be in attendance for the Memorial.
While serving the First Presbyterian Church, Rob’s impact was felt not only at our church but throughout Columbus. Rob signed all correspondence with “Peace and Justice.” It did not take long in talking with Rob to know he lived by those words and his commitment to God.
While in Columbus, Rob was involved in our community in many ways, participating in activities like Healthy Communities, founding “Different Ministers,” and always ready with a meaningful prayer at Volunteers in Medicine, or any of the many community events he and Sharon attended.
Prior to being called to First Presbyterian in 2007, Rob’s distinguished pastoral career included serving as pastor at Second Church in St. Louis, St Andrew Church in Albuquerque, Associate Dean of McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, New York Avenue Church in Washington DC, and before moving to Columbus, Executive Director at Ghost Ranch, in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
After retiring from First Presbyterian in December 2012, Rob and Sharon moved to Albuquerque. Aside from enjoying golf, Rob continued his ministry as the Moderator of Laguna Pueblo United Presbyterian, member of the Ghost Ranch Foundation, and was a volunteer as a Police Chaplain in Albuquerque. Rob’s deep faith was always on display, especially when anyone asked him how he was doing. The answer was always “grateful.” We too are grateful for Rob, the time he spent with us, and his spirit that will be forever felt in the hearts of those he knew and loved him.
Robert Hugh Craig was born on October 2nd, 1946, in Wooster, OH, to William and Evelyn Craig.
Rob is survived by his wife Sharon whom he married in 1968, their daughter Callie, husband Peter, granddaughter Amelia, son Will, wife Laurie, and grandchildren Ray, Lela, and Hallie.
