William Walker Craig (28 Aug 1948 - 20 Jan 2021)

In loving memory of William Craig, who sadly passed away on 20th January 2021.
We would be incredibly grateful if you could share your photos and stories of your experiences with this wonderful man.
William, or Bill as he was known to most, was born in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, before moving to Scotland. He supported Bury Football Club and donned the shirt for his beloved team at under 16 level. He loved photography and began his career at DC Thompson’s before becoming a photographer for Jackie magazine. He loved telling stories of the famous people he had met through his work.
He only ever had eyes for our Mum, winning her over with a 3 course meal on their second date. They remained up to his death, the very best of friends and confidantes. It seemed to us, a once in a lifetime kind of love and friendship.
Bill loved Italy and Scotland, the locations of many a family holiday when we were younger. He was fascinated by the art, architecture and culture offered by Italy, but loved the familiarity and nostalgia that trips to Scotland would bring. He had an abstract sense of humour, that never failed to see the lighter side of life, in even the darkest times. Something which explains his love of Billy Connelly and Spike Milligan.
Despite adhering to the view that golf was a good walk spoiled, he did take in the odd round when younger, but much preferred football and fancied himself as Tonbridge’s own Alex Ferguson, co-managing the teams Rob played for, with good friend Frank Gorman Sn. Frank’s speeches were spoken of fondly by Bill for years afterwards. Promotion and a cup final victory providing the high points in his time as a Saturday league manager. One of his own personal highlights came when he achieved his dream of owning a Jaguar XJS. The love of cars was very much a shared love of him and Michael.
Bill meant a great deal to many people. He was an older brother to John, and took much joy from family gatherings that allowed them to come together from time to time. He adored his nieces and even got to grips with social media as a means of staying connected to them.
He was Grandpa to Henry, Frankie and Ollie, who he was exceptionally proud of. Henry has inherited his Grandpa’s passion for sport and architecture and Frankie his creative and artistic nature. Ollie’s ability to light up a room and make people laugh, even at his young age, are traits of his Grandpa. They miss him and will miss him always.
And he was our Dad. A loving, funny and wonderfully kind man, who made our world a better place.
Robert & Michael

Our family are supporting Prostate Cancer UK and MacMillan Cancer Support. If you would like to make a donation to the charity listed, it would be gratefully received.