R Dan introduced R Craig, giving us the impression that R Craig has been anxious about this presentation. (is it the truth?)
The story of Craig:
Craig has had to do public speaking in his career. He likes to start with some humour, so:
Murray and Mary Lou while visiting the doctor were advised that due to advancing years and problems remembering, that they should write things down to help.
Later at home, Mary Lou asked Murray for a bowl of ice cream and suggest he write it down. He insisted he could remember a bowl of ice cream. But she also wanted chocolate syrup with her ice cream. Yes he could remember ice cream with chocolate syrup. But she also wanted a cherry on top. Again, he insisted he didn't need to write it down, he could remember a bowl of ice cream, with chocolate syrup and a cherry on top. After some time in the kitchen he returned with bacon and eggs. Mary Lou told him he should have written it down. He had forgotten the toast.
Craig's partner is Susan. He has two children ages 38 and 36, with two grandchildren Gordon and Mable who are very special to him.
Craig was born in Newfoundland and lived on Gooseberry Lane with 6 other families. All related and a total of 43 kids. During the 12 days of Christmas, each family was responsible for 2 parties during those 12 days. These parties were family affairs with song and stories.
In 1949 Newfoundland entered Confederation. Joey Smallwood from Signal Hill picked Gooseberry Lane as site of new Provincial Buildings. Craig delivered newspapers to Joey Smallwood at age 8. So families moved closer into town.
When Craig was a boy, his family moved to Toronto because his father needed medical treatment. However, they kept the home in NFLD, he goes back annually so feels like he never left.
After high school he got a job with CPR and he ended up staying about 9 years. His last role with CP was as an investigator of damaged goods, to determine when and where and why. But he got tired of suits and office and looking for a change went in and quit, couple days later he was out and stared to work for himself as a contractor. He framed and did most everything and soon had a number of staff and vehicles. After 10 years as a contractor and working for Real Estate Agents, he figured he could do that so he did. He wound down his contracting business, making sure all his staff and other jobs to go to.
He enjoys Real Estate because he loves interacting with people, to help them with their dreams. He started teaching courses for Royal LePage, things like 'tricks of construction'. He started consulting. In the industry he was surprised at how many don't know basics of business. Six years ago he had idea to purchase sprinter van that salespeople could put name on side and take home, thus advertising to their neighbours what they do.
He has for years volunteered in the community. Both coaching hockey and baseball. Also part of Sr. Link which started in 1980 to help seniors. Sr. Link has grown from 4 to 160 volunteers. He was a director for 4 years.
He enjoys creating slogans for people and organizations. He likes music so 'He is a Sold Man'.
About 10 years ago he sponsored Avos Arrow, a young man who propels a bike with his arms and went to break the work record at about 48 mph.
He loves to work outside. A few years ago he got some acres in Brighton area. He has a fishing pond, cuts wood, walking trails, competitive snooker and collecting bottle openers. So if you have one, Craig will be interested.