Celebrating a Legacy - Clive Craig

Dedicated, kind, passionate, creative and an advocate for the parks and recreation field

– that is how many would personally describe the late Mr. Clive Craig. The world recently lost a legend, as Clive passed away on February 14, 2020.

We had the privilege of having Clive involved with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association for many years. Clive served as a member of the Board of Directors for three consecutive two-year terms between 2003 - 2009, off for one (1) year (as per the criteria) and then back for three terms between 2010 - 2016! A demonstration of commitment and a statement of his love for recreation, and willingness to do what he could to advance the recreation and parks industry in this province.

Clive was formally recognized on a number of occasions by his peers and colleagues through the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Annual Awards program, receiving all three of our outstanding achievement awards.

2004 - SPRA Award of Merit

2006 - President’s Award of Distinction

2019 - Lifetime Achievement Award.

Clive was also invited to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly this past year, to be recognized for his lifetime contribution to the recreation and parks field. Although Clive was unable to attend, he received a letter from the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, the Honourable Gene Makowsky, recognizing Clive as a strong mentor for recreation professionals and thanking him for his guidance and leadership in supporting the recreation industry in our province.

In addition to his volunteer contributions with SPRA, Clive took on many roles over the course of his life including holding the position of Recreation Director for the communities of Elrose, Martensville, and lastly in Esterhazy, where after 22 years, he retired from full time work. Some of his involvement in the early years of sport included: stick boy, assistant trainer and Board member of the Moose Jaw Canucks, stick boy for the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors Senior Hockey Team and the Moose Jaw Ladies Senior Hockey Team. He was Director of the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League. He held positions of bat boy, manager and director for several fastball teams and leagues in Moose Jaw. He held positions of member, director and president in many different recreation, hockey, baseball,

golf, soccer and multi-sport organizations. His leadership and contributions also extended beyond his community to regional involvement as a Board member with both the Zone 4 Sports Council, and the Parkland Valley District for Sport, Culture and Recreation for many years.

We want to thank Clive for everything he has done for recreation and parks in the province of Saskatchewan, and for all the lives he impacted along the way. Clive was a mentor, a friend, a competitor, and overall just a fantastic individual. Clive will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Lori Ross

SPRA Consultant - Communications

Clive Craig at the SPRA Awards Gala (2019)