Craig Gressman

Craig Gressman, 61, of Montrose, CO passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015 with his loving family by his side at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, CO.  Craig was born in Oakland, CA on February 24, 1954 to parents John James and Mary Elizabeth (Parker) Gressman. He was the middle child of their 5 children.  Craig graduated high school in 1972 from Woodlake High School. He was an accomplished athlete in his youth receiving the Outstanding Senior Athlete award. He was especially talented in baseball.  His senior year he was co-captain for his baseball team, received the MVP award, and was selected for the all-star team as well as receiving several other awards.  Craig also received a full- ride scholarship to play baseball for the College of Sequoia and was invited to try out for the Kansas City Royals professional team.

On June 14, 1975 he married his high school sweetheart, Carla Jean Russell, and they would remain by one another’s side for the next 39 years until he took his last breath.  Craig and Carla resided in Woodlake, CA for the first part of their marriage where they added their two sons, Jason and Justin, to their family. In 1986 Craig decided to move his family to Montrose, CO where he resided until his death.

Craig was exceptionally gifted at being a husband, father, and grandpa. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his wife, kids, and grandkids. He also had a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed sharing his passion for hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and countless friends throughout the years.  Upon graduating high school Craig primarily made his living as a mechanic but also had other jobs in the area including working for Home Depot for the last 4 1/2 years. He also enjoyed restoring old cars and completed many of these projects in his life.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Mary, and his two sisters, Darlene and Patty. He is survived by his wife, Carla, his two sons, Jason (Andrea) and Justin, his 4 grandsons, Cale, Ky, Creide, and Cayse, his granddaughter, Kearyn (all of the Montrose area), his two brothers, Doug and John (both of Alamosa), and his mother-in-law, Carline Russell (of Montrose), as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

Craig will be missed by his family and friends more than words can say. There will not be a single day that he won’t be remembered nor will there be a single day that he will not be loved. We are so blessed to have had the time we had with him and we will hold the memories of him close to our hearts.

Craig’s service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Grand View Cemetery and will be officiated by his son, Jason Gressman. There will be a lunch immediately following at the First Church of the Nazarene, 705 S. 12th Street, Montrose, CO. If a donation would like to be made in Craig’s name the family is asking that it be given to the Rose Hill Hospitality House in gratitude of the accommodations they provided to the family during Craig’s hospital stay.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.