Craig L Baun

Love leads, we follow. Love will win.

Obituary

It is time to say goodbye…

On Thursday June 18, 2026, Craig Lorne Baun (age 56), passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. His loving wife, Luanne, and their three sons, Brady, Boden, and Bryn held his hands and his heart as he took his final breaths.
Craig was greeted in Heaven by his dad and mom (Lorne and Margaret Baun), his father-in-law (Lawrence Lashyn), and his sister-in-law (Ileene Lashyn).

Craig is survived by his devoted wife Luanne Baun (nee Lashyn) of 19 years, and their sons, Brady, Boden, Bryn, and their dog, Bentley. Craig also leaves behind his deeply loved sister Leah (Jeff) Abrook (Benjamin, Jaden), his mother-in-law Grace Lashyn, brother-in-law, Terry Lashyn (Melissa, Trevor, Taylor), brother-in-law, Gerald (Brenda) Lashyn (Jonathan, Matthew, Marie, Daniel, Lauren, Kate), brother-in-law, Dwayne (Lisa) Lashyn (Quinn, Sawyer), sister-in-law Laureen (Guy) Turton (Autumn, Drew, Abigail). As well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephew, and many dear friends.

Craig was born on August 7, 1969 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Lorne and Margaret Baun. Together with his sister, Leah, they enjoyed summers at the lake, visiting relatives on the family farm, and helping their dad with his automotive business. At a very young age, Craig learned the value of hard work, and the genuine love and respect for those who you serve.
Craig attended River Heights Elementary School, City Park High school, and then graduated from Marion Graham Collegiate in 1987. Craig was very active in a variety of sports. He had a natural athletic talent. From a young age, he played competitive hockey, as well as football, and became an all-star running back, that resulted in a scholarship offer to the University of Hawaii. Due to an injury however, he went to the University of Saskatchewan. Craig attained his Bachelor of Commerce Degree with majors in Finance and Accounting, in 1992. His early jobs included Labatt Brewing Company, Xerox, and Alberta Distillers. The perfect jobs for Craig, who was also the Commerce Student Society Social Director.

Craig classified himself as an introvert, he listened more than he spoke, yet he had a magical way of bringing people together. He took his time to really get to know people. He placed value on every single relationship no matter who he met. He was a man of integrity, trust, wisdom, humour, and a genuine spirit. He was a natural leader who lived his life to ensure that others lived their best life too.

He moved to Calgary in 1997 with Alberta Distillers. He was captivated by the growth potential of the city, and thus decided to make it his home. Craig was an incredibly intelligent individual who was naturally smart in many facets, from global events to corporate strategies, from art and design to sports. He could discuss any topic. His career soon shifted to the world of finance and investment. In 1998, he began working as a Portfolio Manager for CIBC Wood Gundy. His focus was always on his relationships with his clients. He became First Vice President, Investment Advisor, and was named to the Chairman’s Council within the first decade of his career. Craig also became a well-known television personality on the Global News ‘Money Matters’ daily morning segment along with his team. In November 2019, Craig moved the Baun Investment Group to Wellington Altus Private Wealth. Throughout his career, Craig won several awards including The Globe & Mail’s Canada’s Top 50 Wealth Advisors, (including Best in Province), and had repeatedly achieved the Wealth Professional 5-Star Advisor Award. It was his clients however, that brought him the most joy. In Craig’s farewell letter to his clients (May 2026), he signed off by saying “Please know that I think of you often – and by often, I mean always.” It emphasized how much he cared about them until the day he passed.

In 2004, Craig met Luanne Lashyn. It wasn’t long before the two realized that their story was yet to be written, and they were married on May 19, 2007. Together they had so many dreams. They built their first home in Calgary, one that Craig himself designed on a piece of paper, then turned into an architectural drawing. Craig’s artistic abilities were extraordinary. A most keen eye for style and design.

In 2008, their first child, Brady was born (on Mother’s Day). In 2009, Boden was born, and in 2012, Bryn was born. Three sons, Craig was exceptionally proud, and spent every possible moment with his 3 B’s. He was a wonderful father, from teaching them to skate, play hockey, swim, golf, and fish, to how to become a better man, he always had time for them and loved them with his whole heart.

They spent much time as a family, celebrating everything from birthdays to holidays to random days. They had many theme parties, dancing to music in the kitchen, or gathering around their ‘Baun Fire’ telling stories. They also loved to travel. From across Canada, to Europe, the French Polynesia, and throughout the United States, so many adventures and memories.

Craig’s other love was for his motorcycles. He enjoyed rides after work, or long road trips with his ‘Motorcycle Cowboys’, a group that he himself formed.

Craig was active in his community, especially in the hockey world. He was a coach for many years; the kind of coach who cared about each player and their development. He also served on the Trailswest Hockey Association Board of Directors. He was the ultimate hockey dad, who was at every game and practice that he could be, supporting his boys with a smile, and always a positive message.

Craig touched lives of so many, he gave of himself to all who knew him. If you truly knew Craig, you knew his heart. He was a man without judgement. His beautiful smile, kind eyes, powerful laugh, and signature singing voice will be forever cherished.

Craig faced a challenging health journey over the past five years. He never once complained, he believed it was a gift. He smiled after every fall, and even when he was physically down, he always found a way to lift the spirits of those around him. He would not be defined by anything but himself. He was, and always will be, Craig: our inspiration, our guiding light, and the most beautiful soul.

The very last words that he whispered to Luanne, Brady, Boden, and Bryn: “I love you all so much.”
We love you too, Craig, more than you will ever know.
Love always wins. You are in our hearts forever.

Craig Baun’s Celebration of Life
Saturday September 26, 2026
Red & White Club, 1833 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, Alberta
2:30 p.m. Doors Open
3:00 p.m. Program

Memory wall