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
We invite family, friends, and those who knew Craig to join us.
Saturday September 26, 2026
Red & White Club, 1833 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, Alberta
2:30 p.m. Doors Open
3:00 p.m. Program
* Livestream: www.youtube.com/live/Z9KvdYcMM_o?si=A0Hh8VkSO_nBO-Wq
Memory wall
Craig had a huge personality. He was funny, charismatic, and larger than life. Being around him usually meant something memorable was going to happen. I literally have hundreds of stories of adventures. But underneath all of that was an incredibly loyal friend. It meant a great deal to me that Craig was my best man when I got married.
As life went on, geography and careers took us in different directions but that never changed our friendship. Whenever we were together, it was just Craig and me again.
I also loved seeing the life Craig built with Luanne and their three boys. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Craig in my life for as long as I did. Apart from the countless stories, I will remember our friendship. I now cherish those memories more than ever.
Even when Craig became ill, his positivity never waned. He is an inspiration and will never be forgotten.
We were disappointed we didn’t get to say hello to you,Braden,Boden and Bryn but there was such a crowd and so many others wanting to show there respects so we decided to send you a message instead.
You did such a great job planning Craig’s memorial. The crowd proved he was so well liked; everyone wanted to say a last goodbye. George and I were so saddened when we heard the bad news a few years ago. And yet he lived his life to the fullest never complaining.
We wish you and your family the very best in the future. Im sure with your guidance, the boys will grow up to be men just like their Dad. Love and respect, George and Pauline Fleck
Over the last couple of years, we were fortunate to get to know Craig more through Luanne and the boys, and we feel so grateful that we did. While our time knowing him was far too short, we will always think of Craig as a devoted husband, an amazing dad, and such an important part of the lives of the boys we have watched grow up alongside our own kids.
We are especially thankful that through hockey, we found people who became so much more than friends.
Luanne, we hope you always know that you and the boys have a very special place in our hearts. We will continue to stand beside you, cheer you on and be there for all the moments ahead.
With love,
Matt, Tammy, Asianna & Lucian Cook❤️
link to the video for "Harley Bar": https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-YjuaEyQ6siKMDB2Ea6X46vIoLWA75iD/view
Link to just the song "Harley Bar": https://drive.google.com/drive/home?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-%5Bmodule%5D-goto
Warren
Craig was such a devoted dad. We remember him at the rink, watching Bryn with a big smile on his face, always encouraging and simply happy to be there. It was so clear how much he loved his boys and wanted them not only to succeed in the sports they loved, but, more importantly, to grow into amazing people.
Craig shared that same care with the other kids. He took the time to give the team leadership talks, helped them set goals for the season, and gave each player a notebook. Years later, our son still has his…a small reminder of the impact Craig had.
And then there was Craig’s fun side. One of our favourite memories is of him letting the kids wrap him from head to toe in toilet paper for a hockey Christmas party contest. Our son also thought Craig was pretty much the coolest dad ever. He could never get over the fact that he had motorcycles in his house!
Craig had a wonderful smile that made you feel welcome, and we feel very lucky to have known him.
Luane, Bryn, Boden and Brady, Craig was a special guy. He made a lasting impression on our family and we will remember him with great fondness and many smiles.
Craig was one of our very first hockey coaches and he will be so sadly missed. We feel incredibly fortunate and lucky to have been introduced to such a wonderful person.
We will never forget his smile, his incredible ability to make everyone around him feel valued and, most importantly, the fun and laughter we shared together over the years. It was always good times with Craig.
Craig was truly a special human being, and his impact will live on. His patience as a coach brought out the best in his little timbit players and he also made it fun even for the parents........ 6:30am practices in Springbank in - 30 degrees in the middle of winter Craig would warm you up not only with his smile but with a baileys and coffee.
We will always cherish the time we had with him and feel grateful that our paths crossed.
Rest in peace, Craig.
Prays & Thoughts to Luan and the boys.
Thinking of you all, the Chandler's.
Melanie - Azad - Caleb - Jonah - Sophie
Condolences to his family. Love Patsy Wisener
My entire family are forever grateful that I came to know you and your beautiful family. I wish you had more time.
Thank you for opening your home and trusting me with your most precious family. I will treasure the experience (live out nanny) being able to spend time not only with the boys but your whole family. You were one of the first people that helped me feel safe being new to this country. I have learnt so much from your genuine kindness and the love you showed to your family. Rest easy. You will be missed greatly!
Grace, Scott, Stephen
(And love and prayers from the Philippines.)
Craig’s passing just makes me once again wonder why so many of the good one’s have to go so soon. Craig’s big heart, big laugh and love of life really stand out for me. He and I always got each other. We were always smiling and laughing when we hung out. He was interesting and interested. Everyone always knew they would have a great time whenever they were with Craig. The warmth, sense of adventure and fun was tangible. He helped me pick out my first motorcycle at the age of 40 (a Harley of course) and we also enjoyed some fun rides together. He was masterful at riding and I was happy to watch and learn from the master. I just remember we were both smiling ear-to-ear the whole time. Even in the unrelenting rain. There were also some very fun nights over the years where there may have been a few smart adult beverages and we were definitely solving-all-the-problems-of-the-world. Laughing at ourselves. And while we didn’t have a lot of time together in more recent years I always had a sense of pride in being a friend of Craig’s – because he was one of the coolest guys you could ever have the good fortune to meet. And a lot of that came from his true gift – making people feel special, truly seeing them, being interested in them and connecting. He’s left a big hole in the collective good energy that surrounds all of us but I also know Luanne and the boys will carry all of that super-powered-Craig-energy forward with all the greatness they all already carry. As will all of us who were lucky enough to be a smaller piece of his life. My sincere condolences and love to Luanne, Brady, Boden, Bryn, and all the family and friends.
Dawne O'Hare
Liam Anton
Kaela Anton
We are and will be forever grateful that we have been blessed to have Craig in our lives.
Lynn and Doug Cooper
Canmore
That was the first of countless miles together. Craig poured so much planning, pride, and care into every trip—scouting hotels, tracking down the longest twisty backroads, and making sure the route was always unforgettable. Whenever I picture him, I see him standing on the shoulder of the highway, paper map spread out, totally in his element. And, of course, in the dead heat of summer, he’d be wearing those infamous yellow shorts. The motorcycle cowboys teased him endlessly about them, so naturally, Craig wore them even more just to double down.
Our rides took us through Death Valley, Vegas, El Paso, the red rocks of Utah, Yosemite, the Redwoods, Napa, Roswell, and a thousand tiny dot-on-the-map towns in between. Later on, those two-wheel adventures turned into great fishing trips to Eagle Pointe Lodge and Pennask Lake. My dad had his own incredible adventures with Craig, traveling together through Panama and Colombia, and joining us on those fishing trips. Mel truly loved Craig, having all the time and deepest respect in the world for him. Craig and Luanne were always a welcome part of our family milestones, Stampede parties, birthdays, and celebrations.
Craig’s quiet grit was something to behold. When he decided to make his health a priority, his dedication was immediately noticeable—he got lean, put on muscle, and went to work without ever needing to talk about it. He just did it. Even later on, when mobility challenges and falls caught up with him, Craig faced it all head-on. Rather than complaining, he’d make light of his cuts and stitches, texting photos of his latest battle wounds to the group with a laugh. When we traveled together to Jamaica on a health retreat, I saw a deeply spiritual side of Craig that stayed with me just as much as his humor and tough exterior.
Craig was like an older brother to me. He took me under his wing, looked out for me, and gave both my dad and me memories we will carry forever. To Luanne and the entire family, thank you for sharing him with all of us. I will never forget our friendship.
Rest easy brother
One of many favourite memories of Craig - he was so giving with his time. He happily agreed, year after year, to play Santa at our CIBC Crowfoot Kids Christmas party. When I asked him about what size of Santa suit to rent him, he told me he already owned one. Of course he did. ❤️
Every meal I had in a restaurant with Craig, felt like he walked out with the waiter/waitress as his new friend, always entertaining to observe, but one small story to showcase that he was a great people person and demonstrated a caring demeanor to everyone he came in contact with…
I am very grateful I had the chance to meet you. Rest in peace.
Sometimes god takes the best one’s first. He will be in my thoughts with a smile forever.
Craig, we had countless great times in college, the summers between college years and our early career years, across Western Canada. Road trips, both of us skydiving for the first time at Beiseker, Saskatoon, Waskesiu, Vancouver, Calgary, Okanagan (Peachfest!), the Rockies, sporting events, concerts, skiing, etc. - so many great memories. Here's a couple photos from our college years (Peachfest, Waskesiu). They make me smile - just like you always did for so many.
Craig, my good friend, you are gone too soon - I will miss you, and I thank you for your friendship, may you rest in peace.
Luanne and boys, prayers for all of you at this time. D.
One of my favourite Craig sayings was “hey buddy, wanna go for a beer”
We are toasting it up to you brother.
Keep singing for the angels.
Love you always,
Your sister Laureen (Guy, Autumn, Drew & Abigail)
Craig was a leader, highly regarded by so many, and a true pillar in our community. I’ve always cherished the special connection we shared through our mutual dear friend, Mel Benson.
Luanne, I truly admire your strength and the wisdom you share. Your focus on living each moment with joy and choosing happiness is an inspiration. Holding you and the family close in my thoughts.
He was a true inspiration for anyone who knew him
He will be missed
Craig always made me feel like I belonged when I did not feel I did.
Sorry we did not get more time Craig. Rest in Peace ❤️🤍
Laurie and Mark Bonten
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