Craig Michael Spooner
Ski to Tee
Obituary
Our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Craig Michael Spooner, 75, passed away on June 19, 2026, after a brief yet courageous battle with heart failure. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the oldest of three brothers, the son of Norton and Elayne Spooner.
Craig’s love of the mountains began early, on a pair of skis his father first strapped to his feet. The two of them carved turns through New England winters and, when the snow gave way, played a little golf together — a passion that led Craig to become a caddy at a local club at the age of twelve. These were the two pursuits that would shape the rest of his life. Craig grew up and was educated in Massachusetts, graduating from St. John’s High School and Assumption College with a degree in political science.
Craig first taught skiing at Wachusett Mountain in Westminster, Massachusetts. But it was a magazine that changed the course of his life. As a young man fresh out of college, Craig read about a brand-new ski resort rising in the mountains of Utah — Snowbird — and decided he simply had to see it for himself. He pointed his car west on a road trip to get a firsthand look. He never went back. Craig fell in love with that mountain the instant he laid eyes on it, and Little Cottonwood Canyon became his home for the rest of his life.
He became one of a small group of the earliest ski instructors Snowbird ever employed — the beginning of a remarkable career that would span more than fifty years. Over those decades, Craig taught thousands of students to love the sport the way he did. Fun, entertaining, endlessly patient, and genuinely caring, he was the kind of instructor people requested by name and remembered for a lifetime. In the summers, he traded his skis for a tool belt as a skilled finish carpenter, and never passed up a chance to get out on the golf course, where he remained a devoted recreational golfer.
It was at Snowbird, in the ski school where they both worked, that Craig met the love of his life, Stacy. They married in 1985 and built a family together with their two daughters, Whitney and Kendra.
Anyone who met Craig encountered the exterior first: sarcastic, caustic, honest to a fault, and refreshingly in-your-face. But that was only the outermost layer of an endless riddle — Craig was a perpetual “layered onion,” and that prickly surface only barely masked what lay beneath it: a sharp intellect, genuine insight, and a deep caring for the plight of the world. He was endlessly interested in humanity and forever turning over the question of how to make the world a better place.
And yet he was pragmatic enough to know where he could actually answer it — not in grand gestures, but in the simple, profound work of bringing joy and accomplishment to others. He did it mostly through the outdoors: teaching countless people to love skiing, and (informally, invited or not) golf, always with a teacher’s critical eye for how someone could improve. And he did it by being an easy, effortless friend to more people than anyone could count.
Many — perhaps most — of these friends were certain, at first, that Craig wasn’t particularly interested in them, only to discover that he’d been listening all along, quietly absorbing the details of their lives and their hopes for themselves, and would then “shock” them by revealing just how much he cared about the depth and texture of their experiences and their happiness. Nothing brought him greater joy than knowing his presence in someone’s life had left them happier, prouder, and more capable than he’d found them.
Craig is survived by his wife, Stacy; his daughters, Whitney (married to Tyler Aikens) and Kendra (married to Dave Wojczynski); and his brothers, Kevin and Todd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norton and Elayne.
Above all, though, Craig loved his family, and he said so endlessly. Stacy, Whitney, and Kendra were the great joys of his life, and they were never far from his thoughts — when he wasn’t with them, he was talking about them. Anyone who shared a chairlift or a golf cart with Craig came away knowing all about his three girls. And it was, perhaps, the most telling thing about him: for all the gruff exterior, the man was, in truth, a giant, lovable teddy bear of a man.
Scholarship Fund
In lieu of flowers, donations in Craig’s name may be made to the newly established Spooner Memorial Mountain School Scholarship Fund. Created as a lasting tribute to a man who spent more than fifty years inspiring others, the fund has been embraced by Snowbird Mountain School as a permanent institution.
Each year, it will honor one of the mountain’s most dedicated instructors or guides as they continue to pursue the highest levels of mastery in their craft. Each recipient’s name will be engraved on a permanent plaque, ensuring that Craig’s legacy — and his enduring belief in the art of teaching and connecting on the snow — remains a visible and meaningful presence on the mountain for generations to come.
Donate to the Spooner Memorial Mountain School Scholarship Fun: https://friendsofhiddenpeak.org/craig-spooner-memorial-scholarship
Gallery
Memory wall
Post a message or share your memories and photos.
July 9, 2026
2
I met Spooner while I was High school. Normally end of the Day Spooner join us skiing along with PJ from last tram. He was such great guy and he saw my little kids for so many years. My family and I sent our condolences for loss to Stacy and her Daughter.
July 9, 2026
2
In 1985, myself and Mary Williams represented Snowbird in the national figure 8 powder competition at Jackson Ski Area. Mary and I worked on the mountain and we were out practicing our figure 8s every chance we had. Spooner volunteered to be our "coach" although I don't think he ever had time to ski with us. He did, however, contact North Face and got us complimentary jackets and pants and accompanied us to the event and was our personal cheerleader. Forever after, Mary and I referred to him as "coach" and always a good friend.
July 9, 2026
2
Craig, or Spooner, as we lovingly called him, has been our next-door neighbor for the past 20+ years. My husband Scott has many more memories of him, as they were very good friends, but I’m just going to share my own. There are many times I passed by him while walking my dog as he was sitting in his lawn chair, reading a book, or just soaking up the sun. He would always tell me what he was reading, what it was about, and offer it for me to borrow when he was done with it. We also spoke of the series we were watching on TV and would give recommendations to each other, or he would show me funny reels on Instagram. Each year, he would give us beautiful flowers and fresh tomatoes from his garden, and his wife Stacy would send us yummy desserts from time to time.
When I was out weeding my yard, he would give advice to me in his gruff way about how to make our yard look better and tell me what kind of fertilizer and weed killer we needed to buy. There are also times we would just sit in his front yard, or stand in his driveway and shoot the breeze. Spooner loved to joke, and laugh, and he did not have a filter, no matter who he was talking to. I miss him. I miss walking or driving by his house each day and not seeing him sitting there. He was one-of-a-kind and a great friend and neighbor.
We love you, Stacy and the girls, and are there for you if there is anything you need.
When I was out weeding my yard, he would give advice to me in his gruff way about how to make our yard look better and tell me what kind of fertilizer and weed killer we needed to buy. There are also times we would just sit in his front yard, or stand in his driveway and shoot the breeze. Spooner loved to joke, and laugh, and he did not have a filter, no matter who he was talking to. I miss him. I miss walking or driving by his house each day and not seeing him sitting there. He was one-of-a-kind and a great friend and neighbor.
We love you, Stacy and the girls, and are there for you if there is anything you need.
July 8, 2026
4
I met Craig in December 2015 skiing. And by some cosmic intervention that I still don't understand, after a very rough start (me scared - he yelling) he eventually became an older brother I never had, and never knew I needed.
He was a friend that required no effort, had no demands, appreciated our time together, needed nothing nor wanted anything from me, and yet gave me so much without ever really trying.
He taught me to ski. He helped improve my golf game. He listened to my troubles — never offered solutions — just listened with purpose. He celebrated my successes unconditionally, without jealousy or judgement.
He cared about my family. He shared with me the depths for his love or his girls, Stacy, Whitney and Kendra. His phone ringer was always on — he always took their call — no matter what was going on. He told me about their lives and their success - those 3 amazing women were everything to him.
He’d make fun of me endlessly - and in the process it made me laugh and made me think about myself in a constructive way. He’d challenge my thinking as he was a brilliant person, well read, and thoughtful in many deep and insightful ways.
He’d connect me to others in his circle of friends — which expanded my circle of friends — which has deeply enriched my life.
In short, He tucked me under his wing and cared for me — sort of like a kid brother — and I loved every moment of it.
We had the benefit of time, proximity, shared interests and shared gratitude that two slightly odd and quirky people connected so easily and made an incredible friendship together.
Ski it Smoooooth and Hit 'em straight my brother -- Ski to Tee -- I'll catch you on the other side.
He was a friend that required no effort, had no demands, appreciated our time together, needed nothing nor wanted anything from me, and yet gave me so much without ever really trying.
He taught me to ski. He helped improve my golf game. He listened to my troubles — never offered solutions — just listened with purpose. He celebrated my successes unconditionally, without jealousy or judgement.
He cared about my family. He shared with me the depths for his love or his girls, Stacy, Whitney and Kendra. His phone ringer was always on — he always took their call — no matter what was going on. He told me about their lives and their success - those 3 amazing women were everything to him.
He’d make fun of me endlessly - and in the process it made me laugh and made me think about myself in a constructive way. He’d challenge my thinking as he was a brilliant person, well read, and thoughtful in many deep and insightful ways.
He’d connect me to others in his circle of friends — which expanded my circle of friends — which has deeply enriched my life.
In short, He tucked me under his wing and cared for me — sort of like a kid brother — and I loved every moment of it.
We had the benefit of time, proximity, shared interests and shared gratitude that two slightly odd and quirky people connected so easily and made an incredible friendship together.
Ski it Smoooooth and Hit 'em straight my brother -- Ski to Tee -- I'll catch you on the other side.
July 8, 2026
2
Loved being scolded by Craig! Enjoyed lots of early trams together. He will really be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to the girls. Love Doug and Susan
July 8, 2026
2
Craig was probably the first person I met when I joined Seven Summits 9 years ago. He was so nice to me while ribbing others who had been there longer. Katie Kunz and I joined at the same time, and I like to think we were his favorites. Of course, everyone thought they were his favorite. And the more he liked you the more he would tease. His spot on the boot rack was always right next to mine, and he would come early so he could vacate the stool where he put his boots on in time for me to get mine on. He was always protective of me. I could tell if he was there by his slippers under the stool. I think we should keep the slippers there going forward, to remind us he is still there in spirit, strongly telling us the rules and chastising us when we don't follow them, and then laughing about it after. RIP Spooner, we love you!
July 8, 2026
3
Craig was at the top of his game at Snowbird for 50 years, the highest priority instructor on the mountain. Remarkable for any profession. I always admired his skill on the snow...and off. One of my first seasons as an instructor at Snowbird, mid 80's, he asked a group of us rookies when we last read the Wall Street Journal. None of us had. He followed up by saying "You better start, the people that you will be skiing with have." It was a life long lesson in how to connect with people, and how to be an effective instructor. Meet them where they are, not where you are or where you think they should be. Thanks Craig.
July 8, 2026
1
My family and I skied with Craig many days during the years when the kids were young. Everyone was pretty good skiers, so it was more of adventure days both at Snowbird and Alta and I think we pretty much skied everything---Craig was always able to help us find the best conditions and we had many epic family ski days together. Sarah and the kids loved Craig and hanging out with him. Sometimes we would have lunch at Snowbird and sometimes we would stop at our Albion Basin cabin at Alta for lunch. On one particular occasion, on a stormy day, we stopped at the Alta cabin for lunch and all we had to make were quesadillas. Craig was definitely not happy with this and later frequently refered avoiding any kind of situation where he would have to eat a "F-ing quesadilla" for lunch! Craid was a masterful teacher and knew how to provide just the right amount of coaching in a way that was understandable and digestible. Craig also liked to endlessly bitch about Alta, particularly when we would find ourselves in a seldom-traveled part of the high traverse that might involve taking off skis and booting a bit---very entertaining!
Craig will be missed dearly and we are so very sorry about his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family.
Craig will be missed dearly and we are so very sorry about his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family.
July 7, 2026
1
Craig got a Private lesson with this awesome gal named Stacy 🌺🚀❤️❤️❤️
July 7, 2026
Update on my ski school start date 1979 🚠 🦎
July 7, 2026
2
Truly one of a kind. A great friend, who I did not see often enough. I will greatly miss him giving me shit for working instead of playing golf. I did cherish the rare occasions we were able to get together. Always a pleasure my friend
July 7, 2026
2
Going to miss this truly unique man! 💔
July 7, 2026
2
One day I got a job with the snowbird ski school (1997 )
Stacey was my boss. I had the perfect opportunity to meet Spooner and the rest ok ski school and many
more. Then came Aloha Friday 🌺 the Queenie blowout. ( spooner made a very sexy beautiful gal)
I will miss him Love to Stacey and the girls. C u soon
The lizard 🦎 Elizabeth Eliason
Stacey was my boss. I had the perfect opportunity to meet Spooner and the rest ok ski school and many
more. Then came Aloha Friday 🌺 the Queenie blowout. ( spooner made a very sexy beautiful gal)
I will miss him Love to Stacey and the girls. C u soon
The lizard 🦎 Elizabeth Eliason
July 7, 2026
2
I've been thinking about Spooner since hearing the news.
While I didn't know him as well as so many others did, I was fortunate enough to spend some great days skiing with him at Snowbird. Those are still some of the best ski days I've ever had there, and I'll always be grateful for those times.
He shared tips that genuinely helped make me a better skier, but what I'll remember most are the conversations we had on the chairlift. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, and it was obvious how much he loved the mountains, skiing, and sharing that passion with others.
Spooner was kind, authentic, humble, and generous with both his time and his knowledge. I feel lucky to have crossed paths with him.
Rest easy, Spooner. Thank you for the memories.
While I didn't know him as well as so many others did, I was fortunate enough to spend some great days skiing with him at Snowbird. Those are still some of the best ski days I've ever had there, and I'll always be grateful for those times.
He shared tips that genuinely helped make me a better skier, but what I'll remember most are the conversations we had on the chairlift. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, and it was obvious how much he loved the mountains, skiing, and sharing that passion with others.
Spooner was kind, authentic, humble, and generous with both his time and his knowledge. I feel lucky to have crossed paths with him.
Rest easy, Spooner. Thank you for the memories.
July 5, 2026
2
I took a free employee ski lesson from Spooner in ‘74. He said,”who wants to go to Thunderbowl?” I was the only one. So he took me for a private. Spooner was a great friend, respected craftsman, and not a bad skier. 😉🤪
July 5, 2026
2
Craig was a legend he came to Snowbird the first year I did and one of a kind incredible sense of humor very very caring that he was able to hide and I always ask him. I wanna learn how to insult people and have them pay me to do it Craig you will be missed. I was honored to be your friend Frank and Frosty.
July 5, 2026
2
I'm truly going to miss seeing you in my aisle every morning. It's going to be strange not seeing you there. We shared some great stories over the years. You will truly be missed Spooner.🥰💔
July 3, 2026
2
Fifty years and many great memories. RIP Craig. You will be remembered
July 3, 2026
3
Spooner long contended that he would only go skiing when someone was paying him to do so. For years every morning he was at Snowbird, he would be returning for “earlies” as I was preparing to go out on the mountain and would provide an accurate and detailed snow report with recommendations as to where to go. On a few occasions his recommendation was “Don’t go!” replete with detailed, profanity laden descriptions, knowing I would always go anyway, but would be returning after one lap or a few at most. On many mornings, he was enthusiastic about conditions always prompting me to ask if it were good enough for him to ski even if no one was paying him to do so. His response was, with one exception, “It’s good, but not that good.” One day that proved to be spectacular, he reported wonderful conditions. When asked if it were so good that he would ski for free, his response was, “I don’t know. Let me think about it.” Craig I’ll miss you. The world was a better place with you in it.
July 3, 2026
2
Spooner you were nuts but I loved you ! You helped me a lot in the day. Don’t rest in peace just keep doing what you love to do! Stacey and girls I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and your dad. ❤️
July 3, 2026
2
Craig. I have known you for your friendship and kindness for most of the 50 plus years together at Snowbird. Memories of your assistance with early trams years ago. Thank you. You are missed
July 2, 2026
2
Craig and I quietly played a little game of cat and mouse on the hill for over 30 years. It was a win if you could sneak up on each other and startle them enough to jump out of their skin while teaching. Usually, it was just a loud scream as the perpetrator skied by. Clients didn’t mind. They thought it was funny. But he got me many more times than I got him. He would ski away laughing and then remind me that he “won” when we crossed paths inside. I will miss Craig. He was one of a kind. There will never be another like him.
June 30, 2026
3
I love the stories that have been shared and I laugh out loud while reading them because it was so Craig. We have been neighbors for the last 20+years and what I am going to miss is seeing him sitting out on his patio chairs, reading a book, smoking something 🤔, and sitting next to Scott, another neighbor and good friend of his. You could always walk over and pull up a slab of cement and have a good conversation with those two. I usually needed to skip over most of his eloquent words with my delicate ears, but he always put a smile on my face. Stacy, I hope you will come out and sit on those chairs and we'll wander over and reminisce about what we love and miss about Craig. We love you and the girls and know we are around for anything you need. Gaylynn and Kurt Gale
June 28, 2026
4
Our family trips to Snowbird are some of my favorite memories from childhood, and Spooner was a big part of those memories. I loved his wit and refreshing candidness. We used to beg him to take us down “Black Forest” and he would loudly declare how much he hated that run, and then take us there anyway. He was old school. A workhorse. 50 years of sun and wind carved lines in his face like tracks on the mountainside. I can see his massive shoulders gracefully leading the way through the blizzard, leading you to safety. I can hear his gruff voice and booming laugh. You trusted Spooner. If he told you to aim your skis somewhere, you did it without hesitation, because you knew that’s where the good snow was. I will miss him and think of him whenever I find myself in Utah, or on a pair of skis anywhere. Rest in peace, Spooner. - George Guthrie
June 28, 2026
3
I met Craig at the Tram Bar in 1977; imagine that. Craig was that person that all of the obituaries have written about .Many times we were the only smokers at an event, we’d make eye contact and head out to have a smoke.?As the other writers pointed out, the guy never ran out of material!
Mainly I just wanted to say, I’ll miss you Craig.
Mainly I just wanted to say, I’ll miss you Craig.
June 26, 2026
3
Clearly, Spooner was a gem! And those who had the opportunity to know him, especially now, know how fortunate they are. I never skied with him, but golf is another story. He was constantly on people for stealing his “material”. One of his most frequent was, when complimented on a good shot his typical response was not “Thank you” but, “ I know”. 😂 He had a confidence that bordered on arrogance, but didn’t quite get there. And he always did it with a smile on his face. He loved his family!. While golf was incredibly important to him, he always wanted to make it home in time for dinner. Stacy was probably way too good to him. They would have dinner and then play cribbage, almost every night. He is missed!
June 25, 2026
1
I did not know Craig that well but the Spooners lived in my neighborhood and his brother Todd was in my class in West Boylston. The person who wrote his obituary obviously knew him quite well and gave a beautiful description of who he was . I moved from Dallas to MA in elementary school. It seemed like the Northern people could be hard to get to know but once I knew them, I had a friend for life. It’s wonderful that Craig “ embraced” the cold weather and used it to create warmth. Todd, I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. Losing a sibling is very difficult. Love and prayers in the days to come.
June 25, 2026
6
Spooner and I shared a winter locker room for a 45 years. Spoon taught me many important lessons during that time. A few follow:
1. The F word is not a bad word it is really just a soft adjective.
2. To avoid being sent to Chickadee you hide in the tram shop and of course help yourself to their coffee.
3. No matter what “they” say about teaching kids, pizza and French fries is our go-to.
4. Don’t ever tell Zippy that he doesn’t have a hair on his arse when he is holding a fire extinguisher.
5. Don’t ever try to outwit Spooner because you will lose every time.
Spoon was one of a kind and he will be missed.
Stacey, Kendra and Whitney, My thoughts are with you.
RIP Spooner
1. The F word is not a bad word it is really just a soft adjective.
2. To avoid being sent to Chickadee you hide in the tram shop and of course help yourself to their coffee.
3. No matter what “they” say about teaching kids, pizza and French fries is our go-to.
4. Don’t ever tell Zippy that he doesn’t have a hair on his arse when he is holding a fire extinguisher.
5. Don’t ever try to outwit Spooner because you will lose every time.
Spoon was one of a kind and he will be missed.
Stacey, Kendra and Whitney, My thoughts are with you.
RIP Spooner
June 25, 2026
3
I was so sorry to hear of Craig's passing. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Stacy and the girls!
When I was an instructor on the Snowbird Ski School I can vividly remember when Craig showed up with some of us at the top of the mountain for his first run down Regulator Johnson. He was a great skier but was not aware of the rock outcropping as he flew by. Needless to say it did not end well but Craig got back in the saddle and showed all of us that he was meant to be at "The Bird".
Craig, being a "Damn Yankee" and me being a "Hayseed" farm boy from Gordonsville, VA, loved to tease me about being a Rebel. We had a lot of fun together, bantering back and forth until 'Rebel' became "Rubba", a moniker that stuck with me for the rest of my time at Snowbird. A great, fun loving friend will be missed. God Speed, Craig!!!
When I was an instructor on the Snowbird Ski School I can vividly remember when Craig showed up with some of us at the top of the mountain for his first run down Regulator Johnson. He was a great skier but was not aware of the rock outcropping as he flew by. Needless to say it did not end well but Craig got back in the saddle and showed all of us that he was meant to be at "The Bird".
Craig, being a "Damn Yankee" and me being a "Hayseed" farm boy from Gordonsville, VA, loved to tease me about being a Rebel. We had a lot of fun together, bantering back and forth until 'Rebel' became "Rubba", a moniker that stuck with me for the rest of my time at Snowbird. A great, fun loving friend will be missed. God Speed, Craig!!!
June 24, 2026
5
Spooner (Craig) was an amazing friend! After many years of not seeing him, we had the pleasure of inviting Spooner on one of our golf trips that we scheduled for ST. George, Utah. It had been many years since I had met him at Assumption College, but when a mutual friend said he invited Spooner I was all in.
I wasn't disappointed and it was like falling off a log for me! He was the same guy fun, loving, and entertaining to the max. He told us many of his stories and bonded immediately with our group, several who knew Spooner from Worcester, MA. He was also kind of a bore. He could hit the ball a mile! Spooner was a fine golfer indeed. Good thing we weren't betting!!!
I spoke with Craig a couple of times since our golf trip together and he was always interested in his old friends from Worcester. I'm not surprised to read all the many great comments in his tribute.
My sincere condolences to Craigs loved ones!
Richard Mahoney JAX, Fla.
I wasn't disappointed and it was like falling off a log for me! He was the same guy fun, loving, and entertaining to the max. He told us many of his stories and bonded immediately with our group, several who knew Spooner from Worcester, MA. He was also kind of a bore. He could hit the ball a mile! Spooner was a fine golfer indeed. Good thing we weren't betting!!!
I spoke with Craig a couple of times since our golf trip together and he was always interested in his old friends from Worcester. I'm not surprised to read all the many great comments in his tribute.
My sincere condolences to Craigs loved ones!
Richard Mahoney JAX, Fla.
June 24, 2026
6
I celebrate the outstanding obituary that truly captured the uniqueness of this incredible guy. Craig was my cousin and in our youth my twin sister & I would jump for joy when my Mom announced we were going to the Spooners. We loved visiting with Craig and his wonderful brother Kevin. The adults would forget about us and we would have a blast with Craig & Kevin doing all sorts of things we were not supposed to be doing. It was terrific fun no matter what the setting. Both Craig & Kevin were very smart guys and very funny. I remember when Todd was born and what terrific older brothers they were to him. I will miss Craig for the rest of my life, but I will hold on to the great memories and joy we shared throughout our lifetimes. I offer sincere condolences to Stacey and the girls. and to Kevin & Todd, Celebrate the unique man he was. I was proud to be his cousin and will miss him dearly. Ellie Nagle
June 23, 2026
13
A Day in the Soup with the Spoon
I only had the privilege of knowing Craig for about a year. But Spooner had a way of making a one-year friendship feel like twenty. Mostly by treating you the same way he'd treat someone he'd known for twenty. Half open-hearted affection, half ruthless roasting.
He always skipped the small talk and went straight to the part where he acted like you had been annoying him lovingly for decades.
This past February, he invited me to be his guest at his club at Snowbird. Which was super generous. I should mention up front: I am not a great skier. Spooner knew this.
Our day just happened to be one of those heavy snow, zero visibility days, the kind of conditions where you genuinely cannot tell up from down. I have since learned the real term is “the soup.” And, I was lost in it. Spooner announced, without any apparent concern, that these were the worst conditions he had ever skied in. He then proceeded to ski them perfectly.
I, meanwhile, couldn't see the snow, the trees, my own skis, or even Spooner. But out of the white came his voice: “You alright back there?”
For the next hour, Spooner guided me down that mountain using a system I can only describe as love-by-insult. He'd materialize out of the whiteout to inform me that my form was the worst he'd ever seen. He'd tell me which direction was downhill, because I genuinely did not know. He'd ski thirty feet ahead, stop, and bark something both encouraging and devastating over his shoulder. Something like, “I’m glad you didn't get hurt, I just don't want to fill out any paperwork for the safety patrol.”
He kept me close, he kept me upright, and he kept me laughing and I forgot to be nervous. He told me to rest. He told me to go. He somehow knew when I needed both. He made me feel safe without ever making me feel fragile.
We came off the mountain in one piece. A fact I credit entirely to him, and which he would never let me credit entirely to him, because then he couldn't make fun of me about it.
The next day, naturally, everyone got the full review. The form notes. The directional confusion. My face, which he described, in detail to multiple people. I have never been so thoroughly roasted by someone who was, at the same time, so plainly glad I was okay. And somewhere in the middle of the roast, casually, almost as an aside, he mentioned how proud he was that I'd stayed with it. Then immediately went back to the bit about my face. That was the trick of him. You'd get the real thing, the kind sentence that mattered, slipped in between two insults so you almost missed it. Almost.
That was Spooner. He took care of you and then made sure you knew you needed taking care of. He'd insult your skiing and then, in the same breath, tell someone else you'd stuck it out in conditions that would have sent most people to the lodge. He'd pretend not to be paying attention and then, he was by your side.
He noticed more than he let on. He cared more than he announced. And maybe that made it mean even more.
A year wasn't nearly enough. But a day in the soup with the Spoon was the kind of day that tells you everything you need to know about a person, and everything you'd want to remember about a friend.
I only had the privilege of knowing Craig for about a year. But Spooner had a way of making a one-year friendship feel like twenty. Mostly by treating you the same way he'd treat someone he'd known for twenty. Half open-hearted affection, half ruthless roasting.
He always skipped the small talk and went straight to the part where he acted like you had been annoying him lovingly for decades.
This past February, he invited me to be his guest at his club at Snowbird. Which was super generous. I should mention up front: I am not a great skier. Spooner knew this.
Our day just happened to be one of those heavy snow, zero visibility days, the kind of conditions where you genuinely cannot tell up from down. I have since learned the real term is “the soup.” And, I was lost in it. Spooner announced, without any apparent concern, that these were the worst conditions he had ever skied in. He then proceeded to ski them perfectly.
I, meanwhile, couldn't see the snow, the trees, my own skis, or even Spooner. But out of the white came his voice: “You alright back there?”
For the next hour, Spooner guided me down that mountain using a system I can only describe as love-by-insult. He'd materialize out of the whiteout to inform me that my form was the worst he'd ever seen. He'd tell me which direction was downhill, because I genuinely did not know. He'd ski thirty feet ahead, stop, and bark something both encouraging and devastating over his shoulder. Something like, “I’m glad you didn't get hurt, I just don't want to fill out any paperwork for the safety patrol.”
He kept me close, he kept me upright, and he kept me laughing and I forgot to be nervous. He told me to rest. He told me to go. He somehow knew when I needed both. He made me feel safe without ever making me feel fragile.
We came off the mountain in one piece. A fact I credit entirely to him, and which he would never let me credit entirely to him, because then he couldn't make fun of me about it.
The next day, naturally, everyone got the full review. The form notes. The directional confusion. My face, which he described, in detail to multiple people. I have never been so thoroughly roasted by someone who was, at the same time, so plainly glad I was okay. And somewhere in the middle of the roast, casually, almost as an aside, he mentioned how proud he was that I'd stayed with it. Then immediately went back to the bit about my face. That was the trick of him. You'd get the real thing, the kind sentence that mattered, slipped in between two insults so you almost missed it. Almost.
That was Spooner. He took care of you and then made sure you knew you needed taking care of. He'd insult your skiing and then, in the same breath, tell someone else you'd stuck it out in conditions that would have sent most people to the lodge. He'd pretend not to be paying attention and then, he was by your side.
He noticed more than he let on. He cared more than he announced. And maybe that made it mean even more.
A year wasn't nearly enough. But a day in the soup with the Spoon was the kind of day that tells you everything you need to know about a person, and everything you'd want to remember about a friend.
June 23, 2026
9
Spooner (skiing behind me on early trams): You need to turn your inside ski
Me: What am I doing wrong?
Spooner: Not turning it!
I was terrified of Spooner for my first several years in 7S, but soon came to see the kindness beneath that crusty exterior. He could tell when I felt tentative on low viz mornings or starting back after surgery, looked out for me and never made me feel like I shouldn’t be there. He made me feel seen, and appreciated. I will really miss him
Me: What am I doing wrong?
Spooner: Not turning it!
I was terrified of Spooner for my first several years in 7S, but soon came to see the kindness beneath that crusty exterior. He could tell when I felt tentative on low viz mornings or starting back after surgery, looked out for me and never made me feel like I shouldn’t be there. He made me feel seen, and appreciated. I will really miss him
Service
Celebration of Life
Craig’s life will be celebrated — and it will truly be a celebration — in the Golden Cliff & Eagle’s Nest space located on lower level L1 at The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Join us for food, drink, and socializing beginning at 5:00, with an informal program of spoken memories and tributes to Craig from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Craig are welcome.
We also warmly invite you to share a favorite story, memory, or a few words about what Craig meant to you. We would love to gather these and celebrate, together, the joy he brought to so many — they will become special and lasting memories for the family.
If you have photographs of Craig that you’d like included in a slideshow during the celebration, we would love to receive them as well.
Kindly use the forms below to RSVP (so we can plan food and drink accordingly). Also share your memories and tributes, and upload your favorite photos.
Craig’s life will be celebrated — and it will truly be a celebration — in the Golden Cliff & Eagle’s Nest space located on lower level L1 at The Cliff Lodge at Snowbird on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Join us for food, drink, and socializing beginning at 5:00, with an informal program of spoken memories and tributes to Craig from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Craig are welcome.
We also warmly invite you to share a favorite story, memory, or a few words about what Craig meant to you. We would love to gather these and celebrate, together, the joy he brought to so many — they will become special and lasting memories for the family.
If you have photographs of Craig that you’d like included in a slideshow during the celebration, we would love to receive them as well.
Kindly use the forms below to RSVP (so we can plan food and drink accordingly). Also share your memories and tributes, and upload your favorite photos.
The Cliff Lodge
Eagle’s Nest - lower level L1
9320 Cliff Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, USA
Eagle’s Nest - lower level L1
9320 Cliff Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092, USA
July 8th, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
5:00pm to 7:00pm
RSVP
made with 
Français
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Português
Magyar
Русский
繁體中文