North Brookfield, MA – Dr. Craig Franklin Wilson, 77, passed away peacefully on September 27 at his home on the 5 Mile River in North Brookfield, MA, with his loving family by his side. Craig's favorite folk music played as a large fly over of Canada geese acknowledged the end of the earthly life of a nature lover, avid outdoorsman, and skilled bird carver.
Craig was born in Nyack, NY on April 28, 1948 to Theodore and Shirley (Peins) Wilson. His early years were spent in New Jersey, but he was raised in Amherst, MA and attended Amherst public schools. He became an Eagle Scout, played several sports, and set track and field records in the javelin and shot put at Amherst High School. Upon graduating, he attended Columbia University. After graduating in 1970, he married the love of his life, Barbara Scudder, and together they went to Washington, D.C., where Craig went on to further his education at Georgetown University Dental School. After receiving his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Georgetown, Craig and Barbara returned to the Amherst area to raise their family while Craig practiced dentistry for 28 years. In 2004, Craig underwent back surgery which left him paraplegic with many complications. Craig was unable to continue practicing in the field that he loved, and in which he had been highly esteemed by patients, colleagues, and staff. By his side through the ups and downs was Barbara, who became his care giver for 21 years. Loving support was always given to him by his three children, Piper Wilson, her husband Wes Honstetter, Chris Wilson, his wife Ana, Caroline Wilson and her partner Joshua Strickland. He was devoted to his three grandchildren, Cooper and Griffin Honstetter, and Cassidy Wilson, who were always near by and a part of his life.
In 2011 Craig and Barbara moved to a more handicapped accessible home in North Brookfield, MA, where Craig was able to enjoy nature and wildlife along the 5 Mile River. There he carved exquisitely detailed decoys and regional birds as he mastered his art.
In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by a sister, Laurie Wilson, brother, Scott Wilson, many nieces and nephews, and other extended family members who will all profoundly feel his loss. In addition to his parents, Craig was predeceased by his sister, Gail Billings. A private graveside gathering will take place at Wildwood Cemetery, in Amherst, MA, at a future date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Craig's memory to Care Central Hospice, c/o Marketing and Business Development, 543 School St, Webster, MA, 01570, carecentralvnahospice.org, St. Jude at stjude.org, or any beloved charity of your choice.
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