Craig Ely, 71

Harold “Craig” Ely of Hayden, Idaho, was born July 24, 1954, in San Jose, Calif., to Harold and Shirley Ely. On Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 71, Craig passed on to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Craig was lovingly married to Christine Ann (Brehm) Ely for more than 35 years, following their marriage in Sun City West. He was a devoted father to Nathan Ely, Jay Ely (Andrea) and Katrina Peterson (Nicholas). He was also a proud grandfather to Olivia, Lily, Adriana, Thomas and a sweet baby girl expected to arrive in August 2026. Craig will also be deeply missed as a beloved uncle. He is survived by his brothers, Marc Ely of Sacramento and Bret Ely of Prescott, and his sister, Martha Honda of San Jose.

Craig was born and raised in San Jose, where he spent much of his youth swimming, playing baseball and surfing — sometimes even skipping high school afternoons to catch waves in Santa Cruz. Craig earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, volunteering as a swim coach and leading the daily flag salute at school. To earn his rank as an Eagle Scout, Craig led a team of fellow Scouts, including his brother, Marc, to build a stone bridge and create new campsites at Washburn Lake in Yosemite.

The leadership, love of the outdoors and spirit of service he developed during his scouting years would remain defining qualities throughout his life and career. As a young man, he joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served honorably as a Staff Sergeant. While on leave, he traveled to Idaho to help his brother, Bret, move to college, and during that visit, he fell in love with the state that would become his lifelong home. After his military service, Craig relocated to Northern Idaho and began a long and dedicated career with the United States Forest Service. He worked as an engineering road manager and firefighter in the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District, serving as a safety officer for firefighting crews in the local national forests. 

Craig was an avid hunter, fisherman and lover of the outdoors who delighted in sharing his favorite camping spots and swimming holes with friends, family and four-legged companions. His favorite place on earth was a cabin built by his son, Jay, in Prichard along the Coeur d’Alene River. In October 2025, Craig and his good buddy, Ed, who shared nearly half a century of hunting trips, outdoor adventures and friendship together, enjoyed the trip of a lifetime: a two-week guided hunting adventure in the Canadian Rockies. 

Craig was a devoted follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He faithfully served for many years as an usher at Lake City Church and was actively involved in the Real Life Men’s Ministry in Post Falls. He greatly admired Phil Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" and faithfully followed his daily devotional podcasts, even adopting his signature long-beard style. Craig was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be remembered for his unwavering faith, steadfast loyalty, generous heart and adventurous spirit.

A private family service will be held to honor Craig’s memory, with a celebration of life planned for July 24 in Prichard. Additional details can be viewed at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com beginning in July. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Craig’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.