H. Craig Carter
May 28, 1930 - October 18, 2020
On Sunday October 18, 2020 I lost my lover of 44 years, partner in crime and “best friend” – Craig Carter. Craig was born May 28, 1930 in SLC to Margaret and Charles Carter. He attended South High. He was a proud marine serving during the Korean War aboard the USS Boxer. He attended The University of Utah where he was an active member and president of “Sigma Pi Fraternity”– that's when he became a lifelong Ute.”
Craig worked for “Restaurant and Store Equipment “, where he designed kitchens and restaurants. He later became the store and interior designer for Castleton's Department stores and warehouse. He then became the head consultant for Pool Display designing stores for Wolfes Sporting Goods, Blocks, Shapiro Travel Goods, Peerless Beauty, Gabby Gourmet, Copper Rivet’s to name a few.
His 52-year, lifelong part-time passion started as a freshman at the “U “. His personal and social life became as one for Craig. He handled all the Ushers and Ticket takers at the various venues on campus, Kingsbury Hall, Pioneer Theater, the Old Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse, Huntsman Center, Rice-Eccles Stadium, including all of the U of U graduations. In any given year Craig supervised over 300 part-time employees considering everyone one of them “family”! Craig was an amazing public relations front man for the University. In 2002 he was awarded the “President’s Staff Award” from then Pres. Bernie Machen, it was a first for a part time employee. Craig personality was contagious. He always had a smile on his face, loved people, was kind, compassionate and treated everyone with respect. He was always “happy“ to see you. Craig cherished his friends and “everyone“ was his friend.
Craig's community service extended to being the Chair of the “Judging Committee” of commercial floats for the “Days of ‘47 Parade” for over 20 years. He was a founding member of what is now the Utah Arts Festival. Mayor Ted Wilson appointed him to the Mayor's Task Force for people with disabilities where he served for over 35 years. Craig was also active as a Board member of Very Special Arts now Arts Access.
Craig was married to Lavon Gill, together they had four fabulous children, David A. Carter (Noelle) CA, Shauna Carter Mabey (Tom) UT, Suzanne Carter Macriss (Rob) UT, Christine Kent AZ, and 6 grandchildren, Molly, Sarah, Nick, Emma, Cici and Kyle.
Dean Collett brought us together in 1968, he recommended me to work for Craig as a football ticket counter. It was at Kingsbury Hall years later, I was selling candy, he asked to kiss me, that was our beginning! He always said, “Toni Russell married me and made me the happiest man in Utah.” We have had an eventful, loving life together. Our love of cooking, entertaining, gardening, travel, books, music, and theatre were a part of our lives together up until his end. He will be missed by all our friends and family! When I married Craig, I promised to marry him for better or worse – and I did!
Special thanks Dr Fred Gottlieb for not only his care of Craig but his friendship and to Good Shephard Hospice for their incredible care over the last five months.
A celebration of his life will take place next Memorial Day weekend because we could not celebrate his “90th” this year.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Canines With A Cause or your favorite charity.
In Loving Memory
We were neighbors to Craig and Lavon in Bountiful and our children played together while we lived there. Craig and I carpooled on occasion. We always saw him at Pioneer Theater and we’re always greeted with a handshake or a hug. Later years we crossed paths with Craig and Toni at the Madeleine Choir School auctions and again enjoyed visiting with them. Craig was an outstanding human being and will be missed on this earth. Our sincere condolences to all his family.
I was one of his many ushers for several years. He was so fun and so kind. I loved that job. My love and prayers are with you. Dee Dee Cannon Cox
I never knew Craig. After reading his obit today I feel like I may have known him my entire life. To his FAMILY I send a heart felt sorry for your loss. What a legacy! May you all find comfort in the knowledge he is always there by your side. AND, if there is ever a "Best Obit Ever" competition I would definitely submit his! Love, Light, and Lessons (& a rainbow for good measure) Sincerely, Evie Ivie Payne
Toni – Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute in today’s paper. Your expressions brought back so many fond memories of the times our family worked with Craig. In those early years, when we had assumed the roles of leadership in our retail business, Craig was a mentor, a teacher and fabulous story teller! Thinking about those days so many years ago brought back wonderful personal memories – and smiles! - Eric, Alex & Daniel Shapiro
Toni ~ I'm very sorry that you have lost Craig. He was a great guy and it was always a pleasure to see him Please accept my condolences at this sad time. With love . . . John Paul
Sorry to hear of Craig's passing. The world has lost a true gentleman. Best to all his family.
Toni, I am so sad to read of CraIg's death. I have vey fond memories of working with him when he designed stores at Valley Fair Mall. He was so talent in his designs. Then when you worked with me at Valley Fair, he was such breath of fresh air whenever he would come in he office. Syd and I send our best wishes to you at his difficult time.
Toni...so sad to hear about Craig passing away. I remember first meeting Craig and you in the late 70’s while working at PMT. He was so kind and friendly. I loved hearing his stories and just having a personal conversation with him. I loved working with Craig, you and the entire family of ushers at the University of Utah. You both attended our wedding reception....this was a wonderful time. I will always remember his friendly smile. May the Lord bless you and your family with peace. G Foss
Dear Carter Family, I am so sorry about your loss. I met Craig when I was an usher at Pioneer Theatre and have always loved running into him throughout the years at U events and on Wasatch Drive when he was gardening. He was a fine person-always so kind and open-hearted. I will always smile when I think of him. With love, Tina Gustin Bagley
Warm wishes to Craig’s family. I had the pleasure of meeting him in the neighborhood, and had the opportunity to interact with him regularly in his work with the Salt Lake City Mayor’s task force. He always raised important points and great recommendations to improve accessibility for all. He will be missed.
My deepest regards to all of Craig’s family. What a lovely person he is. I met Craig some 30+ years go when I presented my first show at Kingsbury Hall. I think it was The American Indian Dance Theater or maybe Ladysmith Black Mombazo but whatever it was that was the day I made a friend for life. Craig never stopped looking out for me. With his infectious smile and wry comments not a show went by without us spending time talking. He shared his opinions of the show on stage, suggested ones I should bring and occasionally ones I should never bring again all with a wink of the eye and the statement that whatever we brought he really appreciated it. As a young concert and theater promoter it was reassuring to have such a nice man make it clear he always had my back. My condolences to the family, especially Toni who, in her own way has the same wonderful smile and spirit Craig shared with everyone he met. What a wonderful couple, what wonderful lives.
Toni, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Craig were so cute together and complemented each other. I will always remember when he came into the office to see you with a joke and a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family
I was saddened to hear that Craig, my friend of 66 years (yes 66) had passed away. Craig was a friend to all, the minute he met you, he was your friend. Craig must have served on every volunteer board in Salt Lake City over time. His 52 years at the U of U tells how well he was liked. Between the volunteering, part-time at the U and full time excellent store designer, he was always the same good guy, like he had a one of a kind, internal cruise control. I and many, many others will miss H. Craig Carter. Rest in peace.
Hi Toni, We are so sorry to hear about Craig.What a great guy.You had a rewarding and interesting life together. All our love. Jim and Lois gibbons
Toni - So sad to read a few days ago of Craig's passing! Reading his wonderful obituary brought back so many memories of days working the festival and sitting on Main Street at midnight! I certainly though so much of the two of you. It was hard to separate you two because you did so much together. I hope this message finds you well! Warmest wishes and condolences, Margaret Smoot
Your smile and friendly manner was so inviting to us. We enjoyed his friendship as well his loving wife Toni. The world lost a great person but left us with great memories. Love to you Toni. Sorry for your loss. Pat and Ken Gleason
In Loving Memory
