Allen Jeston Craig: Difference between revisions
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'''Allen Jeston Craig''' (5 April 1935 – 8 September 2025) was a Samoan-born New Zealand electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He founded and managed his own electrical engineering company and was known for his dedication to family, service to others, and mentoring those around him.[[File:Allen Jeston Craig.jpg|center|thumb|468x468px]] | '''Allen Jeston Craig''' (5 April 1935 – 8 September 2025) was a Samoan-born New Zealand electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He founded and managed his own electrical engineering company and was known for his dedication to family, service to others, and mentoring those around him.[[File:Allen Jeston Craig.jpg|center|thumb|468x468px]] | ||
== | == Life Story == | ||
Dad was born in Samoa on 5 April 1935 and grew up there as one of eleven children. His parents were Alexander Sandy Craig and Marie Bourne. He had ten siblings, and his family remained deeply important to him throughout his life. His family would sometimes affectionately call him Moses. | |||
His childhood was challenging. He grew up in poverty and, like many young people of his generation, did not have the opportunity to finish his formal education. At just 14 years old, Dad travelled to New Zealand to look for work so that he could help support his family back in Samoa. Leaving home at such a young age was a great sacrifice, but it became part of the strong, determined and hardworking man he would grow into. | |||
Dad did not speak much about his childhood, but he loved being with his brothers and sisters. They had each other, and the bond between them was important to him. His mother and his siblings were among the people he held especially close to his heart. | |||
Although Dad did not finish school, he never stopped learning. He completed courses and developed his skills in electrical engineering. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, he eventually built and managed his own electrical engineering company. His business became an important part of his life and enabled him to provide for his family. | |||
' | Dad's success was never only about what he could achieve for himself. He believed in giving other people opportunities. He mentored many people who came to work for his business, shared his knowledge and skills, and gave people the opportunity to learn, grow and build a better future for themselves. | ||
Dad was also a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church became a central part of his life. He devoted himself to the operation and service of the Church and faithfully fulfilled every calling he was given. He gave his time, energy and heart to serving others, and he especially enjoyed ministering to people in the community. His faith was not simply something he believed in; it was something he lived. | |||
Family was always at the heart of Dad's life. He was a much-loved uncle and was loved by his nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed having family visit from out of town and loved opening his home to them. Hosting family, sharing time together and making people feel welcome were some of the ways he showed his love. | |||
Dad met Mum in Hawke's Bay on 11 April 1977. Their meeting marked the beginning of their life together and the family they would go on to build. Dad's journey took him from Samoa to New Zealand and eventually to Riverside, California, where he passed away. He is now laid to rest at Manukau Memorial Gardens, surrounded by the love and memories of his family. | |||
His life | His life was one of sacrifice, hard work, faith, perseverance, family and service to others. From leaving Samoa at only 14 years old to support his family, to building a successful career, serving faithfully in the Church, mentoring others and welcoming family into his home, Dad left a legacy that continues through the people he loved and the many lives he touched. | ||
He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. | |||
== Family == | == Family == | ||
Revision as of 22:39, 13 September 2026
Allen Jeston Craig (5 April 1935 – 8 September 2025) was a Samoan-born New Zealand electrical engineer, entrepreneur, and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He founded and managed his own electrical engineering company and was known for his dedication to family, service to others, and mentoring those around him.
Life Story
Dad was born in Samoa on 5 April 1935 and grew up there as one of eleven children. His parents were Alexander Sandy Craig and Marie Bourne. He had ten siblings, and his family remained deeply important to him throughout his life. His family would sometimes affectionately call him Moses.
His childhood was challenging. He grew up in poverty and, like many young people of his generation, did not have the opportunity to finish his formal education. At just 14 years old, Dad travelled to New Zealand to look for work so that he could help support his family back in Samoa. Leaving home at such a young age was a great sacrifice, but it became part of the strong, determined and hardworking man he would grow into.
Dad did not speak much about his childhood, but he loved being with his brothers and sisters. They had each other, and the bond between them was important to him. His mother and his siblings were among the people he held especially close to his heart.
Although Dad did not finish school, he never stopped learning. He completed courses and developed his skills in electrical engineering. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, he eventually built and managed his own electrical engineering company. His business became an important part of his life and enabled him to provide for his family.
Dad's success was never only about what he could achieve for himself. He believed in giving other people opportunities. He mentored many people who came to work for his business, shared his knowledge and skills, and gave people the opportunity to learn, grow and build a better future for themselves.
Dad was also a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church became a central part of his life. He devoted himself to the operation and service of the Church and faithfully fulfilled every calling he was given. He gave his time, energy and heart to serving others, and he especially enjoyed ministering to people in the community. His faith was not simply something he believed in; it was something he lived.
Family was always at the heart of Dad's life. He was a much-loved uncle and was loved by his nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed having family visit from out of town and loved opening his home to them. Hosting family, sharing time together and making people feel welcome were some of the ways he showed his love.
Dad met Mum in Hawke's Bay on 11 April 1977. Their meeting marked the beginning of their life together and the family they would go on to build. Dad's journey took him from Samoa to New Zealand and eventually to Riverside, California, where he passed away. He is now laid to rest at Manukau Memorial Gardens, surrounded by the love and memories of his family.
His life was one of sacrifice, hard work, faith, perseverance, family and service to others. From leaving Samoa at only 14 years old to support his family, to building a successful career, serving faithfully in the Church, mentoring others and welcoming family into his home, Dad left a legacy that continues through the people he loved and the many lives he touched.
He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.
Family
Penny
Allen is remembered as the beloved eternal companion to Penny.
Children and Family
Allen was a loved father, grandfather (Koro), and great-grandfather.
His wider family also remembers him as a brother and uncle.
Individual family members and their stories may be added to this memorial as the family chooses.
Memories
Remembering Allen
Allen's family and friends are invited to share their memories of him.
Memories may include:
- Childhood memories
- Family stories
- Special occasions
- Holidays and family gatherings
- Stories about Allen as a father
- Stories about Allen as a grandfather (Koro)
- Stories shared by his great-grandchildren
- Special moments with Penny
- Memories from brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and friends
A person's life is remembered through the stories shared by the people who loved them.
Photos
Allen's Life
Additional photographs may be added to preserve different chapters of Allen's life.
Family Photos
Family photographs may include Allen with Penny, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends.
Special Moments
Photographs from birthdays, celebrations, holidays, family gatherings and other important moments can be added here.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 April 1935 | Allen Jeston Craig was born. |
| — | Important childhood and family events may be added. |
| — | Marriage and family milestones may be added. |
| — | Births of children and grandchildren may be added. |
| — | Important family and life events may be added. |
| 8 September 2025 | Allen Jeston Craig passed away. |
The Things We Remember
Allen is remembered through the role he played in the lives of the people around him.
He was a:
- Father
- Grandfather (Koro)
- Great-grandfather
- Brother
- Uncle
- Friend
- Eternal companion to Penny
The small details of a person's everyday life can become some of the most treasured memories for a family.
This section can be expanded with Allen's favourite foods, music, hobbies, sayings, places, interests, traditions and the things that made him unique.
Guestbook
Family and friends are invited to leave messages of love and remembrance for Allen.
Messages of Remembrance
Forever in our hearts, Till we meet again.
Family Memories
This section may be used for longer stories contributed by family members.
From His Children
Family memories can be added here.
From His Grandchildren
Memories of Koro can be added here.
From His Great-Grandchildren
Stories and memories can be added here.
From Friends
Friends can share their favourite memories of Allen here.
Memorial
Allen's physical memorial is represented by a personalised memorial featuring his photograph, name, dates and words of remembrance.
The memorial includes the words:
"Forever in our hearts, Till we meet again."
Resting Place
Information about Allen's final resting place may be added here.
Cemetery: Location: Section: Plot:
Funeral and Farewell
Details about Allen's funeral or celebration of life may be added here if the family wishes to preserve them.
Funeral date: Location: Celebration of Life:
Funeral programmes, photographs, videos and other appropriate family materials may also be preserved as part of this memorial.
Family Archive
The LovedForever memorial for Allen may preserve family materials such as:
- Family photographs
- Letters
- Personal documents
- Funeral programmes
- Family stories
- Newspaper articles
- Videos
- Important memories
- Other historical family materials
Related People
- Penny — beloved eternal companion
- Family members — children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
- Family members — brothers and sisters
- Family members — nephews and nieces
- Friends — people who shared Allen's life
Legacy
Allen Jeston Craig's legacy lives on through the people who knew and loved him.
He will continue to be remembered as a father, grandfather (Koro), great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and beloved companion to Penny.
His story can continue to grow as family and friends add photographs, memories, stories and messages to this memorial.
In Memory
Allen Jeston Craig
5 April 1935 – 8 September 2025
Beloved Eternal Companion to Penny
Loved Father, Grandfather (Koro), Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle & Friend.
"Forever in our hearts, Till we meet again."