Allen Jeston Craig: Difference between revisions
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=== Spouse === | === Spouse === | ||
* Penelope Thelma Craig | |||
* Ani Te Kimioranga Cribb | |||
=== Children === | === Children === | ||
14 children | |||
== Resting Place == | == Resting Place == | ||
Revision as of 09:35, 30 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 Engineering & Refrigeration/Airconditioning. In Hastings NZ then eventually spread out to Samoa and American Samoa where airconditioning was his specialty Through hard work, determination and perseverance, he eventually built and along with his brothers managed the business Engineering,Refrigeration & airconditioning Company. Then eventually went on his own to the islands.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 in the early 1970s, and their relationship blossomed into a beautiful marriage. They were married on 11 April 1977, beginning the journey of the family they would build together . 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 Tree
Parents
Alexander Sandy Craig and Marie Bourne
Spouse
- Penelope Thelma Craig
- Ani Te Kimioranga Cribb
Children
14 children
Resting Place
Cemetery: Manukau Memorial Gardens
Location: Western Lawn Mixed Section 18 Extension, Row D, Plot 1
Headstone Create by: Headstone Factory Limited
Epitaph:
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."
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
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.
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.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.