Craig Flahive

When time stands still and the worth of a man is counted, there are many things that can be said about the integrity and impact the life of Craig Flahive had on others. First and foremost, Craig was a family man who loved his family dearly. He lived well and loved much, and learned to blend those talents in his art as well. A talented musician, he was just as gifted in giving and had great respect for others, especially his students whom he held in the highest regard. Craig Flahive was not only a teacher and mentor, but a true friend along the way. He inspired and introduced many throughout the years to the world of music with creative and heartfelt passion, guiding them to listen to the music with their ears, but to hear the music from their heart. He related to others in a way uniquely his own and had the ability to help others work hard towards the common good, together. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, dedicated teacher and mentor, Craig will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. In the midst of World War II, the days were filled with the sacrifices of battle as young men were shipped off to war. Women began entering the work force in droves, and much was being done in the U.S. in the form of rationing to support the war effort. The overall spirit in America was alive and well while the entertainment world was a welcome deviation from the headlines of war taking place overseas. It was through these changing times that Raymond and Mellisa Mae (Kropf) Flahive of Montague, Michigan celebrated the birth of a healthy baby boy on December 20, 1942 and lovingly named him Craig Raymond. The oldest of six children, Craigs father supported his family with his work at the Dupont Chemical Company while his mother remained at home looking after the children as a homemaker. A typical young boy growing up, Craig enjoyed many adventures with friends and his brothers Roger, Leo, Tim, and Dennis along with his sister Marsha. From an early age it was quite clear that Craig had talent. He learned to play the trombone in elementary school and from early on developed a love and appreciation for music. During high school he became involved in numerous sports. He played football, basketball and baseball along with involvement in the drama program and serving as his Senior Class President. Not only did Craig continue to play the trombone, but he carried on his skill as a participant in the school band and as a member of the West Shore Youth Symphony. His love for music and talent really paid off for Craig in an exceptional way when he was awarded a full four year scholarship in the music program at Michigan State University. While there he served as first chair trombone and his passion for music included his dedication as a member of the marching band, orchestra and the wind ensemble. All while devoted to his studies, he also held membership in the Phi Alpha Mu Fraternity. Although Craig excelled in his studies and many involvements, his attention became focused on a young woman he met named Lin Petrillo who was also a music student at Michigan State. They dated for a time and soon fell in love. Shortly after Craig graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Music in 1965, they were ready for the next step and began life together as husband and wife. In the early years of their marriage they lived in married housing on campus at Michigan State while Craig continued with his studies for his Masters Degree. Balancing his education and supporting a new wife, Craig was also a proud expectant father and was overjoyed when their Scott came along in 1966. He completed his student teaching in the close southwestern community of Morrice, Michigan, receiving his Masters in Music in 1967. With his Masters in Music in hand, Craig and his young family returned to his hometown of Montague where he soon became the band director at Montague High School. He was once again blessed and in 1968 welcomed the birth of their daughter Lisa into their lives. A few years later in 1970 Craig accepted a position as the band director for Grand Haven High School and the family settled into a home in Grand Haven Township. With help from his brothers and friends, Craig built their home on Berkshire where his skills as a great handyman were put to use. In fact, throughout his life he loved building things. Their home was filled with wonderful holidays and treasured memories. As a family they enjoyed great camping vacations north at Lake Leelanau that were often followed by band camp. Craig remained teaching at the high school in Grand Haven for the next 26 years before eventually retiring in 1996. An inspiration to his students, Craig was a great teacher, instructor, mentor, director and friend to many over the years. He introduced the world of music to individuals in such a special way. As a teacher he set very high standards and expected his students to reach them. The respect his students had for Craig went both ways. He treated his students as unique people who possessed talent, all while teaching them to tap into not only their skill but their passion for music as well. He was well loved and respected by his students and inspired many to go into the music profession. Quite animated at times, Craig was an endearing director who had several beloved quirks. With overzealousness, he indeed broke a few batons in his time while enthusiastically directing his students. In his free time away from school Craig continued with his passions. Along with his good friend Jim Query, Craig directed over a dozen different stage musicals through the years. He was highly regarded for his uncanny sense of humor as he delighted the crowd each opening night dressed up in some costume. Although Craigs marriage to Lin came to an end in the early 1980s, all was not lost for him. He later went on to discover love again when he met Karen VanBemmelen, a legal aid for several local attorneys. They dated for a while and realizing they were in love, were married on December 1, 1984. Craig not only acquired a new wife but also Karens two teenage children, Christine and Kennard. Together they blended their families while enjoying shared times in their waterfront home on Bignell Drive. Over the years their children and other relatives came to call this house their home as memorable and joyous times were shared there. Of course his ever present sense of humor came to light a time or two such as the time he dumped Karen out of the boat into the muck while pulling weeds in front of the house. Throughout the years Craig was very involved with the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) and served on the board in many positions. He also took part as a highly esteemed colleague and was an adjudicator at countless band festivals. In addition to his many other involvements, Craig served as a director for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival for many years. With his great people skills, Craig had a knack for diffusing any situation and encouraged people to work together. His many skills served him well as the Music Department Chairman and other boards he served on. As a longtime trombone player, Craig was accomplished in many areas and played his trombone in the pit orchestra for the Miss Michigan Pageant and other local productions and Big Bands. It proved to be an extremely difficult time for Craig when in 1994 his son Scott, a Police Officer at the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, was killed in the line of duty. A truly devastating time for Craig and his family, he soon began experiencing some health issues and decided to retire in 1996. Although retired, Craig continued to work part time for Meyer Music and also did consulting work for other school district music departments and also continued to judge a few music festivals. Retirement meant more time for Craig to enjoy his family, especially his grandchildren. For many years Craig and Karen spent nearly every summer weekend at the campground in Lake Leelanau enjoying their trailer there. When Craig developed COPD it slowed him down. He required the assistance of oxygen at night for a time, but eventually needed it 24 hours a day. Although the doctors said Craig should have died years ago, he managed the disease well with the help of medications. Craig continued to possess a passion for life, and his strong will and desire to live allowed him to have more time to spend with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and his family. During this time Craig rediscovered yet another talent and took up painting. He produced hundreds of acrylics and watercolors over the last few years that are treasured masterpieces for his family to cherish. During his illness Craigs wife Karen took exceptional care of him with loving tenderness. Although recently placed on the lung transplant list, Craigs body could no longer fight. At the age of 67, Craig Flahive sadly died on Sunday, May 9, 2010. Craig Flahive made a wonderful impact on many throughout his life. Whether it was his family or the countless students with which he was entrusted, Craig gave freely, always sharing his passion and encouragement. When time stands still, listen closely and hear, music from deep within the heart. In the hearts of those he leaves behind, he was all that and more, and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen; two daughters, Lisa Flahive of NV and Christine (Andy) Merryweather of Shelbyville, MI; son, Kennard (Laura) VanBemmelen of CO; three adored grandchildren, Skye Rankens, Madeline and Allison VanBemmelen; his mother, Mellisa Mae Flahive of Bangor, MI; four brothers, Roger (MaryLou) Flahive of IL, Leo (DeeDee) Flahive of N. Muskegon, Tim (Norma) Flahive of Whitehall, and Dennis (Marge) Flahive of Ferrysburg; sister, Marsha (David) Holmes of Bangor, MI; many nieces and nephews. SERVICE: A Public Celebration of Craig's life will be held at Lakeshore Middle School on Saturday, May 15, 2010, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM with a time of sharing at 1:00 PM. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: American Lung Association or the Scott Flahive Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory, submit a photo or to sign his online guest book.