It is with great sadness that the family of Craig Anthony Simmons shares his passing on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the age of 54. Craig was born in Seattle to Henry and Ozella Simmons on Nov. 18, 1964. He was a loving brother to Wanda and Roger.

Craig attended several Seattle schools and graduated from Wilson Pacific in 1986. He participated in Special Olympics for many years and was always proud to show off his medals in track and field and especially swimming.

Together with his family, Craig split his time between a home in Lake City and a cabin at Deer Lake on Whidbey Island. Every summer he enjoyed swimming and taking his rowboat out each evening.

Throughout his life, Craig was proud to work at his parent’s bowling alley, Greenlake Bowl in Seattle, and his brother’s restaurant, Teddy’s on Whidbey.

Craig loved Hawaii. He began vacationing to Honolulu in 1983. This family tradition continued for the next 30 years.

He treasured his friends there and never missed an opportunity to stand and do the hula or greet you with an “Aloha.”

Above all, Craig was a proud uncle to two of his favorite people — his niece Kelsey Simmons and nephew Jacob Simmons. Craig learned signs when Jake was a baby by taking classes with his mother and father. Through the years, Jake, Kelsey and Craig shared a special bond.

Craig experienced difficult setbacks in his life with the loss of his mother in 1985 and his sister in 2005. He lived with his dad for the next six years.

In 1991, Henry married Irene Laegreid. Irene was a good and loving mom to Craig for 26 years, until her death in 2017.

For the last years of Craig’s life, he lived with his dad and brother Roger. Craig and Roger shared a special closeness. Roger was proud of Craig, always saying that Craig didn’t have an enemy in the world.

Though living a life with Down Syndrome, Craig managed to touch more people than many do in a much longer lifetime.

We are all better people, more loving people, for having known Craig.

Craig is survived by his father Henry, his brother Roger, his niece Kelsey, his nephew Jake, former sister-in-law Debi and three step-siblings Sig (Heidi), Ingrid (Jim) and Sigrid.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 6309 S. Wilson Place in Clinton. All are welcome to attend.