Craig Gilbert Rissman

Honored Vietnam Veteran Craig Gilbert Rissman, who served in the Army was surrounded by his beloved family as he passed on peacefully at 72 years old on April 17th. Craig joins his son Joshua, his parents Alice and Homer Rissman, and his brother-in-law Kenny in eternal life. Craig is survived by and lives on in the hearts of his devoted wife and beautiful bride of 43 years, Barbara Rissman; as well as their children and partners, Erin and Jesse Addison, Jessica and Kyp Peabody, Michael Rissman, and son-in-law Brian DeLancey. He will always be remembered as a loyal brother by his loving siblings Suzi and Nick. His legacy will live on within the many grandchildren his family brought forward, Alyssa, Brandon, JJ, Jayson, Aiden, Rusty, Lexi, Kaitlyn, Lela, and Andie, who to them was the very best Papa. His signature “Monster Hand” always made them giggle and put a smile on their face. He will forever be their “Papa Genius”, a term of endearment that has withstood the test of time over his many years on this earth. Craig is also remembered in everlasting peace by his nephews and niece, Jason, Maurice, Bryson, and Stacy; his great nieces Lillian and Caitlyn, his sisters-in-law, numerous cousins, second cousins, and all of their children. Craig’s memory will most certainly live on forever in the hearts and minds of the many who loved and cared for him. 

Family traditions were a tremendous part of Craig's life: orange juice on Christmas morning, family dinners, Mother's Day picnics, trips to Hawaii, and annual camping trips to Ice House and Medicine Lake. Some of his most memorable trips include numerous visits to National Parks and Burning Man, a road trip with the boys to the tip of Baja to see the total eclipse of the sun, celebrating Queen's Day in Amsterdam, and the latest vacation; cruising the Caribbean in January 2022. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving RC cars, flying drones, and building car models. Other hobbies included astronomy, technology, and his love of games. He was a master of many trades, including construction and computer engineering, many of which he passed on to his wife and children. He was also very passionate about animals, and his house was always full of furry friends, leaving behind his newest members, his dog Buddy and his kitty Xena.

Craig shared the undeniable sentiment that “family” is everything, most notably with the ones he loved, and that sentiment will live on with his “fambly’s” undying memories of him and the legacy that he has left with them. Craig loved Rock & Roll music and was a huge fan of The Beatles. He adhered to the notion, and truly believed that “Love is all you Need.” Craig was a uniquely creative and intelligent character; at times being very strong willed, allowing him to instill strength and creativity into his children, extended family, and all others that surrounded him. Craig will certainly be missed by all, and never will he be forgotten, especially by those who were most invested in his life and are lucky enough to call him family. May he rest in peace, always shining down upon those that he loved, and those that loved him oh so dearly. 

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten”   -Lilo and Stitch

The celebration of Craigs life and legacy will be held in his honor at his home, Eagles Nest RV Park, located in Tionesta, California, a place that he loved and cherished, surrounded by beautiful national forest. This special occasion will take place at 2:30 pm on May 22, 2022, the birthday of his dearly departed son, Joshua. Craigs Military Honors will be held at 1500 hours. For those who want to be there but are unable to attend, please know that sending your love brings us comfort.    

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations towards funeral expenses are both kindly accepted and greatly appreciated. Please send via PayPal to babybluewolf@comcast.net ♡