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Date Deceased: 1972
Age at Death: 20
Classmate City: Garden Grove
Classmate State: CA
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: Brother Scott Peterson (class of 71)
He is fondly remembered by
Good friend Milton Schnitger,
And by Eileen, Dave and our mother Carol Schnitger.
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Bill King (1970)
Craig was a good friend on the cross-country team. I recall him often, and with fond memories.John MacLeod (1970)
Craig was one of my very closest friends. I don't think I can put into words how I think of him still all the time, 35 years later. He was not only one of the smartest people I ever knew, but of the most genuine heart. He taught me so much and was a real role model for hard work and being true to your self. Thank you Craig.John MacLeod
Michelle Mize (1970)
Oh no, not Craig! And at such an early age. He was always, always nice to me and we had fun flirting with each other. He was one of my classmates that I really wanted to see again. I am sure he's missed by many. Sincerely, MichelleLarry Howe (1970)
Craig was a good friend of mine since second grade. We were best friends in junior high and I had many good times with him. In high school we palled around with many of the same people. We grew a little fruther apart because of different interests, though. I.e. I got into wrestling and he joined the cross-country team. We still did some very special things together. I remember the time that he and I and my brothers and their friends backpacked in Mt. San Jacinto for a week one Summer. After high school, he went away to UC Berkely. I went to Cypress J.C. We rarely saw each other until graduation.After his graduation, I think he had a little bit of the blues. You know--now what do I do? Craig took a job as a gas station cashier til he found his calling. I believe station was on Harbor and Chapman. Anyway, as he was closing the station and counting the money, he was robbed at gun point and the bandit got away with all the loot. Subsequently, the owner did not believe Craig's story and fired him. He did not know Craig like I did, and I know in my heart he told the truth. But he got fired anyway. I think that put poor Craig over the edge. He started becoming what was thought manic depressive.
He had no job and no place to stay, so my roomate Wes let him crash on our couch for a while. Craig had been insensed by being falsely accused as a thief, but I thought he was getting over it. One day after my day job, I we were drinking coffee while I was getting ready for night class. When I was in the bathroom, he went into Wes's room and took a hidden .45 caliber revolver which he hid in his army parka. As we left the appartment, Craig's last words to me were, "I'll see you tomorrow." He seemed upbeat.
We did not know the gun was even missing until after work when my dad called to inform us that Craig had shot himself that night at Mark Twain Elementry School. I think he had made up his mind to end his torment and didn't let on to me because he knew I would have stopped him. The police were the greatest comfort to me. I blamed myself even though I had always supported him to the last. The police said that most people, unless they're a cop or work in an emergency room, don't know how common suicide is and there is just no good reason for it most of the time.
I am sorry to bear such a sad story, but I think you all have the right to know what happened to our dear friend Craig. It will haunt me all my life. Hopefully, what I have said may help prevent another tragedy like this from happening again.
Charlene Siegel (Ralston) (1970)
I have known about Craig's death for many years. It shocked me beyond words when I first heard. To this day it takes my breath away. In a way I wish to write this as a letter to Craig: You were a person of such integrity. Gifted in so many ways. Yet, there was no conceit. Our quick knowing exchanges made me feel that you were a comrad. It was very sweet. Every time you asked me for a date I had just started seeing someone. Such timing. I was quietly flattered.I so wish you could have known that you were in a tunnel and that there would be light again. I hope that there is something beyond this life..another life or a heavenly place. I, for one, think that you were terrific and have continued to honor your memory. With love, CharTere Dillingham (Tronson) (1972)
I was friends with the whole Peterson family. My sister was very close to Lee Ann and I knew Scott too. Craig and I did plays together for years and fought and laughed together. He taught me to drink very hot coffee ("just let it run down your throat without letting it touch the sides") at the intermission of some esoteric play we went to see together. I will never forget his wonderful portrayal of Sancho in Man of La Mancha. He was very talented and very smart. I was devasted that he took his life. I sleepwalked through his funeral and still to this day am mad at him for going away. But mostly I am sad that the love that many had for him did not prevent this tragedy.
Mary Lou Rust (Almond) (1969)
I met Craig in speech class my sophomore year. We sat across the aisle from each other for that class. I was struck by his intelligence & warmth. Later, he ran track & cross country with both of my brothers. It always felt like the team members were part of the family coming & goings. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Hadn't heard much outside of the fact that it was a suicide. What a loss his passing was! As somone who has dealt with depression for a good part of my life, I do understand that alot of us just don't tend to talk about what is really going on. That may not always make alot of sense, but that's what happens. I can only encourage people to be better educated about depression & how to be proactive. I have gotten counseling AND am on medication. Major blessings in my life. I have friends who aren't afraid to talk to me when I'm down in the mouth. While I don't always talk to people about my depression, I know I have that option. My faith has been a big help, too. If we can be a blessing to those around us, what a nice tibute that would be to Craig's memory!!