CRAGG, DONALD JAMES
MARCH 28, 1951 - MAY 6, 2011
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald J Cragg in the morning of May 6, 2011.
He is survived by Linda Johnson, his Sons Jeremy (Noelle), Jason, Brothers Ralph, Robbie (Marie), Stepchildren Jason (Toni), Kim (Devin), Jeff (Whitney), Samantha, and families.
Donnie’s life long career started in 1973 with White Rock Ambulance. With the inception of the British Columbia Ambulance Service in 1974, he continued to serve the people of British Columbia until his retirement in August 2010 as the Salmon Arm Unit Chief.
Throughout his 37 years of service to British Columbians, Donnie earned the utmost respect from paramedics and the emergency services community. He is remembered by his emergency service colleagues as an exemplary paramedic, an honourable friend and a remarkable trade unionist.
He was a passionate union and political activist who served with the executive of the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia. His dedication to the BC Ambulance service made him a well respected mentor for new paramedics and aspiring union officers. He also served paramedics nationally as a representative of the Paramedics Association of Canada.
Donnie’s tireless involvement, dedication and leadership working toward enhancing patient care, and bettering the safety in communities earned him the Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada
His contributions truly helped guide and build the Provincial Ambulance Service we have today.
Donnie enjoyed exploring the back roads of BC, marvelling at the ever changing scenery, his new found love of boating and trying his hand at photography. He had a Love for flight/aviation/aircraft technology which drew him to help provide Emergency Medical Services on numerous occasions at the Abbotsford Airshow.
One of the highlights of his last week that brought a smile to his face and that will always be remembered by his family as we remember the excitement in his voice as he retold the story of Dean Russell landing his helicopter at the Blind Bay golf course and taking him and Linda for an awesome 45 minute tour around the Shuswap and Adams Lake area.
Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but enjoy having known me and gain the strength and the passion to carry on where I left off
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. EMAIL condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.