1952 ~ 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday Jul 12, 2025: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Saturday Jul 12, 2025: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday Jul 12, 2025: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Craig “Craigers” Thatcher our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away at the age of 73 on July 6, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children.
Craig loved to tell stories, and his life was full of incredible moments that he immortalized with his confidence and larger than life storytelling ability. He shared his stories with anyone lucky enough to be near him or, because of his booming voice and infectious laugh, anyone that happened to be within the same building. Although some of his stories were impossible to keep up with, they inevitably left you with a smile on your face and a deeper insight into the joyous life that Craig lived.
Craig was born on April 14, 1952 and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended Highland High School and the University of Utah, where he studied Chemistry and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned his MBA at Northwestern University in Chicago in 1976, where he met his wife, Connie.
Craig dedicated his life to two things that he was immensely proud of; his family, and the family business that he worked with his parents and siblings to build. He led both organizations with love and cared deeply about both his home family and his work family.
Craig loved to travel the world with Connie, and together they visited 115 countries. Craig saw the best the world had to offer and was proud to join the Travelers’ Century Club in 2014 after he visited his 100th country.
When not working he could be found enjoying a nap, watching Rafael Nadal highlights on YouTube, and watching his childhood favorites of Gun Smoke, Raw Hide, and Perry Mason on TV. He also developed a taste for more contemporary shows like Blue Bloods and Suits, although anything else on TV that he didn’t enjoy was immediately and vehemently labeled “mind numbing drivel”.
He helped so many people in quiet ways that none of us knew. Since his passing we have been touched by the stories of Craig’s charity that have been shared with us. Craig has left a wonderful legacy that will never be forgotten.
Craig is survived by his wife, Connie Nelson Thatcher; daughters, Courtney Healy (Shelby), Jinii Boren (Mike), and Brittney Sorensen (Joseph); son, Scott Thatcher (Florence); 14 grandchildren (and waiting for more from Scott and Flo… someday), and 3 grandpups.
Craig joins his mother Helen Thatcher, father Lawrence Thatcher, father-in-law Dennis Nelson, and his stillborn son, as he returns to his heavenly home where a tall iced Diet Coke, tuna sandwich, cherry pie, and peanut clusters await him.
A viewing will be held Friday, July 11 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Salt Lake Cottonwood Stake, 1830 East 6400 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 12 at 11:00am with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 S Memory Ln, Holladay, UT 84117.
For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom. Please click the Watch Service button above.
The family would like to thank the many amazing doctors, nurses, and medical staff who have helped Craig over the years. Our deepest appreciation goes to those at the Coronary ICU at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray who provided such great care and comfort to both Craig and the family over the past few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity and find ways to help lift the burden of someone else.
My Condolences, Prayers to the family.
Dear Thatcher Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Craig Thatcher. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Craig's dedication to Thatcher Company was evident, and his presence will be deeply missed.
I regret that due to existing commitments, I will be unable to attend the funeral services. My thoughts are with you as you navigate through this period of sorrow.
With deepest sympathy,
Mark Wade
Controls Manager
Thatcher Company
I was fortunate to come to work at Thatcher's in 2006 ,Over the years became good friends with Craig ,He was always nice to me and appreciated my hard work and took me to lunch on occasion to discuss work and to just visit about our families , He was a great man and I will miss him as will all that knew him, Rest in peace my friend.
I was saddened to hear of Craig’s passing. He truly cared about every single one of his employees not just as workers, but as people. When our son was critically ill at Primary Children’s, and my husband and father felt they couldn’t take time off, Craig didn’t hesitate. He looked at them and asked why they were at work. When they explained they didn’t have the time, he simply said, “Get out of here, it’ll be taken care of.” That moment meant everything to our family.
Craig’s unwavering dedication to his team and his company was remarkable. His contagious smile, leadership, compassion, and integrity leave behind a legacy that will be deeply missed. These are truly big shoes to fill.
I'm so.
Sorry for your loss for you and your famimy heart is so.
Filled with sadness. Love you so much connie. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Craig's passing. He truly was a kind soul and always willing to share a "story" (or two). Many of us will long remember him for his down-to-earth counsel and ever-listening ears. It was consistently entertaining to hear him holler "Thatch" or "Bird," and then make his highly audible points "thru the walls" (as it were) as though the two seniors were doing face-time with him across the desk ! He had Peacock's jokes memorized and catalogued by number, and eventually began interpreting them for the ignorant among us. The hallway "belly-bumps" were a hoot, and the occasional "foyer skirmishes" were simultaneously awe-inspiring and downright spooky !
Always chuckled when he said, "Well, my boy, let me tell you...... " and you knew that time was about to stand still.
Wishing peace to Connie and the family and calm to all who have been unwittingly yet blessedly influenced by Craig thru the years.
God bless until you meet as a family once again !!
Mike.
Dear Scott and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending love and strength.
Sincerely,
Ekin Bilir
Dear Scott & Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and strength from me and the LBS Stream C crew. You’ve always been there for us, we are here for you.
Saddened by Craig's passing, I can't help but reminisce the many experiences together as cousins. Craig and I were the same age and we had many firsts together. In high school, we were known as the line-up King and Queen and would trade yearbooks for pictures of future dates with friends. Craig was always there to provide dates for school dances for anyone who needed them. We saw our first "R" rated movie together shortly after he learned to drive. Along with other cousins we were Thatcher Chemicals first employees. We never got a paycheck until later as we were all dedicated in helping our fathers succeed in the business. This was the beginning for Craig's love for the company. He shared with me his perfect date scenario which was a candle light dinner in back of a semi trailer. There are so many more cherished memories. My condolences to the immediate family as I know his passing is a great loss.
Craig will remain one of my very favorites forever!! There was nothing better than watching his face light up with that big larger than life smile when he’d spot me.
Dad passed away 16 years ago, one Sunday I sat by Craig at church. He asked what I missed the most. I told him “My Dad’s hugs, there’s nothing like a hug from your Dad.” Ever since that day, Craig would hug me tight each time I’d run into him. He said, “I can fill in until you see your Dad again.”
Craig thanks for loving all of us! You left us all better than when you found us. Love you, can’t wait to hug you again!!
Holly Fairbanks
Thanks brother for finding time to meet with us at our monthly lunch. You will indeed be missed. Prayers and thoughts to your dear family.
In Phi Phi K A,
Andrew Fike 1695
I was deeply saddened to learn of Craig's passing. Please accept my condolences during this difficult time. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. I only have good memories of working with him.
I'm sorry I didn't complete my comment. Connie, you've shown me nothing but kindness and I so appreciate it. I hopein these coming days without Craig that you find some comfort. I felt so much admiration for Craig. He was delightful and truly kind, nice man. I'm sorry for you loss.
Our condolences to the family at Craig's passing. He was truly a man that found his way into your heart quickly. We had great fun together at Northwestern and in the North Shore Ward singles group in those early Chicago years. May the Lord grant you peace in your mourning.
To a wonderful friend and a incredable Father and teacher. I am so proud to have youas a friend as so many are. See you soon Craig.
Craig was my good friend in 5th grade at Rosalyn Heights. We shared a live for reading Jardy Boys mystery books. Craig was always a gentleman. I'm sure he will be missed.
Craig was a joyful character in our ward. I have missed him not him being in Sunday School. Always the smartest answer.
Forever love him. Carol. Coming over to give you a hug.🫂
My sincerest condolences to family and the Thatcher Chemical Company on the passing of Craig. I will always remember Craig who had such a meaningful impact on me professionally and personally. A kind heart with a warm smile who never hesitated to offer a helping hand without question. I love this picture of Craig and makes me smile as this how i remember him. My heart is heavy to know of his passing but my heart is also full to know that Craig was a presence in my life. Rest Peace my friend.
Dear Thatcher Family,
I was heartbroken to hear about Craig’s passing, and I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of you.
Craig and I met by chance at a charity event, and that meeting turned into a truly meaningful friendship. As we spoke about travel—especially his love for Spain and my home country—I quickly came to see the kind, curious, and generous person he was. Once he learned I was the Executive Director of Children’s Service Society of Utah, he didn’t hesitate to get involved. He came to our office, asked thoughtful questions, and, most importantly, always asked, “What is it you need?”—and then he ensured CSS had what we needed to thrive.
His generosity was never for show—it came from the heart. Craig supported our mission with genuine care and commitment. He was not just a donor; he was a true partner and a friend. I will deeply miss his kindness, his encouragement, and the warmth he always brought into a room.
Please know that Craig left a lasting impact on many lives—including mine—and I will always be grateful for the time we shared.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Encarni Gallardo
and on behalf of Children's Service Society of Utah
I’m saddened to hear of Craig’s passing and offer my heartfelt sympathies and gratitude to his family. Craig extended interest and kindness to me on numerous occasions at work. I’ll miss seeing that smile and enthusiasm and at the same time I’m grateful to have all those good memories continue with me. I pray that comfort and peace will remain with his family and friends as they reflect on the positive influence he has on so many.