CRAIG FULLERTON

May 28,1948 - August 2, 2022

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the loss of the "love of my life." He was my rock and will live on in my heart forever. - Lois

Craig Alan Fullerton was born on May 28,1948 to Roy and Jeanette Fullerton in Seattle, Washington, and passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, August 2, 2022 at the age of 74. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a trusted friend.

He enjoyed walking for exercise and went on many "walking" vacations with his wife in cities throughout the country and in Canada. He liked football, basketball, golf, playing the drums and music. He was always happy, kind, interested in others and had a great sense of humor.

Craig graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1966 and went to work for the City of Everett on June 6,1967 and worked there until his retirement on May 1, 2006.

During his employment with the City, he continued his education and became the resident expert in all aspects of real property management. On July 16,1984, he became a LPO, admitted by the Superior Court, to handle all legal documents incident to closing real estate transactions in Washington. He earned his Real Estate Broker's license in 2002 and began his real estate consulting business, which he operated until 2016.

In 1976, Craig was introduced to his future wife, Lois Nesseim, by a mutual friend. They had an immediate attraction and were inseparable from that moment on. They were married on August 11, 1978 and were blessed with a son, Ryan, on February 17, 1982. Craig couldn't have been more proud, and, as soon as Ryan was able (and maybe a little before), he was teaching him to play the drums, basketball, golf and a love of music. That pride continued when Ryan joined the Navy in 2004. He took every opportunity to talk about his son who was serving our country on a submarine in the U.S. Navy.

Craig made life-long friends in the neighborhoods where he lived, the schools he attended and throughout his long career and retirement. Back in the 70's he crashed into a neighbor's car across the street from where he was living. He didn't know Jim and Ann Ries at the time, but from that day forward, they welcomed him into their family and have been dear friends ever since.

When our son was young, we went on several vacations (Hawaii, Lake Chelan, Ocean Shores), had lots adventures and celebrated many holidays with our dear friends Jim, Pat and Blake Twisselman. Craig knew Jim through his law firm and Pat worked at the bank with me. Through the years, we have all remained very close.

In 2003, we moved next door to Gary and Dottie Bumstead. They are like a big, warm hug and we became a part of their wonderful, loving family. We have had so many fun adventures with them. They took us to their riverfront property in Mazama and taught us how to camp in style, with crystal wine glasses, fabric table cloths and, of course, indoor facilities. They took us through Washington's wine country and even pulled their trailer down to Reno, NV, so they could cook us a Thanksgiving dinner when we flew in to meet them. They are truly one in a million!

Craig became friends with Gary Doughty at work in his early days at the City. After retirement, Gary and his wife Gloria, who Craig had done consulting work for, invited us to go on a trip to Italy with them. Gloria planned every detail and she and Gary drove us through Italy. They were the best tour guides ever. Loving history, Craig was fascinated by every aspect of our trip. We are so grateful for their friendship and glad they live only a few blocks away.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; son, Ryan (wife Jessica); granddaughter, Annabelle, who always put a smile on his face; brother, Roy (wife Ardene); sister-in-law, Sandra Vasey; nieces, Kathy Harris (husband Tim), Janet Turrell (husband Vern), Cari Kuuttila (husband Dustin), Rhonda Benton; nephews, John Cole (wife Patricia); Randall Cole, with whom he shared a special bond (wife Cathy); Tyler Fullerton (wife Maureen); Ron Koukal; Randy Koukal; as well as many extended family, friends and his faithful lab, Sophie, who was always by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jeanette; parents-in-laws, Don and Florence Nesseim; sister, Barb Cole; niece, Terry Cole; as well as, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Words cannot fully express the sense of deep loss, profound grief, or how much he is missed by his family and friends. It was such a blessing to have had his guidance, wisdom and love. He touched so many lives with his compassionate heart, generosity, sense of humor and beautiful smile.

A special thank you to dear friends Gary and Dottie Bumstead and Gary Doughty who have been a constant source of comfort and support.

In accordance with Craig's wishes, no service will be held. Donations to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer's Research Fund, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or a charity of your choosing will be appreciated.

August 2, 2022

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15, 2022.