"My sympathies to all of Craig's family. Craig and I worked closely for 30 years. He was always dedicated to getting the necessary job done regardless of whatever it took. Many times he would go home for dinner and be back in the office after dinner for many hours. he paid attention to detail and he could be counted on to accurately prepare the numerous submissions for which he was responsible. We had many long conversations about grain farming, annual crop conditions, grain marketing and international markets. My wife and I had a great visit with him, Judy and John at their home in Ames a few years ago. Even though it had been a few years since our last talk in Ottawa, we could have talked for hours as if we had talked only a few days earlier. He had depth of knowledge on a broad range of subjects. Rest in Peace Harold Hedley"
In loving memory of
Craig Fulton Ph.D 06/20/2020
January 28, 1944 - June 20, 2020
It is with saddened hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Craig Fulton after a short battle with cancer in Ames, IA on Saturday, June 20th, 2020. Private graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2020 at Union Cemetery in Union, IA. A celebration of his life is being planned for a later date in Manitoba, Canada. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. The Conrad Chapel of the Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Craig was born in South Kirkby, Yorkshire, England on January 28th, 1944 to his parents Marion Fulton (nee Tye) and Victor Fulton (RCAF) before arriving in Canada as part of the welcomed influx of war brides and returning forces personnel. Craig grew up on the family farm just south of Birtle, Manitoba, attending school in Birtle before embarking on his collegiate studies. Craig started at Brandon College, went on to study agricultural economics at the University of Manitoba earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, then was accepted at Iowa State University to take his Ph.D in Agricultural Economics, completing his studies in 1976. In all Craig dedicated a quarter century to his education starting in Grade 1 in 1950. This dedication to learning and quest for knowledge accompanied Craig throughout the remainder of his career and life. 1976 was not only noteworthy for completion of the formal education phase, but also the year Craig accepted a position with the Canada Department of Agriculture (now Agriculture Canada) as an economist. Craig moved to Ottawa, but his connection to Iowa was not done as he had met his future wife, Judith Bates while at Iowa State University and they were subsequently married in June 1977. Craig worked at Ag Canada for over thirty years doing seminal work on income stabilization programs for farmers across Canada. Craig and Judy also welcomed family additions, Jane Anne born in January 1979 and John Craig born in July 1981. Craig was very active in the community in Ottawa and a regular participant at the City View United Church serving as church treasurer for a number of years putting that Ph.D in Economics to work. Craig had a range of interests including cycling, golfing, reading a broad range of genres, but was most noted for his continuing connection to farming. He always made annual pilgrimages to the family farm in Birtle during the harvest months to lend a hand with swathing and combining and bringing his depth of knowledge in markets, grain prices and to discuss world economic conditions that affected the price of wheat. In most recent years since the family move from Ottawa to Ames, Craig was actively involved in managing family land assets taking pride in practical applications of his knowledge of markets and prices.
Craig was predeceased by his wife Judy in 2016 in Ames and is survived by his daughter Jane and son John both cherished by Craig . Craig was also predeceased by his parents Victor and Marion. Craig leaves to mourn his passing his two brothers, David and wife Verna, Sheldon and wife Lillian and their extensive families all of whom welcomed Craig on his regular visits, firstly from Ottawa and latterly from Ames and welcomed the opportunity to debate a range of topics from the future for pig production in Iowa to the chances for Iowa State in the annual plethora of football Bowl games. In Iowa, Craig leaves to mourn his sister-in-law Beth Gaul (Stephen) and her family. A special note to Beth, the entire family thanks you for the care undertaken for Craig as the world endured the pandemic closing hospitals and borders for normal visitations during Craig's last days.
Craig always loved to visit, always had a smile, and never stopped learning - we will miss him all year round, but most especially during harvest and the Holidays.
Tributes
"I always enjoyed visiting with Uncle Craig when he was in Calgary to visit! Every story had immense detail and he always found something to chuckle about! I learned so much every time we spoke! He always brought a gift, such as special chocolates or cheese for us to enjoy! He will be missed dearly! Sending love to Jane and John as well as his extended family in Ames. "
"Craig Memories Lots of memories of Craig over the years growing up on the farm near Birtle, his time at various universities, exploring the Ottawa area, and his many visits each year during Holidays and the summer months. Craig was the eldest of the three brothers and as such had a certain entitlement over David and me ? I recall during haying season that Craig always managed to be the tractor driver while David and I baked under the July sun stacking bales on the hayrack behind the baler. What we could never understand was why Craig always got a new pair of leather gloves from Dad the same time that David and I had to get replacements for our worn finger-bare pairs! I was particularly happy to see Craig off to Brandon University as we had only three bedrooms in the house , one for Mom and Dad, a small one for David and the one I had to share with big brother ? who managed to set all the rules and commandeered the most convenient shelves and drawers. Strangely Craig thought he was still entitled to these on his Holiday returns from University. A visit from Craig was always an eclectic event made even more interesting with his hearing difficulties and my propensity to talk quickly. We would range over a broad array of topics from politics, latest books read to world events; Craig often miss-hearing the question and my not waiting for an answer; such occurrences always driving Judy and Lil into the next room, where we suspect they still listened in to the over-loud conversations. I will certainly miss big brother, and all of the family despairs at the inability to get to Iowa for his service, barred by borders and pandemic ? but we will get a chance to make amends later this year. There are 4 photos as well that reflect on Craig's enjoyment of the broader family taken from our family reunion in Manitoba in 2017 - unfortunately for David and I, Craig managed to 'win' the two day event as the blue team - as he reminded us on his regular visits - the entire family will miss him 'Younger' brother Sheldon"
"Canadian grain farmers owe Craig a huge debt of gratitude as he changed the face of income stabilization in the 1980's. He was very helpful to younger economists and always had time to share valuable insights. He is one of the enduring memories I have from my time at AAFC."
"I was very sorry to learn of Craig's passing when we saw his obituary in the newspaper. We have enjoyed having Craig as a member of Ames First United Methodist Church since 2013. He always stopped by my desk to visit me when he was at the church. He was very interesting and had great stories. We will miss him. Deb Benefield FUMC Ames Office Manager "
"I learned today from the obituary section of The Ottawa Citizen that Craig Fulton passed away. I wish to extend to my deepest condolences to his family. For many years Craig and I worked in the environment of Canadian farm policy at Agriculture Canada. Craig was a one in a million guy. I admired his depth of knowledge, his commitment to the farming community and economy and to Canadian agricultural policy. He was always so helpful, willing, able and so very competent. His sense of humour was delightful. Craig leaves a legacy through both his work and his personality. We had many fulsome discussions and debates over the years when our careers crossed. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to his family at this sad time. ,as he Rest In Peace. Judy Cedar, Ottawa, Canada"
"I echo Bob Sperry's tribute. Craig, as a fellow Ames Golden K Kiwanian was always a joy to communicate with--I as a former Nebraska Husker, and Craig as a loyal Cyclone, enjoyed going back and forth re. the accomplishments of the Huskers and Iowa State Cyclones. Craig was one of our Club's most willing volunteers and generous donors. He will be greatly missed by all of his Golden K cohorts. Don Muff "
"Joan and I were surprised and saddened today to hear of Craig?s death. He and Judy were pillars of our City View United Church in Ottawa, Ontario. Craig?s amiable demeanor and hard work in the church, whether as treasurer or with grounds upkeep with John, were exceptional. Our condolences to Jane and John. -- Joan & Larry Dobson"
"So sorry to hear of Craig's passing - sincere condolences to his family. I knew Craig from City View United Church in Ottawa and found him to be a kind and caring individual and certainly enjoyed his friendship. "
"So glad that Craig became a part of the extended Bates Family. I remember Craig and Judy and kids visiting me and my family in Wilmot, Ohio, way back in 1986. Our time was never long enough. Thankful for eternity and all that opens up to us who know only the brevity of this life. Prayers for all who mourn his passing."
"Craig was full of knowledge and was always willing to share it with me, and no matter the topic, his stories always ended in a big smile and a chuckle. The short time I knew Craig was full of good memories and will stay with me forever. He leaves behind a hole in our lives and will be missed. Sending love to Jane and John from home"
"I was SO looking forward to seeing Craig the next time I got to Iowa. I will miss him. I always learned something from talking with him!"
"Craig was a friend, a fellow Kiwanian and a great asset to the club and our club members. His participation in our many projects and positive attitude and friendliness with all made him a joy to work with! He will be sorely missed by all. Bob Sperry"
"I am so sorry to learn of Craig's death. Thinking of Jane, John, Beth, and all of Craig's family."