Obituary of Neil George Craik

We are saddened to announce the death of our father, Neil George Craik, age 92, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB, on December 25, 2022.

Neil leaves behind his daughters, Anne and Joan (Stephen) Allaby; his sons, Jonathan (Stacey Major), Richard (Anne-Marie), Stephen (Shelley Sabo), and Andrew (Debbie); eight grandchildren; his sister, Angela Mitra; several nieces, and a nephew. Neil was predeceased by Monica, his wife of 63 years. 

Neil was born on November 28, 1930, in Johannesburg, South Africa, to the late George and Anne (Williams) Craik.The family, originally from Scotland, returned to that country when Neil was still a boy.

Neil attended the University of Glasgow, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1952. He apprenticed with an engineering company in the UK before moving to Salisbury (Harare), Zimbabwe. It was here that he met Monica Wren, a young teacher from Cheltenham, England, who had also traveled to Zimbabwe to work. Monica and Neil married in Salisbury on April 28, 1956. 

In 1959, the Craik family, which now included sons Jonathan and Richard, returned to the UK. They lived in Irvine, Scotland, where Anne, Stephen and Joan were born. With a growing family to support, Neil sought new opportunities overseas. The family immigrated to Canada in 1966, arriving in time for youngest son Andrew to be born a Canadian citizen. 

Neil had a respected career in the nuclear power industry that spanned over 50 years. As Vice-President of Power Projects for Canatom Inc., he was involved in the engineering and construction of CANDU nuclear power stations in Canada, Pakistan, Argentina, Romania and South Korea; always dedicated to the peaceful use of nuclear power. He was later a consultant to Atomic Energy of Canada. His expertise was sought by many in the nuclear industry even after he retired. In 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Association presented Neil with an Outstanding Contribution Award for his distinguished career. 

While Neil excelled at solving complex engineering problems, he was also a keen athlete. As a young man, he played rugby, tennis, and cricket. He was an avid golfer, enjoying many rounds at the Fredericton Golf Club, and took up curling when he moved to NB. After retiring, he joined the Silver Dolphins Swim Club and was the Club’s president for five years.

Despite the demands of his work, Neil always found time for his family, whether it was teaching a child to skate or play tennis, loading up the station wagon for a camping trip, or helping with homework or a school project. When the family lived in Pointe Claire, Quebec, Neil was leader of the local Cub Scout Pack and devised the most interesting activities and creative projects for his troop. His grandchildren would later spend many happy hours with ‘Bop’ or ‘Pa Neil’ in his workshop. 

The family is grateful to the staff of 4SE and 4E at the DECH who cared for Dad during his final weeks.  

There will be no visitation. A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 7, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church in Fredericton with reception to follow at McAdam’s Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil’s memory to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation.