Deceased February 27, 2015
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50th Reunion
In Memory
With the death of Craig Schopf, Feb. 27, we lost one dear man, friend and classmate. Craig faced galloping pancreatic cancer, diagnosed on Feb. 3, and his defenses were quickly overwhelmed. He and wife Mary Jane had retired to Bonita Springs, Fla., following Craig’s long career as a banker in the Midwest, first at Northern Trust in Chicago, and then, in a return to Grand Rapids, Mich., his hometown, Union Bank, of which he later became president.
His obituaries proclaim his expansive civic mindedness throughout his adult life, compiling active involvement in many service organizations. He loved golf, was an avid fan of University of Michigan football and enjoyed time with his family on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Some college memories flow. Craig enjoyed good conversation; several classmates (Rick Sears ’59, Skip Sykes ’59, Darryl De Vivo ’59, Jim Bartlett ’59, Don Hicks ’59, George Betke ’59 and Peter Esty ’59) share today a lasting image of him. Craig was a keen listener, and you knew he stayed with you by the twinkling eyes and the distinct up-and-down movement of his eyebrows.
Bill Jones ’59, learning early that Craig would be his freshman roommate, received a letter from Craig. He wrote: Would I please understand that he was a serious athlete; he hoped I wouldn’t smoke, drink or stay up late partying; I reassured him, except to point out that we German-Americans knew that beer was food!
Craig roomed with Steve Gurko ’59 one year at the A.D. House. I recall frequent winter scenes when the two of them argued over the matter of cold night air. Gurko insisted the window be closed tight; Schopf, eyebrows active, patiently promoted lots of cold air.
There is so much to recall about Craig Schopf. We will always carry those memories, as we send to Mary Jane our lament over the loss of this fine fellow.
Peter Esty ’59
