Craig Mills

Craig A. Mills was born to Anna Zabel and Arthur Mills on July 15, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He departed, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 27, 2015.

Craig, loving husband, father, and grandfather, a.k.a. "Baba", is survived by his wife, Arlene Mills; his daughter Kimberly Eggleston, her husband Brian, and their children Jonathan, Katie, and Jessica; his daughter Holly Andersen, her husband Lawny, and their children Elena, Eli, and Ella; and his son Kyle Mills, his wife Amberly, and their children Kolbe, Quincy, Cana, and Blaise.

Craig grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. He had fond memories of taking the city bus into Chicago to watch the Cubs play ballgames. He was a true "only child" and loved being spoiled with tasty treats by his mom and extravagant Christmas mornings.

When he was 13-years-old, Craig moved to Granada Hills, California. He used to laugh at how he grew from a chubby junior-higher to a tall, thin high-schooler after taking dance lessons.

After graduating from high school, Craig moved to San Luis Obispo, California to study printing engineering at California Polytechnic University. During his junior year, he met the love of his life, Arlene Fitch, at a pep-rally committee. To hear both Craig and Arlene tell the story, it was "love at first sight!"

Craig married his bride on October 24, 1964 in Fresno, California. After honeymooning in Mazatlan, Mexico, they began a 51-year journey of love, friendship, and parenting. They taught their children the values of commitment, laughter, faith, and adventure in a marriage. They persevered through the trials of life and left a legacy of love and commitment.

Out of college, Craig began his printing engineering career in Oakland, California. Little did he know that a suggested $5 flying lesson would change his life forever. If Arlene was his first love, then flying was his second. He loved both to the end of his life. Craig and Arlene spent their savings to build up flying hours, and he was eventually hired by United Airlines in 1969. He retired from United as captain in 2001 after flying seven types of jets in four different continents.

Craig loved the outdoors-fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, scuba diving, and camping. In fact, he loved the outdoors enough to move his family to Colorado in 1971. Whether it was looking for a patch of fresh powder on a tree run, exploring the wilderness of Alaska, or discovering where to catch "the big one", he shared his passion for the great outdoors with his friends and family throughout his life. Craig could always be counted on to join in a new adventure, and his favorite places included Colorado's scenic Rocky Mountains, Hawaii's relaxing beaches, Alaska's dangerous rivers, and Lake Powell's majestic canyons. On the home-front, his hobbies included, stamp collecting, computer fidgeting, funky dancing, and wine tasting. Most of all, he was a family man. He always offered unconditional love, wise words, funny stories, a generous wallet, and a welcoming home.

If a true test of a man's character comes in times of trial, then Craig passed this test with flying colors. Although he suffered with brain, lung, and bone cancer for a year-and-a-half, he allowed his suffering to transform him into a better man. Rather than growing bitter, he grew in his relationship with God. Rather than giving up because of the pain, he rallied to spend meaningful times with his family and friends.

Craig has blessed our lives, and we are thankful for his life and his legacy.

Craig's life will be celebrated on Thursday, January 7 at 3:00pm at Mission Hills Church: 620 Southpark Dr., Littleton, CO 80120.

A reception in Craig's honor will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers donations suggested to The Emmanne Ministries at www.emmanne.org