Warren Joseph Craft, Jr

Warren Joseph Craft Jr., affectionately known as “Bud,” passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories. Born on April 23, 1930, in San Francisco, California, he was the first son of Warren and Kathleen Craft. Bud was warmly welcomed by his older sister, Jean, and later joined by his younger siblings, Donald and Kathleen.

Bud spent his early childhood living near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which held a special place in his heart. One of his fondest childhood memories was walking across the magnificent bridge on its grand opening day in 1937. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to San Mateo, California, where he attended St. Matthew’s Catholic School and graduated from Serra High School. It was during these formative years that he forged many lifelong friendships.

Although Bud and Gael both attended St. Matthew’s Catholic School, their paths did not cross until Gael's involvement in a St. Patrick's Day high school play. It was here that the spark of a romance, which would last a lifetime, was ignited. Bud and Gael exchanged vows in March of 1953 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in San Mateo. Their honeymoon took them on a cross-country road trip to Ft. Holabird in Baltimore, Maryland, where Bud was to be stationed for military service. Along the way, they embraced new experiences and created cherished memories, marking the beginning of a life filled with love, adventure, and family.

Before his service in the Army, Bud worked at the Davol Rubber Company. After his military service, he embarked on a 40-year career with the Weyerhaeuser Company, which led his family to Tacoma, Washington, in 1965. There, Bud rose to the position of Regional Credit Manager for the West Coast, dedicating himself to his profession and community.

Bud and Gael welcomed eight children into their loving home: Michael, Timothy, Mary (deceased), Nancy, Patrick, Kevin, Kieran, and Matthew. He cherished his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy to his life. Bud will forever be remembered for his legendary barbecue skills, which he showcased faithfully, rain or shine. Above all, his deep love for his family shone through in his dedication as a husband, father, and grandfather. Always a strong role model, his sense of humor and positive outlook filled their home with warmth and laughter.

In his retirement years, Bud found pleasure in volunteering at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Washington State Historical Society at the Tacoma Museum. He also enjoyed traveling with Gael to Europe and spending time at their second home in Lake Tahoe, California, where he volunteered for Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Living History Museum at Sugar Pine State Park. Bud's kindness, warmth, and unwavering love touched many lives, and his quick wit and optimistic spirit shone through until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gael Marie Craft, in October 2024. Bud’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him, serving as a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of enduring love.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital Donate or Tahoe City Gatekeeper’s Museum northtahoemuseums.org

Rosary will be held at Gaffney Funeral Home at 6pm on Wednesday January 15, 2025 and funeral at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 11am on Thursday January 16, 2025. 

Interment at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno California.