John M "Mike" Craven

John Michael “Mike” Craven, 73, passed away, at his home, in Dover on Monday, July 1, 2013. I was born in St. Louis Missouri, on May 21st, 1940. My folks, Florence and Roy Craven, hailed from the small farming communities of Mt. Vernon and Odell Illinois respectively. There were five of us, and my beloved siblings, brother Fran and sisters Liz, Cadey, and Mary, remain tightly knit to this day. As a boy, I attended school and church at Our Lady of Lourdes. It was then on to St. Louis University High School (SLU), where I found a great love and aptitude for both golf and basketball. It was in basketball that our 1958 team went undefeated, all the way through the State Championship. It was also through basketball that I was afforded a scholarship to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, where I continued to excel both academically and athletically. Afterwards, it was back to SLU to complete Law School. It was during this time that I found and fell for the proverbial “Love on my Life”, Beth. She and I quickly became best friends, and eventually, Soul Mates. As we set out on the road towards family, Beth and I, along with our children, Mark and Clare, shared many a common experience and grievance. My work hard / play hard career with Maritz Inc. sent us to the far corners of the world, and allowed me to share my passion for golf with family and friends (even holding a plus one handicap and taking several Club Championships). In our family life, we followed our hearts on adventures of life, love, and happiness. Retirement led Beth and I from Detroit to Naples, Florida, where we continued to enjoy family, friends, golf, and sunsets. I was active in the FSGA as a board member and tournament chairman, and qualified for the US Senior Amateur. Following the call of the West, Beth and I retired further to our beloved Sandpoint, Idaho. I quickly became involved in the WSGA and the PNGA as a rules official and starter. As we settled further into the area, I joined the Rotary Club, volunteered at the Bonner County Historical Society and Habitat for Humanity, and was embraced by yet another wonderful group of friends and community. Since landing in Sandpoint, both of our kids have been married. Clare and her husband Michael have had our two wonderful grandchildren, Jaxon and Cruz. Mark and his wife Carrie-Welles were married just last fall. In lieu of flowers, any gifts should be sent to Habitat for Humanity or the Bonner County Historical Society. There will be a celebration of life at Cedar Hills Church in Ponderay Idaho at 3:00pm on Monday, July 8th. A good life was had by all. Thanks everyone. Mike.