Nelson D. Craige

ORANGE – Nelson Douglas Craige, 61 passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 in Maidstone, Vermont from a snowmobile accident, doing what he loved best.

Nelson, Nellie, The Fox was born October 6, 1958 in Barre, the son of Kelman D. and Sylvia Sue (Sanderson) Craige, Sr.

He attended Barre Town Schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1976. Nelson was previously employed at Dessureau Machine Shop, Cochran’s, Inc., but spent the last 19 years employed at Rock of Ages as a skilled Sandblaster and Etcher.

Lifelong friendships were fostered growing up in East Barre with the “gang”. Summers were spent at Joe’s Pond swimming, boating, and fishing. There were always plenty of brothers, relatives, and friends around to keep his appetite for adventure fulfilled, much to the chagrin of his mother Suzie. At an early age it was apparent that Nelson would be having seconds at life’s table. A debilitating injury at a young age never dampened his enthusiasm for living life to its fullest, self-pity or resentment never entered his mind. His credo of “It is what it is” was often recited in the face of adversity.

In later years, Nelson caught the racing bug. Whether it was from behind the wheel, in the pits or in the stands, he loved Thunder Road and his extended racing family. Camp in Maidstone was a center for hunting, snowmobiling and gathering with friends and family. He also enjoyed riding his Harley and driving his vintage Volkswagen Bug. His memberships included the Mutuo, Barre Lodge of Elks #1535 and his beloved VFW Post #790.

Nelson was a friend to all he met. He had an ability to relate with and reach people with his humor and understanding. He was married to, and later divorced, Elaine Nadeau. He was especially blessed to be invited to share his life while living with his nephew Chip Grenier and his fiancé Libby Flannigan.

Survivors include his siblings, Kim Wimble and her late husband, Donnie; KC and Sue Craige; Deborah and Scott Fitzgerald; Sandy and Cathy Craige; his nieces and nephews Brynn and Nick Hagget, Chip and Libby Grenier, Craige and Tara Grenier, Kelly and Jessie Burns, Amanda and Craig Matthews, Rory Fitzgerald, Rose Lee Craige, and Toby Cromer and his great nieces and nephews Kyle, Liz, Travis, Ally, Bella, Bradley, Lelia, Jake, Rose, Lilie, Zoe, and Emmy.

A celebration of Nelson’s life will be planned for sometime this summer when events allow.

Contributions in his memory can be made to the Family Center of Washington County, Bradley’s Fund, c/o FCWC, 383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier, VT 05602, or to VFW Post #790 c/o Nelson Craige, PO Box 185, East Barre, VT 05649.