In Memory of Craig Gaarder
Name: Craig Bruce Gaarder
Spouse: Pamela Gaarder
Children: Trellis, Liana, and Branch
Birth Date: July 25, 1948
Blessing Date: October 14, 1982
Ascension Date: November 28, 2019
Craig was born on July 25, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Dolores Escudero and Alfred Bruce Gaarder. He earned a degree from the University of Virginia in 1972, where he ran track and field.
He joined the Unification Church at age 26 and was blessed in marriage to his wife of 32 years, Pamela Gaarder, at a Blessing in Korea in October of 1982.
Unlike most first-generation Unificationists who joined the Blessings of 1982, Pam specifically asked to marry Craig. When True Mother asked her, “Why do you want this brother?” she responded, “He has a good mind and a good heart.” Together they raised three children: Trellis (30), Liana (27), and Branch (25).
Craig was devoted to fighting for righteousness and will be forever known as a warrior.
Craig Bruce Gaarder, 71, passed away November 28, 2019, in his family’s home in Arlington, Virginia.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Craig’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 3, at 2:00 PM at New Hope Family Church (4801 Tesla Drive, Suite M, Bowie Maryland, 20715).
John Hitchler
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Farewell brother Craig- go and be that which you were described as being here – a warrior!
God Bless Your family, travel in good hands
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Glenn Strait
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I loved Craig’s honesty. He was a member in the 1980s of AEMEN (Anti-Evil Mind Effectiveness Network), a small group systematically studying Principle of Creation and striving to live up to its ideals.
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Tyler Hendricks
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Didn’t know Craig well, but he always struck me as a sincere brother with a simple and faithful heart. May he bring happiness to True. Parents in Heaven where I’m sure he’ll keep loving for the sake of us on earth.
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jim caron
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I remember Craig for his righteousness and goodness; he was in my class at uts 1989. may he keep fighting for God and Good on the other side .
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Denis Manor
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Graig was a good brother and always faithful to God and out True Parents. May he have a beautiful passing as he continues on his next journey!
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Margaret Jessen
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Graig has always had a special place in my heart since we worked together on the house staff of the New Yorker in the 70’s. He longed so much to be the person of God’s and True Father’s ideal. May you find all the freedom and perfection you longed for on this your final journey, Graig!
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Jeffrey A Wentworth
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I truly loved this brother. He was hard to know well and probably hard to write about but I wish someone could have given him a better obit. He was a most interesting person. He had a perspective on things that was different than anyone else. He was totally and fearlessly honest and the deepest person I’ve ever met. He was one of those people that seemed better suited to life in the spirit world. Enjoy my dear brother.
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Douglas Paul Moriarty
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Tears for you and Pamela Craig. Not of sadness , but for joy that you both lived for God and True Parents and have three children to tell the world about you both. I hope they will write this story and speak to us more about it all. Thank you both for being people who make a real difference in the world. May God Bless your family at this time of passing with great comfort.
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Irma
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Craig is one of the smartest and most sincere members I’ve met. In spite of his physical handicap and many operations since his childhood, he overcame everything with great resolve and braveness.
Wishing Craig and his wife Pam a beautiful life in the eternal realm of God’s embrace.
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Peter Steeghs
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God Bless him.
Craig joined the seminary the same year that I did. 1985. It was painful to me seeing him being picked out by David Kim from the initial introductory student line up and then being removed as regular student just because of his appearance. Instead being offered a job as a maintenance person at UTS. Craig went with it and accepted it as his fate.
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Rhonda M Williams
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Dear Craig, Now you will hear clearly all the beautiful music that exists, the birds, every instrument and glorious song, and especially the voices of those who love you. Your face will be uncommonly handsome, shining with the light of your profound love for God, True Parents, DP, your precious family and others. Thank you for enduring all difficulties with sincere love and faith. May you and Pam watch with great joy as your children walk the path of goodness. Victory! Victory! Victory!
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