How does one even begin to write a tribute fitting for such a wonderful man? Our dad was that and much more.
Born July 8, 1937 in Geraldton Ontario to Swedish immigrant parents Henry and Frida Kraft. He was the 3rd of 4 children. As a boy, he lost most of his baby finger while splitting wood with his brother, however it didn't prevent him from honing his incredible musical talent.He started with an accordian and then perfected the guitar. Despite missing a finger, he easily played 4 note chords.
In the late 50's he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and came to Fort William to the Sanitorium where he met our mom Josephine. After they were both released, they went to Fort Frances, married and had children. In 1965, they packed up and moved to Port Arthur. We lived in an apartment on the corner of Banning and Cornwall. Dad taught guitar at Colosimo's on Algoma. Around 1966, we moved to Clarkson Ave where we had many fantastic neighbours who became lifelong friends. There were times when dad worked 3 jobs to provide for us. Moving furniture during the day, coming home for supper, teaching guitar for a few hours and played in band-The Northerners- and he would get up and do it all again the next day, Weekends were family time and if we weren't going for a drive in the middle of nowhere, we were camping or fishing. His guitar was ever present, there was always music around the campfire with many of our camping friends also playing instruments.
In the 70's, dad worked for a while at Volkswagen and then got hired at MacMillian-Bloedel. They bought their first home on Churchill Drive. He made friends wherever he went and again, lifelong friendships were established there. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to tease. I don't think any of our friends managed to escape that. He was patient, understanding, caring and fun. Just a few reasons that made him so easy to love.
He continued to teach guitar at Colosimo's, then on Frederica and still when it became Paul Victor's Music Studio. He taught so many to play guitar and quite a few of his students maintained contact with him, which speaks volumes about the type of man he was.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Frida Kraft, brother John Kraft, sister Elsie Johnson, brother James Kraft and brothers in Sweden Henry Kraft and Joakim Fjallstrom. His wife Josephine ( Muckuck) Kraft, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Lifelong friends David and Janet Halvorsen and many close friends.
He is survived by daughters Suzanne Gibbs (Doug) Nita Collins (Dan) son David Kraft, grandchildren Jacqueline Gibbs, John Gibbs, Grandchildren Katherine McLean, Derek McLean (Taryn), Pete McLean, Kelsie Collins, Great grandchildren Tristan and Jasper Collins, Easton McLean, Sadie and Oliver.
There are no words to describe the immense void he leaves us with but we were all so very blessed to have had him in our lives.
A celebration of life will be planned for June to allow time for those that need to travel to make arrangements.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
