Services were held for Craig Albert-Lohr Leone, 6, of Coos Bay, Ore., formerly of Wasilla, at 11 a.m., Nov. 5, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2250 16th St., North Bend, Ore. In Wasilla, services were held Nov. 21. at the Houston Senior Center at 5 p.m. with Preacher Ed Kellers officiating

Craig came into this world early and left too soon. He was born early Jan. 4, 2002, in Anchorage, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces. He won a prize for being the biggest preemie that year. He died Oct. 25 on his way to Doernbecher  Children’s Hospital in Portland.

Craig and his family were caught by a double rouge wave while wading in tide pools at Simpson Beach, taking him out to sea. His Uncle Roy went into the high waves and tried to save him. Roy was lost to the sea. Craig was pulled from the water and though battered, bloodied and bruised his mother and another citizen worked hard to revive him. Through the generosity of his mother, Angie, Craig’s organs were donated so other children can be saved. The joy of Craig will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Craig was all boy. He had a great zest and joy for life and lived it to its fullest. The best way to describe him was “he loved.” Craig loved his “Chicken Momma,” and “Grandma Cookie.” He loved his PS2, Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob Squarepants, his car slippers and Sponge Bob sleeping bag.  His slippers and sleeping bag will be placed with him. He loved pizza, burritos and Reeses White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. He loved his friends and easily made them. He loved his dog Bruce who is very unique. He was a gifted artist and loved crafts because of his care provider in Alaska.

He had recently moved to Coos Bay, Oregon from Wasilla. Friends and family in Wasilla are mourning him also and have been a great support to the family. He attended Meadow Lakes Elementary in Wasilla and Blossom Gulch Elementary School in Coos Bay, where he was in the first grade. They also have given great support.

Craig is survived by his mother,  Angela M. Leone of Coos Bay; brother and Godfather, Cameron F. Olson; brothers, Ryan D. Benedict and Wade T. Benedict and fianc?, Kacy May Adams, all of Alaska; grandmothers, Doris Jefferies (Cookie Grandma) of Coos Bay and Nancy Leone of Biglake, Alaska; aunts, Robin Tyler Coos Bay and Georgette and Ryan Olson of Biglake; Godfather and uncle, Craig and Wendy Ebaugh of Vancouver, Wash.; uncles, Roy Leone and Patty, Richard and Lynn Cabral of California; aunt, Angel of Alaska; Godmother, Linda McAlpin of Alaska; cousins, Jasmine and Mallory of Alaska, Laura and Roy Jr. Leone of California and Amelia, Noah and Hanna Ebaugh of Vancouver; niece, Aurora Marie Benedict of Alaska; best friend, Devon of Coos Bay and Mya of Wasilla; Lyndia Hohn and family; and many other classmates and friends.

He was preceded in death by his hero and uncle, Roy Tyler; and grandfathers, Roy Albert Leone, Ed Jeffries and Raymond Lohr Ebaugh.

The family suggests  memorial contributions to the Craig Leone Memorial Fund, Northwest Community Credit Union, 340 State St., North Bend, OR 97459.  Or, Mat-Su Credit Union under Angela Leone for Craig Leone.

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