Obituary of Craig McKerr

MCKERR, James Craig aged 78, passed away at home as the mourning dove welcomed the dawn on June 20, 2024. Craig was born April 11, 1946, in Toronto, Ontario, to the late Ross and Jewel McKerr. Craig married the love of his life, Lynda McKerr (née Thompson), on August 29, 1970. After a brief time living in the Scarborough, they set roots on the shore of Chemong Lake in the Kawarthas.

Craig was a man of determination. He set goals only to exceed them, both personally and professionally. He embraced life to the fullest with a genuine curiosity for everyone and everything that surrounded him. Craig was known to his family as a backyard mechanic, engineer, part-time pharmacist, real-estate guru, business analyst, doctor, therapist, and entrepreneur. He needed to understand, fix, and improve everything. Craig was our real-life MacGyver, ready to turn any problem into an opportunity. And if all else failed, he was prepared with at least one ‘backup’.

Together, Craig and Lynda embraced life, building a community of family and friends. Get-togethers ranged from Thanksgivings in the park, rafting boats on Chemong lake or pushing through snowdrifts on sleds to visit unsuspecting friends. Their door was always open to family, and friends, both new and old. Craig’s genuine interest in others was evident at every gathering. Meeting him for only a moment, you knew you were part of his world. The boat was his happy place, regardless of how long the voyage lasted on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Aboard his vessel, ’Just 4 L.O.C.K.’, Captain 'Rocky' (named for good reason) could often be heard touting the phrase "just follow me!” As he led the convoy, excitement always followed.

As a role model and cheerleader to his children and grandchildren, papa loved trying new things and pushing the limits. He loved to watch as this rippled through generations. When challenges, feats, and adventures were shared, he hung on every word, then gracefully asked the tough questions, to inspire bigger thinking and growth. He balanced this by being the logical thinker who always put things into perspective; reminding us that even on our toughest days, there were others facing worse, so shake it off and move forward.

Our gatherings over the years have been filled with laughter and surrounded by love because Craig encouraged dreaming BIG. Rest assured this won’t stop. In fact, our gatherings will likely grow louder and larger. We will stand proud knowing you made our world a better place. And yes, we will continue to look forward with your curiosity, while we remember your age-old comment "I can't wait to see where you all are in 5 years from now.”

Craig is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lynda; his children, Owen (Jennifer) McKerr, Karen (Jeremy) Pratt and his cherished grandchildren, Caden, Cameron, Ava, and Riley. Sister, Elouise (Tom) Perry, and sister-in-law Jacqueline Thompson and his nieces, Shawna (Jake) Hunt, Aleisha (Nick) and families.

The family would like to thank Hospice Peterborough and St. John's Anglican Church, Lakefield for their incredibly compassionate support.

A private family ceremony has been held to honor Craig’s life. If so desired, remembrances can be made to Hospice Peterborough or St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, Lakefield, by contacting The Hendren Funeral Homes, Lakefield Chapel, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.