May 12, 1949 - Feb. 1, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Craig Appleyard, surrounded by his family at the age of 75 following a lengthy battle with dementia.
Craig is survived by his wife of 20 years, Cathy, his children Jeremy (Natalie), Erin (Dennis), Kirsten (Karl), Graeme (Emily), their mother Anne, and stepsons Jason (Gen) and Craig (predeceased). He will be missed by his eight grandchildren, Evelyn and Annabel, Poppy, Madeleine, Beverly and Cecilia, Roman and Adriana. Also survived by his sister Wendy (late Ian), niece Andrea (Paul), great-nieces Nadia and Sonja, and sister Nancy (Jerry), nephew Adam, niece Kim (predeceased) and great-nephew Christopher.
Craig was a well-loved physician in Renfrew, Ont., for many years, beginning in general practice and moving into the specialty of musculoskeletal medicine, where he helped many people. He served on the executive of the Canadian Association of Orthopedic Medicine and was their Canadian representative for the Federation of International Manual Medicine. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Glenn Sawyer Service Award in recognition of significant service to the OMA, medical profession, or public at the community level. In 2015 he was elected a life member of the OMA.
He also served on the executive of the Renfrew County chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association and loved spending time in his managed forest maintaining trails, cutting trees, cross-country skiing and hiking. He had a passion for sailing, canoeing, photography and travelling.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Bonnechere Manor for their compassion and excellent care during Craig’s final months. Previously well-cared for at Marianhill in Pembroke, Ont. and Fairview Manor in Almonte, Ont. We are grateful to the Sunshine Coach and Craig’s favourite driver, Danny Bush, for twice weekly transport to the Bonnechere Manor Day Program.
Craig’s final care has been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home in Renfrew. In memory of Craig, please consider donations to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation or the Sunshine Coach (Friends of The Disabled). Tributes, condolences and donations may be made online at the Zohr Family Funeral Home website.
‘Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord’ 2 Corinthians 5:8