Norman C Craig's Obituary
Norman Craig Obituary
Norman C. Craig died March 7, 2021, at Kendal at Oberlin in the presence of family. Born in Washington, D.C., he graduated in chemistry from Oberlin in 1953 and married Ann Williams in 1955. With a Ph.D. from Harvard, he returned to Oberlin College in 1957 to serve on the faculty until 2000 and continued research and publication as professor emeritus until 2020. Over a 63-year career, Norm championed undergraduate research and excellence in teaching, as recognized by multiple national awards. For achievements in chemical science and service to society, he was inducted as an inaugural American Chemical Society Fellow. He was a trusted mentor and an expert on Charles Martin Hall’s aluminum process discovery. Alumni donations at his retirement funded the Oberlin College Science Center’s Craig Lecture Hall. Norm was active in the First Church in Oberlin, in the Lorain Interlake sailing club, in ensuring free and fair elections, and in his scientific collaborations at Wooster, Kent State, Ohio State, and Case Western Reserve. Norm is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Julie (Ralph), Mary (Markus), David (Jocelyn); grandchildren; Margot (Kris), Nathan, Miriam, Claudia and Eliza; and a sister, Betty. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Simon. The family wishes to recognize and thank the caring staff at Kendal at Oberlin. A memorial service will be held on May 24. Those interested in joining may contact First Church in Oberlin for details. Donations may be directed to the new Norman C. Craig Legacy Fund for Student Research at Oberlin College.
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