Alan Mackenzie Craig

Alan MacKenzie Craig, cherished husband, father, grandfather, great (in every sense of the word) grandfather, and friend, passed away at 12:50 AM, Friday morning, October 17th, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Debra Craig; his children, Wendi Craig, Robert Craig, and Hollin Stafford; his grandchildren, Meeka Lapuşte, Leona Zachery, and Mia Stafford; and his great grandson, Ian Lapuşte.

Alan was born in Boise, Idaho on September 7th, 1935. Alan's near life-long defining passion (other than ice cream) was birding - preferably with dear friends and family. He had a tremendous influence on many aspiring birders, generously sharing his vast knowledge.

Alan attended the University of California at Berkeley as a Navy ROTC student. He graduated with a degree in Wildlife Biology in 1958 and then proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1968, finishing as a lieutenant stationed in San Diego, California.

While living in San Diego, Alan was one of six founders of California Birds, a field ornithology magazine, and California Field Ornithologists, the supporting organization. Over the years these expanded to Western Birds and Western Field Ornithologists (WFO), incorporating other Western US states. Alan served as the magazine's first editor, continuing that work for 15 years. Alan was instrumental in shepherding the magazine through its sometimes turbulent initial years. In 1987, the WFO honored Alan by creating the Alan Craig Award for "exceptional service, leadership and dedication to WFO over a sustained period of time." Alan was the first recipient of the award.

After the Navy, Alan was employed by the California Department of Fish and Game (now Fish and Wildlife), where he served in Fresno, Chico, Sacramento, and finally as the inaugural Wildlife Manager of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area in Southern California. During his tenure at the wildlife area, he developed the plan to use reclaimed water in restoring its habitat, the first California wildlife area to do so. He retired from the Fish and Game in 1990.

Alan enjoyed a wondrous retirement living in the Southwest, mostly near Portal, Arizona, birding there and around the world.

Alan will be fondly remembered by birders and non-birders alike for his generosity, sense of humor, and the positive influence he had on everyone fortunate enough to have spent time with him.

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