Craig Richmond Taggart

Craig “Culgie” Richmond Taggart, 67, of Kingston, Ontario, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, ready to shred the slopes and star in his personal Warren Miller ski video. A beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, Craig will always be remembered for his ability to connect with anyone he met and his unwavering commitment to choosing happiness. His booming laughter was often more entertaining than any comedic film, and his humor, expressed through his animated body language, dad jokes, and cheesy poems, brought joy to those around him.

Craig was born to Jane and Jim Taggart in Kingston, Ontario, on July 20, 1957. He cherished his role as the eldest sibling to his brother, Jay, and sister, Tori. His formative years were spent in Syracuse, NY, where he invented competitive games with his brother and neighborhood friends—sometimes leading to broken items around the house, much to his mother's chagrin.

After completing high school, Craig moved back to Kingston, where he briefly attended Queen's University before returning to the United States to enroll at Paul Smith's College. He graduated in 1980 with an Associate’s degree in Hospitality Management. During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, he stayed in the area and cooked for the press.

Following this, he moved to Albany, where he worked at the Quality Inn and met his future wife. In the early 1980s, he relocated to Colorado, attended the University of Denver, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. He raised his family there for the next 35 years, working at various hotel properties and building an impressive clientele. While in the Mile High City, Craig explored music, a deep connection that he embraced as a hobby and passion. His air drumming showcased his love for rhythm and could rival any real drummer, demonstrating his impressive energy and enthusiasm.

Throughout the years, he meticulously consulted Consumer Reports for months before making any purchases. His family is now cautious about future buys, fearing he will haunt them with buyer's remorse. Perhaps the only people relieved by his passing are the managers at big-box retail stores and car salespeople, who had to deal with his numerous returns and formidable negotiation skills.

Craig is survived by his brother, Jay; sister, Tori; children: Jami, Greg, and Kelly; nephews, Benny, Colin, Kenton and Jamie; niece, Kylie; and grandchildren, Coult and Pierce. 

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2025 at Green Lakes State Park in Syracuse, NY. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Craig’s memory at act.alz.org.