Craig Thomas Shrum, 45, of Hemet, California, passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. He was born Tuesday, June 9, 1970, and was the son of Carl “Thomas” Shrum and Leanna (Kumm) Melton.
Craig was funny, kind and patient. He loved explaining how to do things — anything — install hardwood floors, wire your home stereo system, practice archery, even how to drink water while breathing through your nose.
Especially as a young man, he was sensitive to the needs of animals. He had to stop watching “Lassie” because he would get too upset when she got lost.
Craig was naturally athletic, and he loved to run. He used to beg to get out of the car so he could run down the ¾-mile driveway.
He was a talented craftsman with a creative mind and an eye for detail. Craig installed the floors in many homes and a few businesses in the Methow Valley with his own Yellow Jacket Construction company.
Craig was also handy with a wrench, an interest that began with hours spent in the garage with his dad working on cars. He just had a knack to diagnose a problem and fix it like new.
His laughter and compassionate nature will be sorely missed.
Surviving are his parents, Tom Shrum and JoAnne, Federal Way, Washington, and Leanna Melton and Tom, Winthrop; his loving girlfriend Tiffany Arnesen, Hemet, California, and her daughters Cheyenne and Heather; his children Cheyanna Shrum, Pekin, Illinois, Connor Shrum, Lynnwood, Washington, and Breeanna Shrum, Hemet, California; sisters Nikki Melton, Winthrop, and Deanna Melton; and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial will be held at the Masters Christian School on Nov. 14, 2015 at 1 p.m. Potluck to follow.
