Community members and business associates remember Craig Woida, owner of Craig's Your Independent Grocer who died earlier this week, as a man who gave back to Squamish.
His employee at the store, Kerri Gray, described him as a “great guy.”
“He’s a compassionate family man,” Gray said. “It is sad for the store. It is sad for us.”
Gray said that there is an expectedly mournful feeling in the store, where Woida was seen daily from the morning until night.
“You go to work and you can feel the heaviness,” she said.
Woida, 58, reportedly died on Monday, Jan. 2 from a stroke.
Woida’s life and death had a big impact on Squamish outside of the store as well, in particular on the local biking community.
“Craig will be remembered for his fervent support of SORCA and the mountain bike community,” said Jeff Cooke, president of the Squamish Off-road Cycling Association. “He was always asking how he could help, what more could he do.”
Cooke recalled sharing a beer with Woida at the last Toonie race and barbecue Woida hosted in his backyard this summer.
“He donated some of the best burgers and salads we’ve ever had. He has always been so incredibly generous. We will miss him.”
Woida participated in 16 Test of Metals.
Everyone contacted for this story expressed how Woida was community-minded.
SORCA’s Melissa Sheridan recalled how Woida, even when he wasn’t a listed sponsor of an event, gave back to those involved.
“We had an event one time, it was called 23 Trails and… what Craig did is he went up onto the trails and met up with bikers randomly and handed out gift certificates to Extra Foods,” she said. “I just thought it was so amazing… He just went out on his own and gave back to whoever was biking that day.”
Though Sean Daly, as manager of Nesters Market was technically in competition with Woida’s store, the two shared a bond.
“It was like a punch to the stomach,” Daly said of how he felt when he heard the news of Woida’s death. Daly said because they both were in the same business over many years of ups and downs, they had a shared understanding.
“From my perspective he was a good guy and we always had good conversations,” he said.
Of course, to most in Squamish Woida is known best as owner of the Garibaldi Village mall grocery store, Craig's Your Independent Grocer, which was Extra Foods for 17 years before converting to the new name last year.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague Craig Woida who had been with Loblaw for more than 30 years. He will be deeply missed by all of us who had the pleasure to work with him,” Loblaw’s public relations said in an emailed statement. “Craig will be remembered as an incredible store owner and a strong supporter of community organizations and events.”
Woida was husband of 25 years to Janice and father to daughter Amanda and sons Brandon and Kyle.
Mayor Patricia Heintzman said Woida will be missed for all he contributed to Squamish.
"I was so saddened to hear the news about Craig’s sudden passing. To have such business leaders in the community that take pride in raising the bar, and who appreciate and understand the value that this provides to the broader community, is so beneficial," Heintzman said in an email to The Chief. "His leadership and philanthropy will be missed, and his contributions to the community ever-remembered. Our hearts go out to his wife Janice, his children, and all his family, friends and co-workers."
A service honouring Woida’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 12 p.m. at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. Attendees are asked to wear their favourite riding jersey and, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to are asked to donate to the Squamish branch of the SPCA or to the Squamish Trails Society.
*Please note this story was modified since its first posting to add a quote from Mayor Heintzman.
