Mike and Suzan Craven

[Off2YNP]

Many of you had the great pleasure of meeting this happy and fun couple and their dog Boomer at past HDT Rallies. I am requesting your prayers and warm thoughts for Suzan (Boomer's Mom) who called me to say that Mike (MCraven210) passed away from a heart attack this morning in his home.

 

The couple lives in Elbert, CO on an air park, where Mike loved flying his plane, taking Suzan and Boomer (who passed earlier this year) on small trips, such as breakfast in Tahoe. A Marine veteran, Mike served for many years as a traffic air controller in Denver, retiring last year and then landed a dream job as a pilot for a private company.

 

Rick and I visited the Cravens many times on our way to Yellowstone, staying at their home with proper hookups, something Mike was sure to have ready for us on our first visit. We were honored to have sat at their dinning table many times and relish in wonderful conversation. On our last visit with them in May, Mike excitedly showed off their new master closet, which showcased his pilot uniform, hat and pilot "jewelry." He was thrilled to be in the air and looked forward to a long time of doing so.

 

Suzan and Mike would have celebrated their 25th anniversary in May 2017. As you can imagine, Suzan has experienced a tremendous loss. She asked me to let the HDT community know and that it is okay for you to reach out to her. If you would like to send a note or make a call, please private message me for contact info.

 

Rick and I are in shock and feel a great deal of loss. We will travel to CO after Christmas to be with Suzan to be there for her.

 

Mike took us up in his plane one year and this is a shot I took of him before we took off. We will miss Mike dearly.

[HERO Maker]

That was a real shocker to hear the news of such a young guy! Our prayers are with Suzan and hope that she feels the Lord's arms wrapping around her at this time.

Just a reminder to love the one you're with, with all your heart.

[Big5er]

Holy Shit!!

Mike was way too young for this. I will keep Suzan in my prayers.

Thanks for the notice Alicia.

 

Godspeed Marine.

[Rick & Alana]

RIP Mike

Suzan- you are both in Alana and mine prayers

 

And yes Phil and Rocky way too young

[sdixon747]

Gail and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Years ago when Mike was an Air Traffic Controller, we spoke at length about how much he wanted to be an Airline Pilot. Then, when he got his big break with the airlines, how proud he was in starting a new phase of life. Suzan, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

Steve & Gail

 

When I first heard the news, this kept going through my head...

 

HIGH FLIGHT

 

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air… .

 

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

 

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr -

[TreyandSusan]

Suzan,

Please know that you are being covered in prayers. May you find peace and comfort during this tremendously difficult time.

We are here for you friend,

Susan

[Off2YNP]

Steve, thank you for sharing. Very heart warming. i thought I'd share a couple of photos with you.

 

Mike and Suzan at their home May 2014.

 

The Cravens and Selman's chat at the 2014 HDT Rally happy hour.

 

 

 

A rowdy bunch at the 2014 HDT Rally. Suzan, Mike (in the background), Rick, me, Alana and Susan.

 

 

[SuiteSuccess]

Our prayers are with Suzan and family.

[Steve from SoCal]

My deepest condolences,

 

CAVU on your journey Mike Craven.

 

RIP,

 

Steve

[lappir]

Gone way too soon, My condolences to all.

 

Rod

[jkoenig24]

Truly sad news. Deepest condolences to Suzan.

[Ronbo]

Our prayers are with you Suzan.

[Dollytrolley]

Very tragic indeed, my heartfelt condolences to the family.

 

While I never met Mike face to face it is almost certain that we conversed via radio in the +40 years that I regularly utilized Denver ATC services.

 

Whenever I hear about a newly retired controller passing, I wince and am reminded that service as a controller often exacts a toll that many folks do not realise.

 

Denver airspace requires a real pro for controller duty with the front range meeting the plains and huge thunder storms and winter weather of legendary scope.

 

I am certain Mike and I talked....and I assure you he was a pro.

 

Fly on.....(Godspeed)

[Brad & Jacolyn]

We were very sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Our thoughts are with you Suzan.

 

Brad and Jacolyn

[RickW]

FYI Mike's service is Tuesday 12/20 at the Denver Tech Center.

[Heavymetal]

Until Valhalla brother.