Craig Stowers
Jun 11, 1954 -
Feb 10, 2022
Longtime Alaska resident Craig F. Stowers, 67, peacefully passed away at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Feb. 10, 2022, after a brief illness. Craig was born to Joseph A. Stowers and Una King Stowers on June 11, 1954, in Daytona Beach, Fla. When Craig's mother passed away five years later, his father moved Craig and his sister, Linda, to Yorktown, Va. Craig grew up playing on the battlefields of the American Revolutionary War Colonial National Historical Park, where he first developed his interest in history and appreciation for nature. He graduated from Blackburn College in 1975, and began his career as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service in Virginia and South Dakota. In 1977, he drove the Alcan to Alaska to continue his aspirations at Denali - then Mt. McKinley - National Park. In the early 1980s, Craig decided to go back to college to study environmental law. After he graduated law school in 1985 from University California at Davis, he returned to Alaska where he practiced law until he was appointed to the Superior Court in 2004, and then Supreme Court in 2009, retiring in June 2020.
Craig loved the Lord; he prayed regularly, giving thanks, and he read his Bible daily. He was a man of unwavering faith and a servant leader reflecting patience, respectfulness and honesty. He was a thoughtful listener, an impassioned administrator and he genuinely cared deeply about people. He adored his wife, Monique, and he was an extraordinary husband - loving, faithful and grateful for her.
Craig was an intensely private man. Although quite gifted and very capable with a crowd, after a long day, he preferred the solace of his "cabin in the woods" with the wood stove lit, a book in hand, and the aroma of fresh baked biscuits and a pot of stew simmering on the stove. All through the year, he could be found relaxing on the deck listening to the sounds of the forest, watching wildlife and reading.
Craig and Monique enjoyed cooking together. He mastered barbecue and, not surprisingly, he collected grills and smokers. They often spent weekends smoking ribs or brisket and preparing sides for friends. After Craig retired, he continued to expand his culinary horizons by researching and preparing the cuisines of different cultures.
To say that he enjoyed reading is an understatement. Craig collected books…many books. He thoroughly enjoyed exploring the nuances of the written word, and he delighted in the pursuit of discovering new words and how word meanings changed over the decades. He kept an assortment of dictionaries and thesauruses for reference. He had a lifetime passion for reading and learning and was committed to encouraging, supporting and mentoring others through his appreciation for literature. Craig was also well versed on the Marvel and DC universes.
Craig loved and respected animals. He was the original dog whisperer, whether he was mushing a team in Mt. McKinley National Park, raising a litter of Akita puppies or rescuing shelter dogs. He also whispered to cats…many cats. As an amateur birder, he was enchanted by the amazing birdlife that inhabits the Anchorage bowl and Alaska.
Craig is survived by his bride of 18 years, Monique Stowers of Anchorage; sister, Linda Stowers of Aylett, Va.; brother-in-law, Eric Schultz of Seward, Alaska; and sister-in-law, Lora Schultz of St. Joseph, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents. Joseph and Una Stowers; and stepmother, Kathleen Stowers.
There are many of us who are grieving the sudden passing of this wonderful man. Please take comfort in Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." The family and friends are hosting an open house at the Alaska Botanical Garden on June 11, 2022, to celebrate Craig's remarkable life. In memory donations may be made to the charity of choice.
To share words of comfort with the family, please go to legacyalaska.com.
