Obituary of Edwin Michael Craftchick

CRAFTCHICK, Edwin Michael:  It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ed, age 45, on Thursday, September 29, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Ed was surrounded by his loving family at McNally Hospice in Grimsby.  Beloved husband of Katherine (Thompson) and devoted dad to Austin, Connor and Brooke.  Predeceased by his father Edwin Joseph.  Ed will also be missed by his mother Margaret, grandmother Rita, mother- and father-in-law Joan and Sid Thompson, sisters Margaret-Anne (Dan), Christine (Johnathon), and Leisha; his brother Jeff (Christine); and his nieces and nephews Jay, Lexie, Taylor and Brandon, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.  A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Woodland, The West Niagara Palliative Care Team and the staff at McNally Hospice for their care and compassion.  The family will receive family and friends for visitation at Merritt Funeral Home, 287 Station Street, Smithville on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with Prayers at 7 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 166 West Street (Regional Road 20), Smithville on Tuesday, October 4 at 11 am.  Interment Grimsby Mountain Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to McNally House Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family and can be made through the funeral home (905) 957-7031 or merritt-fh.com ~ Forever in our Hearts x o ~