Craig Leon Sooter, a longtime resident of Warren, Vermont, died on January 14, 2016, on a farm in California surrounded by his family. Born November 1, 1953, in Vallejo, California, Craig grew up in Vacaville, California, with his mother Ramona and stepfather Arnold Arons. He graduated from Vacaville High School in 1971 where he was student body president and then went to college at Chico State University to study geology. In Chico he made lifelong friends. He fell in love with skiing, fishing, hiking and the outdoors. This set the backdrop for the rest of his life. He was as comfortable skiing on a snowy peak, careening down a mountain bike trail or fishing by a quiet stream as he was working on wooden boats or managing condominiums.
After college he moved around but eventually came back to the Sierra Nevada Mountains to work in the ski industry. It was during this phase that he met Joyce Roberts, married her and together they had two wonderful children, Rachel and Troy. The family returned to Vermont, Joyce’s home, to raise the children close to Joyce’s family. Craig believed his children were his greatest legacy and was so proud of the accomplishments of his daughter and son and their commitment to making the world a better place.
In Vermont, Craig was property manager for Mountainside Condominiums, Sugarbush Property Group, and bartended at Miguel’s. People may remember his laughter there, his smile or his quiet demeanor.
In 2003, Craig married Dawn Gertson and moved to Hartford, Connecticut. The city lifestyle was not one he enjoyed so a few years later they moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, where he loved to watch the sun setting over the many lakes and mountains in that area.
Craig battled cancer for four months and is now riding deep powder where there are never lift lines. All who knew his gentle spirit will miss our beloved brother, father and friend.
