William ("Bill") Ellsworth Craft, Jr. Passed away in Gig Harbor the morning of March 18, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carolyn, and his son James and daughter-in-law Cara Craft. Bill was born on October 17, 1941 in Rockville Centre, New York, and was a graduate of West Islip High School on Long Island. Bill was a graduate of the Historic Fort Schuyler Maritime Academy, founded in 1874. It was the first college of its kind founded in the United States, offering commercial and nautical instruction. Fort Schuyler, in Throgg's Neck, New York, is also only one of 7 degree-granting Maritime Academies in the United States. Upon graduation, he sailed as a commissioned officer in the Merchant Marines for several years, mainly to South America and the Baltic regions. In the late 60's he took a position stateside with the Grumman Corporation on Long Island. It was during this time at Grumman that he started flight school. A new passion was born into him. In November of 1969 he was granted an honorable discharge from the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant JG. In the following years he moved to California, flying anything and everything he could get his hands on. He was hired as a corporate pilot in 1973 for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., based out of Oakland International Airport. He remained at PG&E until his retirement in 2005, having retired as "Chief Pilot" and "Director of Aviation," concluding one of the longest tenures in such a position in the United States. During his career he flew a variety of fixed wing aircraft, including high performance jets and turbo props, while traveling much of the United States and Europe. Bill retired to Gig Harbor, where boating and family ruled his remaining years. He was an officer, a gentleman, a husband, a father, and a beloved friend to many who will miss him and his laughter forever. God bless and keep your Bill.... Services will be held in the Memorial Chapel at Chapel Hill, with Dr. Bill MacDonald officiating, on April 4th at 11am. We welcome all who would like to attend with a celebration of life following at 12:30 at Anthony's Gig Harbor. Please sign his online guestbook at www.havenrest.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?pid=174511514#sthash.hwrYp1hp.dpuf
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