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Craig McClure Happ, 71

| January 27, 2025 12:00 AM

Craig M. Happ, 71, peacefully left this world on Jan. 11, 2025, surrounded by family in Fresno, California. He was the son of Robert W. Happ and Norma E. Happ of Kalispell.

He was in Fresno doing what he loved, working on the F-15 radar system with the 144th Fighter Wing as a Boeing service representative. Craig was fortunate enough to follow his passion for aviation first with the U.S. Air Force (retired senior master sergeant) which included F-4, F-15, F-117 Stealth, and F-16 program assignments, and then in the private sector with Neptune Aviation, Horizon Airlines, and Boeing. He was a skydiver and private pilot, and he earned his bachelor of science degree from Embry-Riddle in aviation science.

Craig never turned down an opportunity to travel and lived and worked around the world during his 53-year career in aviation. He instilled his love of travel in his children who explore the world at every chance they have, and who have learned to travel almost exclusively with only a carry-on because of him. He always said there are two kinds of luggage, carry-on and lost. Even though he was working in California, his home was and always will be Montana, growing up in Kalispell and residing in Missoula.

Craig was a beacon of love, kindness, and unwavering friendship who left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He never missed a chance to visit a brewery, steal a bite from someone's plate, or spend time at the family's cabin.

He is survived by his wife Bea; daughter Cambria (husband Neal Couture); son Jeffrey; granddaughters Olivia and Isabella; and sister Laurie (partner Martin Ralston).

He gave the gift of life through organ donation upon his passing. A memorial will be held in Kalispell on a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be made in Craig's name to the charity of your choice.