Obituary of Craig Douglas Knorr

Craig Knorr died in a tragic accident at the age of 51, while kayaking in the place he loved most in this world, on the Washademoak Lake at Cambridge Narrows, New Brunswick. 

Born in Saint John, NB to Douglas and Nancy (Herrington) Knorr, Craig grew up in the West Side neighbourhood of Milford and returned frequently to his childhood haunts to reminisce. At the age of 21, Craig moved to Fredericton where he studied hairdressing, a trade he practiced throughout his life, most recently at Element5 in uptown Saint John. From Fredericton, Craig moved to Ottawa to complete a degree in Film Studies at Carleton University, and he stayed there for several years before moving to Toronto. Well-known as a stylist, Craig used his talents to help people feel like their best selves. He was proud of his work, especially when it came to having d-list Canadian celebrities in his chair during his time in Toronto. Craig returned to Saint John in 2014 to help his mom while his father was in care. He was grateful to have that time to reconnect with his mother, and their bond grew very strong in her final years. 

In every city he lived, Craig made lifelong friends. His wicked sense of humour was a fundamental part of who he was. He had a special talent for finding wildly inappropriate memes and videos. He could somehow always get away with making jokes and comments that pushed the bounds of social acceptability, because of his kindness. He could tease and trash talk mercilessly, but you were always in on the joke, and he laughed at himself just as hard. Craig could also be impatient and short tempered and could hold a grudge like no one else.  But those who got to know him well (not easy to do – he could be very prickly) know that underneath it all was a deep sensitivity.  Craig overcame many personal challenges in his life, and he was insightful and compassionate. All joking aside, he could say just the right thing to make you feel heard and understood.

When Craig returned to New Brunswick, he found peace in reconnecting to the natural beauty of the province, frequently spending his days off hiking to waterfalls and exploring beaches, and skiing in the winter months. Once he discovered kayaking, it quickly became one of his biggest passions, and he was out on the water as often as possible, only regretting that the summers were much too short.  

Predeceased by his parents, Craig is survived by his beloved cat Scully Marie, his chosen family Paula Noël (Tracey Lavigne), his aunt Lorraine Herrington, cousins Pam Herrington (Tim Bailey) and Avery Burnside Curran (Alex), cousins Pat Lively (Allan Wort), Karyn (Peter) Fillmore and Michael Lively, Lynda (Ron) Ramsden, Lori (Grant) Wallis, George Gallant, and Gary (Lisa) Gallant, and by his many dear friends.

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery, 1650 Manawagonish Rd, at 1:00 PM.  A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date. Donations can be made to the SPCA or Rainbow Railroad