Updated April 2, 2010

Roger Craig

This memoriam was written by Squadron member and long time friend of Roger's, Gus Houston. Many boaters on the Charlottetown waterfront owe their start in boating to Roger, and cruisers from all over the world sought shelter in his marina. We remember Roger as a fair businessman, firm hand on the tiller and good friend with a warm, ready sense of humour. Roger supported Blue Heron Power & Sail Squadron in many ways over the years.

Remembering Roger Allan Craig
1939-2009

Peacefully surrounded by his family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Monday, November 23, 2009 of Roger Allan Craig of Charlottetown, age 70 years. Beloved husband of Virginia. Dear father of Rob (Rosemary) and Jason (Charlotte). Poppy to Cameron, Lydia, Clare and Ethan. Son of the late Ruth and George Craig.

A Man with Great Vision

• Waterfront Developer
• Marine Sales & Service Planner
• Marina Developer

Diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago, Roger often stated, "I'm not afraid of death, but I still have too many things I want to do". He drew up his "bucket list" and carried on with determination, tenacity, and a positive attitude envied by all those who knew him.

I've known Roger since Boy Scouts and Rover Crew days, as he was one of our leaders. Turning sixteen and "needing" my driver's license a.s.a.p., he let me drive his 'Hillman four speed hardtop' as the former Halifax policeman offered some tips. Roger always had a thing for cars and trucks (wheelin' & dealin'). A couple of years later he converted a fishing boat to a pleasure craft which he moored at the old Prince Street, Rocky Pt. ferry (Fairview) wharf. Needless to say, there were many fun-filled excursions aboard, with lots of practical jokes played on everyone. This was the beginning of many "boating" experiences for Roger.

We started Quartermaster Marine in 1982 selling Starcraft boats (on consignment), mainly 12-14 ft. aluminum fishing boats, out of a covered trailer at the Island Market, north River Causeway. In 1983 we leased the MacDonald-Rowe lumber and mill buildings at the foot of Great George Street from the Charlottetown & Area
Development Corp. (CADC). At the same time leasing the water lots from Transport Canada and installing a floating breakwater and 10-15 floating docks. One of the most notable crafts moored at Charlottetown's first marina was the "Gail Marie" owned by Judge Fred Large.

In the early 90's Roger was instrumental in the expansion and designing of the marina as CADC took control of the old Transport Wharf and removed (dredged) the wharf with the exception of the outside end leaving a solid breakwater across the front for a new expanded waterlot capable of mooring up to 150 boats.

Q.M. also leased out the upstairs area of the old mill building to Kevin MacLean and Steve Lelacheur who started Peake's Quay Restaurant & Bar. This was later taken over by CADC and sold to John Likely and Liam Dolan. Along with the marina expansion and development of retail shops by CADC in the waterfront area, QM relocated its sales and service facility to its present location, five miles north in Winsloe, now on the border of the City of Charlottetown. QM introduced Doral Boats, manufactured in Quebec, to Island waters followed by Bayliners and Carolina Skiffs.

Roger was a key supporter (former President) of the Atlantic Marine Trades Assoc. becoming the largest displayer of boats in the annual Halifax International Boat Show in February.

Roger purchased my 50% of the shares in the fall of 2003. Seeing the business grow over the years with sales Maritime wide, he realized the importance of service, so in 2007 Roger totally renovated and expanded (the shop) with a 50,000 sq. ft. addition.

Quartermaster Marine is now the Maritimes' largest recreational boat dealer ranking fourth in Bayliner sales in Canada, and recently has taken on the Boston Whaler and Sea Ray lines.

I am extremely fortunate to have known Roger as a friend most of my life and to have had the opportunity to work with him for over twenty years. I really appreciated his tremendous talent for organizing and future planning and how he managed all with such tenacity and very possitive attitude.

Because Roger was a dedicated family man, was very involved with his church and the community in general, he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.