Craig Andrew Magee, age 62, passed away peacefully on March 13 after a hard-fought battle with
cancer, surrounded by the people he loved. In his final moments, the soulful voice of Ray Charles singing
Come Rain or Come Shine filled the room. As the song ended, so did his journey here on earth.
Those who knew Craig knew that his life was defined by curiosity. He was a relentless reader - someone
who tore through books – often more than 2 or 3 at a time. Shelves, stacks, libraries, and bookstores
were all places where he felt at home. He loved ideas and conversations about them, whether they
came from classic literature, history, science fiction, or the colorful pages of a graphic novel.
Learning was never simply a task for him; it was a way of life. His formal education and his years of
service were only small reflections of a deeper trait: a belief that the world was full of things worth
understanding. He approached life as a lifelong student, always reading, always asking questions, always
eager to see what was on the next page.
But Craig was not just a student of books. He was also a student of life. He loved traveling, exploring
new places, and seeing the world beyond his own doorstep. Wherever he went, he carried the same
sense of curiosity and wonder that guided him through his reading.
Even during the hardest chapter of his life, Craig refused to surrender his sense of humor or
individuality. He often arrived at chemotherapy appointments dressed in outlandish or unexpected
outfits, turning difficult days into moments of laughter for the people around him. It was very much in
character: a quiet reminder that dignity and joy can exist even in the shadow of illness.
Above all, Craig was devoted to his family. He was deeply proud of them and found his greatest
happiness in watching their lives unfold. His love for books, ideas, and learning will live on in them and in
the many people whose conversations and lives he shaped.
Those who wish to honor Craig’s memory might do something simple: light a candle, visit a library, open
a good book, and share what you discover with someone else. Few things would have pleased him
more. For Craig believed that a life spent learning, asking questions, and loving others was a life well
lived.
If you wish to do more, we recommend a donation to the Dillsburg Area Public Library, 204 Mumper
Lane, Dillsburg, PA 17019. Craig felt at home there and cherished the people as his second family.