Obituary of Richard Craig Sugden

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Craig Sugden on December 24, 2023 at Sunnybrook Hospital, after a lengthy battle with Leukemia. Craig’s wife and children were by his side, and he was able to pass peacefully surrounded by their love.  

Craig was born on March 3, 1964, in London, Ontario. Craig’s father was the late John Richard Sugden. He is survived by his wife, Melanie Sugden, his two children, Richard Sugden and Julia Sugden, his mother Carolyn Marie Sugden (nee Radcliffe), and his sister Alli Malone.

Growing up, Craig spent his formative years in London, Clarkson, Burlington, and Waterloo, where he completed his high school education. He graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education and completed his Bachelor of Education at McGill University. Craig was a dedicated member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at both the London and McGill Chapters. He remained actively involved with the Western Chapter as an alumnus, contributing significantly to the revitalization of the Chapter House.

Craig began his teaching career in the Toronto Catholic District School Board, and after his second year of teaching he spent time in Japan, teaching English as a second language. Upon returning to Toronto Craig dedicated 15 years to the TCDSB before relocating to Markham, Ontario and transferring to the York Region District School Board. After dedicating three decades to teaching, Craig retired in 2019. He concluded his career at Markham District High School, where he taught various subjects including business studies, computer science, and drafting, coached multiple sports teams including softball, soccer, and cricket, initiated the Chess Club, and contributed to the founding of the YRAA Cricket League. Craig was a highly respected and beloved colleague and teacher, and his impact was far-reaching.

Craig was an active member of Grace Anglican Church, serving as Church Warden and a lay reader. He delivered sermons which were thought-provoking, interesting, and very well received. Craig was a great public speaker, always adding a touch of the humour and wit he was known and loved for. Once he retired from teaching, Craig began pursuing a Master’s degree at Trinity College in the University of Toronto.

Craig's diverse hobbies and interests included a love for model trains and martial arts. He studied both Aikido and Karate, achieving a second degree black belt in Karate with his sensei, Sean Wong. Outside of the dojo, Craig loved working out and enjoyed gym sessions with his good friend, Paul Soanes.

In the summer of 1992, Craig was moving into his own place when he met the love of his life, Melanie. They married in the summer of 1995 after a long engagement, and later welcomed their son, Richard in 1999, and their daughter, Julia in 2002. Craig was a very loving and devoted husband and father, and his children were truly his greatest source of pride and joy. Craig expressed profound regret over not being able to be a part of the joyous milestones that lay ahead for his children—seeing them graduate from university, celebrate their weddings, and watching his grandchildren grow up. Rick and Julia will have many stories of their father to tell to their children, and Craig’s grandchildren will know what an amazing, loving, and dedicated husband and father he was. Craig leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished forever and carried forward by his children.

Visitation will be held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home on Main Street, Markham on Friday, December 29 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30 at Grace Anglican Church on Parkway Avenue, Markham. Your kind gestures during this difficult time are deeply appreciated by the family. For those who wish to make a donation, please consider supporting the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada in Craig’s memory. Flowers may also be sent to Dixon-Garland Funeral Home.

Funeral Livestream (Youtube Link)

To access the youtube livestream, CLICK HERE

Craig's service will begin at 11 a.m.