Craig Scott Laucks

Asheville - Craig Scott Laucks, 54, of 515 Welsh Partridge Circle, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2006 at his residence. Craig was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1952 to Jeannie and Robert Barnes Laucks. Craig was brother to Karen, Kim, Pam, Theresa, Donna, Robert, and Peter. Susie Laucks, the third wife of Craigs father, remains part of the immediate family as well. Craig graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in business and finance. Craig and Bette met in Washington D.C. in 1975 and married in 1976 at Christ Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Craig was transferred to Los Angeles by NASD (National Association of Security Dealers) with whom he was employed. Craig then pursued a long and distinguished career in investment advisement, working for notable brokerage companies including Kidder Peabody, Bea r Stearns, where he was a managing director, and the Lehman Brothers, where he was a senior vice president. The delight of his life was his family. His special love and partnership with his wife Bette was beyond compare. Their souls connected both spiritually and intellectually, creating a profound bond. In 1983 the birth of their daughter Whitney completed the loving family circle. Their son Alex joined the family at the age of five. Craig was a spiritual, passionate and giving person. Craig was active at the Cathedral of All Souls and in Los Angeles with the Self Realization Fellowship. Craig was a profound devotee to God. He was also active in many capacities with non-profit groups. He worked with the United Way, organizing a health care program for foster children. He was on the vestry of Saint James Episcopal Church and the Saint James School board. He was also a member of the Los Angeles Contemporary Art Exhibitions, the Cathedral of All Souls Endowment Committee, as well as many outreach programs including acting as a family member for seniors in retirement homes who had no relatives. One time, on a busy Los Angeles street an elderly woman was grazed by a halting vehicle. Craig stopped traffic, exited his car, and escorted the lady across the street, calling an ambulance to ensure her safety. Craig was an avid reader and art collector. He enjoyed music, especially the Cathedral of All Souls organ recitals, Christmas Carols, and Oakland-based Mo-Town. He was a member of the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles and enjoyed many breakfast and lunch meetings at the downtown club. He connected with people. His keen intellect, remarkably quick wit, his powerful laugh, and his positive, supportive, loving nature were part of his bond with people both in business and in his personal life. He was also known for his unconventional exploration of ideas and his ability to be completely open (to the point of being brutally honest) and inclusive of everyone. Craig will be remembered as a fiercely honest, loyal, and compassionate man. His 30 year loving marriage to Bette, his pride in Whitneys maturation into adulthood, and his dedication to helping his son navigate a difficult world were all part of his legacy. Words cannot fill the empty space his passing has left. The family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming out-pouring of love and support. A memorial service was held at 2 PM Thursday at the Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Asheville. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Los Angeles. Information will be posted when they become available.