Craig Elg

Craig Michael Elg passed away from cancer, January 29th, 2015 surrounded by family, at his home on Thunderridge Airpark in Morristown, Arizona. He was 53 years old. Craig was born on October 1st, 1961 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Dorothy (Elg )Chmiel and Rodney Elg. Craig grew up in Rhinelander, WI and worked at his family's business, Rhinelander Aviation, during High School. He earned his flight ratings at Seol Aviation in Panama City, Florida. He later earned his Aircraft Mechanic and Inspector License. He graduated from Anchorage Community College with a degree in Aviation. He and his high school sweetheart, Sarah Gilman, moved to Anchorage in 1982. They were married on September 30th, 1983 at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage . Their marriage was blessed with two children, Whitney Elg-Salsman and Nicholas Elg. Craig was an accomplished pilot, aircraft mechanic, inspector and business owner. He flew for Alaska Bush Carriers, North Pacific Air, Troy Air and purchased Regal Air in 1990. He and Sarah enjoyed 17 years of operating float and ski aircraft from Lake Hood to bush Alaska. He retired in 2004 and later purchased Emerald Air Service and Homer Floatplane Lodge. The last five years he flew Emerald Air tours to Katmai National Park. Craig's greatest love was flying all types of aircraft from RC models to Learjets. He also loved to build and refurbish airplanes. He restored two Luscombes, a Piper J3, a Supercub, a Piper Warrior, three DeHavilland Beavers and a Cessna 185. He also loved to hunt and fish. He supported EAA, AOPA and the NRDC. He was a loving husband, father and son. Craig Michael Elg was preceded in death by Kathryn Gilman (mother-in-law). He is survived by Sarah Elg (wife), Whitney Elg-Salsman (daughter), Jonathan Salsman (son-in-law), Nicholas Elg, (son), Rodney Elg (father), Dorothy Chmiel (mother), Jack Chmiel (stepfather), Wade Elg (brother), Sheri Elg (sister-in-law), Jeffery Gilman (father-in-law) and Kristine Bareis (mother-in-law). A memorial was held on February 1st at the Wickenburg Funeral Home in Wickenburg, AZ. A second memorial will be held at the Alaska Aviation Museum in Anchorage, 4721 Aircraft Drive, on April 30th at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alaska Aviation Museum or the charity of your choice.