Fw: Craig Winters ceremony

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I am forwarding this to the group because there was a post a little

while back of some info from Steve on GMOs. Craig was all over the

continent fighting the fight and there may be others of you who knew him

personally. Hard day, beautiful human. -D

Craig Winters ceremony

Hi friends,

It was Craig's wish to be cremated and to have his remains spread into Puget

Sound, at Picnic Point Park in Edmonds, Washington. The park has an amazing view

of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It is a park that Craig used to visit

often.

So we will have an informal gathering there on Sunday, July 19 to spread his

remains, and to remember and honor Craig.

We expect that people will start gathering around 10:30 or 11 a.m. or so to

visit with each other and to share stories and memories about Craig. At noon, we

will spread Craig's remains into Puget Sound. Afterwards, we will have more time

to share stories. Feel free to bring food for yourselves or to share with the

group; please bring your own plates/cups/utensils. There are a few picnic tables

at the park, but in case those are full, it may be a good idea to bring blankets

or beach chairs.

And bring your own ideas and creativity about how you would like to celebrate

Craig. We plan on bringing a posterboard with pictures of Craig, as well as a

guestbook that people can sign. We'll present those to Craig's family.

I know many of you on this list are scattered across the country, so if you'd

like to send any remarks to include with the guestbook, I'll gather those

together and print them out.

Though rainy weather could shorten the event, spreading Craig's remains will

happen at noon rain or shine.

Here is a link to the park, including directions:

http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/Park_Information/Park_Directory\

/Regional_Parks/Picnic_Point.htm<http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Park\

s/Park_Information/Park_Directory/Regional_Parks/Picnic_Point.htm>

The address is 12001 Picnic Point Road, Edmonds, 98026.

We will meet on the beach side of the pedestrian bridge that crosses the train

tracks.

I may send out one more e-mail to this list after the ceremony, as I know there

are some people who won't be able to make it and it would be good to share a

report. I'm thinking about putting some of the testimonials people have shared

on Craig's web site at www.craigwinters.com<http://www.craigwinters.com/>, as

well as posting some more of his photos there.

I've had the chance to talk with and receive e-mails from any number of people

since Craig's death, and I know there are a lot of people who are quite shaken

up. Everybody invariably remarks about how kind, positive, intelligent and

helpful Craig was. I feel very sad, but I also feel that Craig lived a great

life, and accomplished a tremendous amount of good, even if his life was too

short.

Below, I'll post some more of the comments that folks wanted share with the list

- starting with a story about an award Craig received five years ago.

Thanks,

Cameron Woodworth

Green Designs Internet Solutions

Web design and wind-powered web hosting

www.greendesignsweb.com<http://www.greendesignsweb.com/>

425-670-3795

I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky

And the moon has turned red over One Tree Hill

Ann Hunt of Natural Products Association Northwest sent me the following

write-up about Craig from 2004, when he received that organization's Pioneer

Award:

Craig Winters

2004 Pioneer Award Recipient

NPA NW

The NPA NW (formerly NNFA Northwest) Board of Directors proudly presented the

2004 Pioneer Award to Craig Winters:

" In recognition of your wisdom and integrity, passion and humor, and selfless

dedication in your work and grassroots activism to educate others, to protect

access to dietary supplements and to provide accurate food labeling and

representation for consumers and the natural foods industry. "

In 1991 a group was formed to protect the individual's right to have access to

dietary supplements by helping Congress enact the " Dietary Supplement Health and

Education Act. " Craig Winters was the founding president of this group known as

" Citizens for Health (CFH) " which was based in Tacoma, WA.

Schauss, founding CFH member and currently president and CEO of the

American Institute for Biosocial and Medical Research (AIBMR), has remained one

of Craig's close allies. " CFH was formed without a road map or experience in

grassroots activism. The only one who had that experience and immediately

volunteered to guide us during those formative first months was Craig who gave

up a well-paying job in the process. "

Another founding member of CFH, Joe Bassett, owner of Bassett's Health Foods

(Toledo, Ohio) and former NNFA national president, describes Craig as " an

innovator, forging new paths while pulling people together. " Reflecting on

those days in the early 1990s when a multitude of letters was delivered daily to

Congress in support of the DSHEA legislation, Joe recalls being told by Senator

Orrin Hatch that the law would not have been enacted in 1994 without the

dedicated grassroots organization provided by Citizens for Health and others

committed to the cause. Joe attributes Craig's " selfless dedication " as a

reason the job got done.

Joe believes that " if we [as Americans] could take a stand for freedom and life

with a gun in this country, we have the right to defend ourselves with a

vitamin. " He attributes our having " vitamin rights " in part due to Craig's core

beliefs and asks " How can we thank him enough? "

Beadle, owner of 's Market and Deli, first met Craig as a

supplier sales representative for Country Life. A founding member of CFH,

knows Craig as a person " very concerned about issues who is also willing

to take action using his engaging and disarming style. " Craig's " infectious

enthusiasm and hard work has served as a catalyst for others to take action " to

protect the natural products industry.

Goldie Caughlan, PCC Natural Markets nutrition educator, remembers meeting Craig

more than 20+ years ago when they worked together on PCC's product selection

committee, back in the early days when PCC members helped identify products

without a merchandiser on staff. Craig made a proposal to have PCC sponsor a

health fair, which PCC determined not to be a good fit at the time. When Goldie

explained the decision she observed that " Craig did not blink, accepted and

respected the process and was not miffed by the outcome. " She saw then Craig's

" strong character that he continues to demonstrate by taking on challenges and

persevering on tough issues while remaining steady and unruffled with a good

sense of humor " when their paths cross again and again in the politics of food.

Citizens for Health was formed by a group of ordinary people who believed that

good health is a right, not a benefit that should be determined by government or

based on economic or social status. With roots in the Northwest this national

organization is now headquartered in Washington, D.C., and continues its work on

Capitol Hill and with other like-minded groups to further its objectives.

Following CFH, recalls that Craig witnessed the power of grassroots

activism and politics at the local level and " in frustration knew that someone

had to step up to the plate to educate the public about the ever-present danger

of genetically engineered foods coming to market without safety substantiation. "

Thus the Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods was founded with Craig

serving as its executive director.

Cameron Woodworth, communications director at The Campaign, sees first-hand the

hours of inspired energy that Craig gives as spokesperson for The Campaign.

Cameron looks to Craig as " an encyclopedia on the issues with the intelligence

for quick recall of critical information. " Tirelessly he has given hundreds of

lectures and interviews on the issues surrounding genetically engineered foods,

food irradiation, organic agriculture, holistic health and the environment.

Goldie attests to Craig's leadership " building trust and presenting

well-reasoned arguments in discussions with influential and prominent people. "

affirms that Craig has " gained the respect of Congress, the media, numerous

environmental organizations and the consumers The Campaign was meant to reach,

which is evidence that his energy and tireless efforts have made an impact

nationally. "

Perhaps best summarizes Craig's dedication to his work with the quote that

" 5% of the people do 95% of the work for the rest of us, except with Craig he

does 95% of the work for the 5% that do step up to the plate. He is a leader

who fearlessly ventures into unknown territory: the very definition of a

pioneer. "

In addition to his work with The Campaign and Citizens for Health, Craig

Winters' work in the natural products industry spans 27 years. He served as an

instructor of " Nutrition in the Natural Products Industry " at Bastyr University

from 1996-1999.

Looking to future " The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods " will be

changing its name to just " The Campaign " beginning January 1, 2005. While the

effort to label genetically engineered foods will remain the primary focus issue

of the organization, The Campaign will also address issues such as food

irradiation, crops grown with toxic fertilizers, and even larger environmental

issues such as global warming and alternative energy.

Craig Winters will be stepping down as executive director and will become The

Campaign's president. The current president, Schauss, will become the

chairman of the board. Replacing Craig as executive director will be

. recently graduated from Columbia University with a degree in

Environmental Sciences and Public Policy and lives in Virginia. The Campaign

will now have offices in both states of Washington and Virginia.

And Craig will continue his work as president of Full Spectrum Internet and

e-Commerce Services, a web site development and hosting company with a focus on

supporting companies in the natural products industry.

AWARD BACKGROUND - The NPA NW Pioneer Award is given each year at the NPA

Northwest region's annual member meeting held in conjunction with its tradeshow.

The region's definition of " pioneer " is someone who leads the way or sets a good

example for others in the industry. The Northwest region board of directors

selects the person to receive the award and welcomes input from members.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2009 to be announced 08.09

2008 Mayo Wylde III Ener-G Foods

Seattle, WA

2007 ph Affolter PCC Markets

Renton/Seattle,WA

2006 Joe & Virginia Mugartegui Smart Nutrition

Tumwater, WA

2005 Ken Highland Laboratories

Mt. Angel, OR

2004 Craig Winters The Campaign

Seattle, WA

2003 V. Tahoma Clinic

Renton, WA

2002 Cheryl Bottger Tree of Life

Portland OR/St.Augustine FL

2001 ph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D. Bastyr University

Kenmore, WA

2000 Beadle 's Market & Deli Tacoma,

WA

1999 Goldie Caughlan Puget Consumer's Coop

Seattle, WA

1998 Dick Patricelli Nature's Pantry

Bellevue, WA

1997 Carol Simontacchi Health Haus Stores

Portland, OR/Sanibel, FL

1996 Stan Amy Nature's Fresh Northwest

Portland, OR

1995 Sue and Chuck Kesey Springfield Creamery

Eugene, OR

1994 Jack Lange Nu-Vita Foods

Portland, OR

1993 Rolland and LaVella Waters Salem Health Foods

Salem, OR

1992 Roy Swank, M.D. OR Health Sciences Univ.

Portland, OR

1991 Helen and Fred Higgens Helen's Health Foods

Silverdale, WA

1991 Virg and Vi Groff Groff's Nutrition

Tacoma, WA

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From Esperanza, Photographer:

I was very sad to hear of Craig's passing. He was a very kind man who cared

deeply about the well being of others. He worked so hard on labeling and we

became friends when I started a group with my friends in Santa Fe called " Food

Fight " , years ago. Craig was always upbeat when we spoke, sometimes we would

spends hours on the phone. He inspired me with all of his unique ideas and he

listened. Craig was funny and very kind to me.

He will be Greatly missed.

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From Rick North:

Everyone - This is very sad news. Craig's battle with cancer was one of the more

courageous fights I've ever seen.

If it wasn't for Craig, I wouldn't be doing this work. Back in 2002, I contacted

the Portland leader of Measure 27, the ballot initiative to label GE foods, to

volunteer. My phone calls were never returned.

I thought I'd give this one last shot so I Googled labeling GE foods and saw

Craig's name and contact info in Seattle. I called and left a message, figuring

that if he didn't call back I'd just put my time into other interests. But he

did and connected me with the group of volunteer leaders that got me off and

running. I worked with Craig during the campaign and ever since, including

several presentations we did together.

He was simply a delightful person - very knowledgeable, friendly, upbeat,

dependable and responsive. Cameron noted how grateful he was for his life.

I'm very grateful for his life too.

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From Miranda , www.GoodHealth.com<about:www.GoodHealth.com>:

I met Craig at the PCC information session on GM foods, when I was training to

be a volunteer on their labeling campaign. Craig's intensity in his drive to do

good was unique. His ability to follow through with dreams that many of us carry

without moving on them, shows that he did indeed have great training in

leadership. May we learn from Craig, how to keep smiles on our faces as we push

forward, making more forward strides in the health of our planet.

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From Kolp:

Thank you Cameron for letting us know of Craig's passing. From what I know of

Craig you capture his essence with your words. Bless you as you process the

loss of a wonderful friend.

Fondly, Briar and the many other co-op members in Port Townsend, who were

privileged to meet Craig, hear his presentations and participate in meaningful

discussions over the years.

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From Mabbott:

I am writing on the heels of this news so excuse my....no...Craig Winters is an

American hero, he is what this country is about, which is daring this country to

rise to its claims of being great. Craig dared this country to dare one of our

most powerful groups, the food producers. It's as though Craig was crowing

while we were still in bed.

He was and is a lovely warrior. Cry yourself to sleep, I will, but try, let's

try and fill the void. Craig's premise was this - " would you like to know if

your food was geneticaly modified? " He knew the answer and he fought to have

that answer labeled. This was a beautiful prince but a warrior prince. Let us

go forward to take back our food supply and win back " organic " which loses its

meaning with every passing day.

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From Jen Plum, Namaste Foods:

I cried and I can feel your pain and the pain of so many. The ripples of all the

good that Craig has started will be felt far and near and by so many......

forever. I don't know how to measure such greatness, just a thank you for his

life will have to do for now.

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From Kathleen Tehada:

I will remember the passion and energy he poured into his efforts to make the

world better for a lot of people and not just for his sake. I respected him a

great deal for that. It was Craig who helped me believe in the power of

grassroots political action. I was sorry to hear about his battle with cancer

and hope that he has now found peace and joy.

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From Dave Shelden:

My Brother Craig

Craig is not only my friend and mentor, he was the most driving human force in

the direction of my life. He is:

The guy that in 1975 while working at DJ's records at Northgate Mall, when the

Mc's was closed, saw a cute girl behind the counter at the health food

store on the way back. Popped in to see how successful he might be... and came

out with a Xerox of information on colon health. Within a matter of weeks he

had quit his job, bought an old beat up station wagon and a couple hundred enema

bags and proceeded to drive up and down the West Coast attempting to convince

anyone and everybody in diners, rest stops etc., into cleaning out their colons

(still had some bags left the last I knew)...

The guy who brought his Norwalk juicer to a meeting at my brother's house (late

70s) and stood by watching as I overfilled the canvas bag with carrot pulp and

proceeded to blow it up... Ever seen what happens to a bag of carrot pulp under

that kind of pressure? We both, my brother's kitchen, dining room, living room,

ceiling, and unfortunately artwork looked like orange Big Birds...

The guy who when my wife was diagnosed with the a rare and horrific cancer found

out within 45 minutes through the grapevine and called me with suggestions...

When I informed him that I could not deal with them at the moment, his response

was, " No, you must listen to me now. there is a bus leaving Saturday morning

(this was Thursday night) from LA at 7am, it stops in San Diego at 9 and then

goes across the border to tour 7 different cancer clinics. " . We were in San

Diego 12 hours later and Mexico in 36... Our options went from a ludicrous

horrific 2 to a hundred... Bless this man.

I can go on and on about the magnificence of this human being for days but

suffice to say that I would not be where I am, doing what I do, if it were not

for Craig Winters. Salute!