McKINLEY, Dr. CRAIG ANTHONY - It is with great sadness that the McKinley Clan announces the sudden tragic passing of their oldest son Craig. Craig was an honors graduate in a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1987 and completed a Master of Science in honors in Bio Medical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in 1989. He graduated from University of Toronto Medical School with an honors standing in 1993 and was the Class Valedictorian for the General Surgery U of T graduating class of 1998. In his time on earth Craig managed to live a tremendously rich life while also contributing greatly to his community, his patients and the medical profession. His accomplishments and contributions will not be forgotten. In fact, February 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of his having performed the world's first Telerobotic surgery, conducted over a public network, at the North Bay General Hospital. His desire to ensure that patients in all parts of the province received first rate medical care, and his pioneering laparoscopic surgical techniques are only some of the ways that demonstrate his vision to make the world a better place to live in. In his personal life he was an avid sports enthusiast, funny, generous and the proud father of Samantha (Sammi) and Jessica (Jessi) McKinley. A highlight of Craig's career was to be certified as an Aquanaut and he worked for NASA in Aquarius, which is The World's Only Undersea Laboratory where he engaged in virtual reality surgical training in microgravity. He was involved in NASA's NEEMO 7 project, which tested remote health care procedures so as to be able to assist astronauts with medical emergencies on The International Space Station, the Moon or Mars. However, despite this truly remarkable experience, those who knew him would agree that the true, bright shining stars in his universe were his daughters. He was 'one of a kind' and will be missed. In addition to his parents Carol and Gary McKinley, Craig is survived by his daughters Sammi and Jessi, sister Michele McClare (Michael, son of Layton and Doreen) and loving nephews Gavin and Ryan McClare, brother Jamie, Aunts and Uncles; Nancy and Gerry Roach, Lorna and John MacKinley, Charlene and Michael MacKinley, Mark MacKinley, Jim and Judy Hartlen, grandmothers Eileen MacKinley and Jean Hartlen, and many cousins. He was pre-deceased by grandfathers James Hartlen and Edwin MacKinley.
A private Interment will be held at the family ancestral graveyard in Liscomb, Nova Scotia. The McKinley family has asked that any condolences be sent to their address: 5 Shibu Court, Fredericton, NB, E3A 4T6. Donations in Craig’s memory to The Canadian Mental Health Association or at the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated.