Editor’s note: Article provided to ESGR from the Oregon ESGR committee and is used with permission.
THE DALLES, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Army retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Craig Wilbur Stiff, of The Dalles, Oregon at the age of 74.
Craig Stiff was born June 17, 1949, in Goldendale, Washington. He attended Hillsboro Union High, Hillsboro, Oregon, graduating in 1967.
He was attending PSU in 1969 when he was drafted. He had the opportunity to become a pilot instead of a grunt and was accepted into the Warrant Officer Candidates School (WOCS) pilot program.
Essentially high school to flight school before there was such a thing. Flew for the Army for 37 years. Had a short break in service at one point but returned because he missed the job. He was known as Governor Kulongoski s personal pilot for a while, having flown him to over 50 military funerals during the OEF/OIF periods, until his retirement as a 155E, C-12 instructor pilot in 2006.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Oregon Emergency Service Ribbon, Army Aviation Badge.
He attended numerous military aviation schools and was qualified to fly the OH-58, C-23 and C-12 helicopters.
Stiff was an active member of the ESGR program ever since he retired from the Guard. He was continuously recognizing Oregon employers for their support of Guard-members who were able to return to their civilian jobs after their deployments without any issues. Outside of his career, he was a passionate dirt-bike rider and racer. He enjoyed camping and loved spending quality time socializing with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Joyce their two sons Sean and Cory of Yamhill and Madras, Oregon. He also is survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.