Kayl Craig, 94, died January 26, 2026, in Tucson.  He was born in Milan, Michigan, May 25, 1931.  After high school graduation, he served as an airplane mechanic in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.  His career began in Flat Rock, Michigan, as a teacher and coach before moving to Tucson in the early 60s. 

            He taught in Sunnyside School District.  His working years also included time at The House Factory, Payless Cashways, and Tyconic Flight School. 

            Kayl was a licensed airplane mechanic with A & P and IA ratings.  He was an instrument rated Private Pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight time.  Flying was his passion.  On trips to California, Florida, and Michigan in his Piper Cherokee 180, he was not above swindling his wife out of her turn to fly if he could get away with it.  He was a member of United Flying Octogenarians and Experimental Aircraft Association.  He loved to fly youngsters in the EAA Young Eagles Program, as well as Tucson 99 Nickel-a-Pound rides.  He made his last flight at the age of 90, squeaking it gently onto the tarmac with the signature finesse that came so naturally to him. 

            Kayl had a strong work ethic and valued quality craftsmanship.  In his spare time he engaged the entire family in building a new home the old-fashioned way.  Using a small, ancient cement mixer, the floor was poured in six-foot sections, one per weekend, until completion.  His wife and daughters provided much of the unskilled labor for this 3-year project, with Kayl handling the jobs that required extensive knowledge and skill.  He enjoyed the challenge so much that when the house was finished he wanted to build another; so he did.

            Outdoors was where Kayl wanted to be.  He loved observing people and animals.  He always wanted to help wherever he could.  He loved helping the Tucson 99s with their projects and events, especially airborne Treasure Hunts.  He took great satisfaction in using his Bobcat skid-steer loader to lighten work for other people.  His favorite place to do this was the barn at Head to Tail Riding School, because he loved the people there, and the peacefulness of the ranch.  The world was blessed by his kind, caring presence.  He is greatly missed.

            He is predeceased by his parents, Peter and Elizabeth Craig, his sisters Jeannie Barker and Sandra Jensen, and brother Gary Craig.  He is survived by his wife Kaye of 51 years; daughters Suzan Brown (Doug), Judie Craig-Lewis (David), and Diane Gordon (Danny);  sister-in-law Patricia Craig;  grandchildren Peter Brown (Alexis), Joe Brown (Stephanie), Rebecca Garcia, RJ Garcia (Katie), Paul Gordon, Kyle Gordon (Tia),  Andrew Patterson and Korie Patterson; great grandchildren, Sydney Garcia, Rory Garcia, Camdyn Brown, and numerous nieces and nephews.

            A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 21 at 8541 North Aspen Avenue, 10:30 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Community Food Bank, Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, or any animal welfare organization of your choice.