Lasting Memories
Craig Wendall Laughton
April 30, 1950-March 17, 2021
Palo Alto, California
Craig Laughton, longtime resident of College Terrace, passed away on Wed. March 17, a victim of brain cancer. Craig was born in Salinas, CA, and was raised in Soledad, CA. He attended Gonzales High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football, and went on to graduate as the valedictorian. After graduation he attended Stanford University and majored with a degree in Biology in 1972.
It was science that was his most revered area of study. He devoted decades after graduating from Stanford to immunology and lipid research, while employed at Syntex Research of Palo Alto. Even after early retirement, he spent greater than 10 years supporting young scientists as the administrator for the local Science and Engineering Fair in Silicon Valley. He chaperoned the best students to the California State Science Fair, and further he helped support student participation at the International Science Fair each year. It follows that he enthusiastically supported the idea that scientists would be the ones who would lead us out of the tailspin caused by the pandemic.
Craig was well known for his blogging presence on all issues locally as well as the national political arenas. This interest led to a spirited social media debate profile. Craig was a founding member of the political action committee "Got Space" that was instrumental in the construction of the Mayfield Athletic fields at the corner of El Camino and Page Mill Rd. "Titan Coach" as he was known in local youth baseball circles was the treasurer of both the Palo Alto Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues. He founded the first travel team in the area, the West Bay Titans.
Conversant on a wide variety of subjects, he was best known for his ability to grasp nuances and to delve into depth into his interest of the hour. He could entertain for hours on an obscure bit of ancient history or argue an event of the day with educated fury. Whether you countered his theories or were dismayed by his tactics in arguing, you could never doubt his vigilance in preparation or his sincerity of purpose. His daughter recognized this priority when sharing that once her father was done reuniting with family members in Heaven, he would then set out to find Ronald Reagan for a righteous and overdue chat.
Most of all Craig was a family man. He retired early in life from a successful career at Syntex to actively engage in raising his family. He was convinced that children completed and enhanced his life. Craig is survived by his wife of 39 yrs, Ruthie Waters, his father John Edward Laughton, brother Steve Laughton, children Allyson Santos and Karl Laughton, and grandchildren Lahna Santos and John Jacob Santos. Nurturer, confidant, Boy Scout leader, coach, and ardent fan club member were just some of the hats he proudly wore. His spirit will live on in the land owned by the family amongst the rolling hills, east of Soledad, that he lovingly dubbed “The 80 Acres”. Those who loved him are in the agreement that his curiosity, his love for life, his passion for family, and his loyalty to friends will continue with those that remember him.
May 24, 2021
I am so saddened to hear of Craig’s passing. I lived in the same Stanford dorm as Craig and we played on the Stanford freshman baseball team together. I was a catcher and I remember Craig threw a mean fastball! I would sometimes give Craig a ride home to Soledad since I passed through there on my way home to Arroyo Grande. Sometimes Craig would wear a football helmet for protection since he did not feel safe riding in my 1959 VW bug! I read Craig’s obituary and was very impressed with all that he accomplished in his life! The last time I saw Craig was the day before Stanford graduation. I just happened to see him on campus and stopped to chat. Please accept my condolences for your loss. Rob Frantz
May 13, 2021
I'll be looking for you in Heaven buddy! You owe me a steak dinner. You gave a lot to the community and your children. You were a wonderful person and I'm certain the fruit did not fall far from the tree! Thinking of you.
April 19, 2021
Craig was a neighbor and friend for the 23 years I lived down the street from him. He was open, direct, and refreshingly non-politically correct. I could always count on his generousity. I could drop in on him any time and always feel welcome. I haven't seen him since we left Palo Alto in 2006, but have learned second hand about the successes of his two children, and am not surprised, given what a caring and sturdy dad he was to them. My condolences to his family and friends. Truly a loss to all who knew him.
April 6, 2021
April 4, 2021
What a great coach and little league mentor! My boys learned a lot from this man. We will miss you, Coach.
March 29, 2021
Craig was my brother. Through the years we had relatively little contact (Thanksgiving) though we only lived about 2 hours from each other. In recent times we became close, due to our Dad's finances and our shared stewardship of them. We got to know each other again, often deviating from our Dad's finances and veering off in totally unrelated territory. Talking about our days as kids in Soledad, Ca., politics, families, and just about everything else under the sun. Just as we were starting to rekindle our relationship as brothers, this terrible/horrible disease befell him and he was gone too soon. I'm sure he will be debating everything under the sun in Heaven. That was his nature here on Earth. He will be missed by all.
March 26, 2021
I knew Craig through the youth baseball scene in Palo Alto and worked with him for decades on providing newspaper coverage for many of the Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball teams. Because of Craig, hundreds of players were able to receive recognition over the years. He was dedicated to those sports teams and I will always be grateful for all the help he provided. It was a great pleasure to know him.
March 25, 2021
Dearest Ruthie, Our hearts reach out to you and your family. I pray that the comfort you offer each other will sustain you and undergird you through these difficult times. Much love dear friend.
March 25, 2021
Absolute fondest memories of Craig happened in Yosemite, camping with the Syntex Research group and their families. The great outdoors, our filthy little kids, the feasts, and the fun. The sunset walks to the Ahwahnee Outdoor Bar for a civilized cocktail. Thank you for those memories, Craig. God Speed. God Bless.
March 25, 2021
March 24, 2021
Craig was a scholar and a great athlete at Gonzales High. In football he was a tough running back and won the Golden Helmet Award in 1967. In 1968 I was a sophomore playing on the varsity baseball team with him. That senior year he was incredible. He had two memorable pitching duals against Dave Chaney of King City. He pitched a 3 hitter and a 2 hitter against KC, with Gonzales winning 2-0 and 1-0. He was all league, but more importantly he was a respected leader on the team and always seemed to come thru in the clutch. RIP my friend and former teammate.
March 24, 2021
