Sydney “Syd” Craft, 86, of Stanley, ND passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at the Mountrail County Bethel Home in Stanley, ND.

Syd was born on May 1, 1937 in Stanley, ND to Oscar and Ida Craft. He was raised in Stanley and attended and graduated from Stanley High School.

On June 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Carol Sperry in Minot, ND. Syd and Carol traveled extensively throughout the United States while Syd was on the Barley Council. Upon his retirement they spent eight winters in Mesa, AZ.

Syd farmed alongside his father and later on his son, Warren. Syd and Donny owned and operated C&S Trucking. In his younger years he worked with metal lathing and enjoyed some trips south custom combining.

Syd was a very active member of the Stanley community. Some of the activities he was involved in include Jaycees, Barley Council, Grain Growers Council, Wheat Council, Stanley School Board, Purcell Township Board, Lions Club, Knife River Council, Victory Producers, and 4-H Club. He loved to hunt, fish, play cards, and travel. Above all Syd loved spending time with his family. His greatest titles were husband, dad, and grandpa. He loved his family above all. One of Syd’s greatest accomplishments was his 53 years of sobriety.

Sydney is survived by the love of his life, Carol Craft of Stanley, ND; children, Warren (Meredith) Craft of Stanley, ND, Debbie (Tim) Leidholm of Colehabor, ND, Donald (Kathy) Craft of Stanley, ND, and Cindy (Mike) Leidholm of Weyerhaeuser, WI; his loving grandchildren, Jenice Craft, Carrie (Anthony) Sigloh, Dakota (Gillian) Walker, Kahla (Jake) Walker, Mitch Leidholm, Tyler (Krystle) Leidholm, Kayla (Anthony) Dockter, Heather (Brandon) Greenlee, Holly Halvorson, Hope (Brian) Midboe, Amber (Kelly) Greenlee, Layne (Malinda) Ferguson, April (Caleb) Eide, Mindy (Zach) Pettyjohn, Tasha (Nathan) Weiss, Kelli (Chad) Leidholm, Kyle (Nicole) Leidholm; 41 great-grandchildren; and his very special niece Renee (Jerry) Larlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ida Craft; sisters, Mabel Craft and Hazel Blum; and great-granddaughter, Olivia Fretheim.

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