LANCASTER—Craig Richard MacQueen, a man of tremendous depth, humility and quiet introspection, departed this world on February 10, 2024, at the young age of 71. His journey around the sun ended far too early. It always would have.
Craig married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Sayres MacQueen, just shy of 50 years ago, and together they shared a bond that seemingly transcended time. They had been together since they were 15; first and forever loves for them both. Craig would have walked great distances through a blizzard for Rhonda…and did. Together, they traversed the globe, embarked on successful careers, and built a family centered around their cherished son, Adam.
Craig’s was a life richly lived—a tapestry woven with the threads of laughter and camaraderie. From frequent rounds of golf to sun-filled days on the water and spirited games of pétanque, Craig embraced each moment with zest. He had a wonderful gift of repartee, with a sharp-wittedness that was legendary. A connoisseur and collector of the good things in life, Craig took delight in collecting and imbibing fine wines and vintage Scotch, buying high-end cars, kayaking, fishing and buying the latest and greatest gadgets.
Craig also possessed a profound relationship with language—an artistry that transcended mere words. Whether through his evocative poetry, his incisive wit, or his distinguished corporate career in communications, Craig’s mastery of language was unparalleled. From his early days with Squibb and subsequently navigating the challenges of the freight railroad industry at Conrail to his tenure as vice president of corporate communications at CSX Corporation, Craig’s strategic acumen and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
As a key member of Conrail’s management team, Craig spearheaded efforts in corporate and financial communications during times of significant change, including deregulation and privatization. Throughout his career, Craig worked consistently and successfully to persuade senior executives and board members to value, utilize and appraise communication as an integral part of management responsibilities. Following his tenure at CSX, Craig launched a successful communications agency, Split Oaks LLC, working primarily with Genesee & Wyoming Inc., an American short line railroad company. His strategic foresight and innate leadership skills earned him respect and admiration throughout the railroad industry.
Craig was also a highly-revered board member of the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, where he was praised as an “exceptional human being and wise counselor;” SPARC, an inclusive performing art school for youth in Richmond; and the September 11th National Memorial Trail, connecting the flight 93 National Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. His contributions to the arts and his community served as a testament to his generous spirit and compassionate nature.
Craig leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and unyielding strength, deeply missed by his beloved family, including his son, Adam and fiancée Alisha Moyer; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Elaine MacQueen; sister, Janet Wall; nieces and nephews, Alima Wall, Allison MacQueen Felder and Evan MacQueen; and brother- and sister-in-law, Roger and Mary Sayres.
In the wake of his passing, we are reminded that the depth of our grief is a measure of the profound love we held for Craig. Although his earthly journey has concluded, his spirit will forever illuminate our paths.
Please consider honoring Craig with a donation to the Rappahannock General Hospital Oncology Department, PO Box 1449, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
