It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Craig Hostert, a man of love, courage, and accomplishment. Craig’s soul was delivered to heaven on May 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy cherished by his family and friends.

Born on August 19, 1958, Craig’s life was marked by significant milestones and profound impact. Craig graduated from Sunny Hills High School in 1977. He then pursued his passion for Accounting & Finance, earning a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton in 1983.

Craig ventured into entrepreneurship with a determined spirit, establishing successful ventures such as Hostert Construction & Development, Interior Door Replacement Company, Park West General Contractors, and others. Notably, his dedication to community development culminated in his visionary project, The Tracks at Fullerton, which embodies his enduring commitment to the town he called home for 63 years.

In 1980, Craig met the love of his life, and four years later, on June 22, 1984, Craig married Kathleen, who became his lifelong companion and love. They welcomed their two beloved children, Justin and Nicole, in 1989 and 1996. The couple’s unwavering devotion was exemplified by their renewal of vows on March 16, 2024, commemorating four decades of faithfulness, strength, and resilience.

Craig faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, yet his spirit remained unbroken. In 1996, he began dialysis, marking the start of an inspiring journey. On June 25, 1998, Craig received his first kidney transplant from his wife, followed by a second transplant from his son on December 11, 2012. Despite the toll of these procedures, Craig’s resilience shone through.

In 2016, a skin cancer diagnosis launched an eight-year battle, enduring countless scans, chemotherapy infusions, and radiation treatments. Throughout this, Craig exemplified unwavering strength and determination. His brave heart and positive mindset served as beacons of inspiration, touching the lives of many.

Craig’s legacy of resilience continues to inspire those around him, encouraging them to live by faith rather than fear in honor of his warrior spirit. Beyond his professional endeavors, Craig found joy in simple pleasures.

From savoring Thanksgiving feasts to indulging in the music of The Beatles and country artists like Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney, Craig embraced life’s richness with zest. His fondness for Star Trek and James Bond, coupled with a love for outdoor activities like golfing, biking, walking, and boating, underscored his warm personality and unstoppable spirit.

Craig and Kathleen’s passion for giving back culminated in their creation of the annual Donate Life Run/Walk, honoring the gift of life and building a community for transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families alike to celebrate the power of organ and tissue donation.

After years of dedication to the Donate Life movement, being faced with incurable cancer in 2016 encouraged his shift in focus to co-create the Life’s Short, Live It! movement with his wife and kids. The movement encourages people of all kinds to cherish the life they were given and to live it to the fullest. People can wear passion badges at the center of the Life’s Short, Live It logo, representing their interests. Both Craig and Kathleen donated a portion of the proceeds to cancer research.

He cherished precious moments with loved ones, including a memorable weeklong Staycation with his family, the Six-Pack. They shared meals, game nights, and drinks, creating lasting memories. Additionally, Craig and Kathleen embarked on an epic 5-week road trip in their dream A-Class motorhome, traversing through Colorado, New Mexico, and Tennessee. This adventure epitomized their shared love for adventure and quality time.

Craig’s greatest legacy lies in his profound philosophy towards life. He prioritized meaningful connections, championing open communication and fostering a sense of belonging among all he encountered. As a father figure to many, Craig’s wisdom and compassion left an everlasting mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

Craig is survived by his wife, Kathleen Hostert; children, Justin Hostert and Nicole Lyons; children-in-law, Shea Lyons and Emily Burns; and beloved dog, Brody. Craig will join his parents, Paul & Norma Hostert, in the kingdom of heaven, along with his brother David, his two sisters Paula & Susan, and many close friends that he met throughout his transplant and cancer journeys.

A memorial service honoring Craig’s life will take place on June 20, 2024, at 10 am at Fullerton Free Church in Fullerton, CA. Family and friends are invited to commemorate Craig’s enduring legacy and celebrate his journey to eternal peace.

In the tapestry of Craig Hostert’s life, woven with threads of love, resilience, and generosity, his memory will forever shine as a beacon of inspiration to all touched by his presence.