Michael Henri Craanen

Michael Henri Craanen, age 35 unexpectedly passed away in the early morning of October 30, 2020. He was born July 5, 1985 to Robert F. Craanen, II and Darlalu Berry Craanen.

Mike, as he was known, lived his life fully and without fear. Growing up he loved cars and any sport that got his adrenaline pumping. From baseball, soccer to trick bikes he always sought adventure. He worked with his Dad on restoring a 1965 Mustang which brought with it his love of vehicles and mechanics. In high school he was the one with the pimped out mini van with subs so loud it rattled off the license plate on a regular basis. After high school, he completed a few courses at Durham Technical Community College and began his career as a mechanic. This career path led him to East Coast Diesel where he worked for the past five years with owner and friend Robert Michael.

Always the life of the party, Mike and his brother Rob have many stories of the trouble they found themselves in. Best friends from birth, racing through the woods with no regrets to having plans of living forever. Always there for each other regardless of the reason and ready to take on the world. These boys always kept their parents on their toes but they wouldn’t change a thing about them and loved them unconditionally no matter what.

Mike was a man full of heart. He was the one you could call at 3am on the side of the road and he would be there for you. He would go to bat for any friend or family member in need and give them the shirt off his back.

Of all the things he did, being a dad was his favorite. He lived his life for his kids Mikey and Shaylyn. From homework to soccer games, he never wanted to miss a moment. He made sure that every day ended better than it started so they learned that no matter how hard life got, it would get better. He made sure to always be there, whether it was listening to Shaylyn’s break up story or teaching her to drive in his beat up Chevy Silverado. He was Mikey’s superhero, made of steel, the one who always had arms wide open to catch him. They played together and dreamed together. Everything Mike did, every decision he made, was for his kids. All of our lives will be a lot less bright without his ready smile and “Made of Steel” attitude.

He is survived by his son, Michael D Craanen; his stepdaughter, who he considered to be his own daughter, Shaylyn A Wilmoth; his mom, Darlalu Berry Craanen; brother, Robert F Craanen III; sister, Teri C Wills and husband Landon; nephew, Hudson Wills; Grandmother, Elizabeth Craanen; Aunt, Stephanie Endicott and husband Ralph; Aunt, Nancy Taylor and husband Gary; Aunt, Mary Ross and husband David; Uncle, Gerald Craanen and wife Linda; Uncle, Patrick Berry and wife Cheryl and numerous cousins and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert F Craanen II; grandfather, Robert F Craanen; and grandparents, Joseph E and Ruby C Berry.

A funeral service will be held at First Pentecostal Church, 2008 Carver St Durham, NC on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 4:00 PM. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be be made to his son Michael’s college trust fund; link may be found below.

GoFundMe : https://gf.me/u/y6zx9r