CSC mourns loss of Conway

“Craig was such a wonderful person and a respected colleague,” said CSC President Randy Rhine. “He was gifted in a lot of ways and the college certainly benefited from his talents during his career. But, above all that, he was a great person. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as all those who were impacted by his life.”

During his life, Conway was diagnosed with rare cancers multiple times and within the last decade, he underwent several surgeries, extended hospital stays in Illinois, Georgia, and Colorado, as well as multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Throughout his entire illness, Conway maintained a positive attitude and served as an inspiration and beacon of perseverance for many.

Conway, a CSC alumnus, worked at the college for 21 years. He was hired as a Print Shop Technician and operated the college’s offset printing press for several years while also handling finishing services, such as binding, folding, and cutting.

In addition to his printing expertise, Conway was a talented graphic designer and artist. He designed several promotional items for Chadron State and its athletic department including schedule posters and cards, and gameday program covers. In 2019, Conway was named a Publications Specialist and began to provide graphic design for campus units and academic departments.

In his spare time, Conway, who was honored as the college’s Homecoming Parade Marshal in 2017, enjoyed golfing, spending time with family and friends around a fire, listening to records with his daughter, and working on improvements for his wife’s in-home daycare.

In a 2017 story published by the Chadron Record about Conway, former Editor Kerri Rempp wrote that to replace the fear he may have related to his health, Conway kept simple goals in mind, such as walking his daughter to school or playing golf. In the story, Conway stated, “I promised myself I wasn’t going to live in fear. (And) If you love somebody, you’ve got to tell them.”

Conway is survived by his wife, Joleen, and daughter, Gillian. Memorials are established for Circle of Light at the Chadron Community Hospital and the Nebraska Children’s Home. Donations may be sent to Bridgeport Memorial Chapel, PO Box 367, Bridgeport, NE 69336, who is in charge of arrangements. Fond memories and condolences may be left online.

—Alex Helmbrecht, Director of College Relations