Dr. Craig William Ellison died on March 13, 2012, in Holland, MI.
He was born on August 21, 1944, and grew up in Castle Creek, NY. He studied at The King’s College and completed his doctorate in psychology at Wayne State University.
Dr. Ellison authored seven books and numerous articles on psychology and counseling. Through his writing and professional work he contributed to an emerging movement that sought to integrate tenets of evangelical Christian faith with principles of clinical psychology and counseling. Much of his research analyzed the loneliness and emotional discord that afflict individuals, families and urban communities. He was an advocate for increasing awareness of the factors that contribute to a holistic sense of well-being.
Dr. Ellison taught at Westmont College and Simpson College in California and at Nyack College in New York. He developed counseling centers in San Francisco and New York and founded the Alliance Graduate School of Counseling at Nyack College. Dr. Ellison was a member of the National Advisory Board of the American Association of Christian Counselors, a contributing editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology and the co-creator of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale. He also hosted “Perspectives on Personal Living,” a national radio program, for more than 15 years. He retired from Nyack College in 2008 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Counseling.
Dr. Ellison loved to sing. He toured the country in a college quartet and sang in church choirs for many years. He also enjoyed hiking on family land near Castle Creek and walking along the Hudson River.
Dr. Ellison cared dearly for his family and he treasured the love of Jesus Christ. In his later years, he suffered patiently through chronic pain and disease. His perseverance was a source of inspiration to those who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon Andre Ellison, and their three children, Scott and wife Heather Ellison, of San Francisco, CA; Timothy Ellison, of Harrisburg, PA; and Jonathan Ellison, of Austin, TX.
In 2004, Dr. Ellison was preceded in death by his father, William Ellison. He also is survived by his mother, Mrs. William (Marilyn) Ellison, his sister, Donna Lynn and husband Hal Kennedy, and by many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Ellison was buried in Graafschap Cemetery in Holland, MI, on March 14, 2012. A memorial service will be held in his honor in Holland, MI, on May 19, 2012. Please contact Dykstra Funeral Homes at (616) 392-4878 for memorial details. To sign an online registry, leave a memory of Dr. Ellison or donate to the Dr. Craig W. Ellison Scholarship at Nyack College, please visit dykstrafuneralhome.com.