Lawrence Craig Gross

Lawrence “Craig” Gross of Boise, formerly of Mt. Home passed 2 October 2023 in his home with loved ones by his side. He was born in Weiser, Idaho, son of Lawrence and MaryEllen Gross. The family moved to Mt. Home when he was in 2nd grade.

Craig began working at age 12 mowing lawns for Frank Ulrey. Soon Frank saw something in Craig’s work ethics eventually setting him up from mowing lawns to maintaining his rental properties and working in the rock shop. Frank encouraged Craig to follow a career in real estate, Craig quickly knew that was not for him and made a career change to construction which he truly loved. He started his construction career on Mountain Home Air Force Base in 1972. In 1985 he hired on with Idaho Highway Department. He started on a traveling bridge repair crew and worked his way to bridge construction supervisor. He retired in 2018 after 33 years.

In 1983 Craig met Lyn Piper and joined a family of 6 children who thought of him as Dad. They had 16 grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren who call him Papa Craig.

Craig had an avid love for hunting and fishing and loved sharing his skills by teaching his grandchildren and nephews. He loved teaching the younger children the art of the sport more than he liked actually catching fish. They remember Craig telling them the first rule in fishing is before you cast your line you have to pour a beer in the water to feed the fish gods.

Craig was not a man of many words but when he spoke you heard him.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Gross and his grandparents Otto and Dellia Rothley, Frank and Ila Mae Gross, Nephew Rainer Gross, Step Children Brian Piper and Cherly Hamman.

He is survived by his soulmate Lyn Piper of Boise, Idaho, Mother Mary Ellen Gross, Escondido, California, Brother Larry Gross (Karen) Escondido, California, Nephew Shane (Jennifer) Gross and children Asher and Mackenzie of Alameda, California. Niece Gwen (Kelly) Marich and children Brynna and Sydney of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Greg Piper (Beth) of Pendleton, Oregon, Lorie Clark (Cory) of Milton, Florida, Michelle Piper, Mountain Home, Idaho, Jeanne Piper of Canon City, Colorado and Kathy Piper of Hermiston, Oregon.

Keeping with Craig’s wish there will be no services.