Craig L. Rockman

Craig L. Rockman, otherwise known as “the King” and writing under the pseudonym of Foster Childs, died at home, surrounded by the immediate family he loved on December 19, 2024. Craig was born on November 3, 1951 to Ella and Richard Rockman. He was 73 years old. The ‘King’ was a long-time publisher, business entrepreneur, successful land developer and creator of a customer relationship marketing system for auto dealerships. which was called “the Guest Book.” The King column which he authored for over 20 years was a weekly column which he chose to write anonymously in the Tri-County Times newspaper. Because of the column’s local popularity, he was encouraged to syndicate his thoughts and publish for a larger American audience through daily newspaper or magazine publications. Due to health issues, that project was never completed. Craig Rockman would be greatly offended if we did not clarify that he was ‘the King’ of the Tri-County area but that the real “King” was Jesus Christ — “the King of the universe, Son of the living God, and Savior of his soul.” Craig was a true believer. Amen.

He was blessed with a spontaneous sense of humor, which was evident in every article he ever wrote as Foster Childs. His style of humor and the one he was so gifted in presenting was satire about situations, people, current events and politicians. He could make anyone laugh and specialized in teasing the youngsters of his own family. They never knew when he was embellishing a story or just relating a unique memory that may have sounded downright bizarre. He loved the mystery with which “The King” shrouded his status as a husband, dad, grandpa and uncle. He truly was the master kidder and natural born comedian.

He found his niche job in the newspaper industry. He loved it and all the details of sales, advertising design, circulation and journalism that went into each day. He was a people person. Running a newspaper was a challenge he loved to undertake. It offered both people and publishing. In his free time, he became a licensed pilot!

He also loved his dogs…I mean really loved them! He had 3 Irish Setters named Rafe, Zach and Wilson — in that order. They say a dog lover obtains a dog with their personality, well, like Craig, every one of his dogs was high strung and high maintenance. Just ask Craig’s wife, Beth…they were a lot of work…the dogs and Craig.

On August 22, 1978, he married Bethany Allen Bush. She was the love of his life, the highlight of his earthly accomplishments and his daily delight. He cherished her as a lifetime mate and lifelong companion. They were inseparable as husband and wife. Beth and Craig loved their up North lake home (in Traverse City) and made it a family getaway that all the kids and grandkids enjoyed and appreciated. Craig was affectionately known as “Rocky” by his friends and family, a name carried on by his youngest grandson, who was named in his honor in 2019, shortly after Craig's cancer diagnosis.

Craig is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beth Rockman of Linden. His son Richard Koester of Fenton, daughter Kali Nandi and son-in-law Dr. Partha Nandi of West Bloomfield, granddaughters Annie Koester, Ellie Koester, Charley Holcomb, grandsons Partha Nandi, Shaan Nandi and Rakhi Nandi. Survived also by brother Richard and wife Karen (Ouellette) Rockman, sisters Deborah and Courtny Rockman and Lisa (Rockman) Branham. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Glenn and Ella Mae Rockman and his brothers Glen Rockman and Ronald Rockman.

Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 23rd with viewing for one hour prior to Mass. Burial will take place at St. John Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Adopt-A-Pet of Fenton, Michigan.