Dr. John Craig Pfaffl, born May 28, 1954, in Inglewood, California, suffered a massive stroke and died on October 14, 2022, at the age of 68.  Son of John Francis Pfaffl and Dorothy Fossum Pfaffl, Craig and his brother Brian spent their youth in West Covina.  He moved to Dana Point in 1983, marrying his wife Nancy in 1984 and settling permanently in Dana Point.

Craig attended Loyola Marymount University, graduating with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.  After obtaining his MFC license, he completed a clinical doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology at the United States International University in San Diego.  Craig was a self-made man, an active member of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, and the Ericksonian Association.  He was an avid follower of Psychologists Bill O' Hanlon, Milton Erickson, and Michael Yapko.

Craig began his work as a psychologist and MFC for Harriman Jones Medical Group in Long Beach.  Over the 33 years practicing in the same Long Beach building, this behavioral health office was merged into Healthcare Partners, then Davita, and most currently Optum Medical Group.  Craig managed the Behavioral Health Department in addition to a full-time clinical caseload.  He very much enjoyed collaborating with the physicians and the department became his second home.

Craig was an avid outdoorsman.  He hiked, backpacked, and enjoyed camping trips with Nancy.  He was an avid runner for years until an ankle injury.  He then discovered biking and often biked 20 miles to the South Orange County line and back.  He was a familiar sight in the neighborhood on his bike with his helmet and biking gear.  He was also an avid swimmer since the age of four and began bodysurfing at Salt Creek Beach when he moved to Dana Point.  He was distinguishable by the lack of a wetsuit in the pack of surfers in the waves.   He was a staunch rock and roll fan, and also enjoyed following baseball, at first the Dodgers, and later the Angels.

Craig would wish to thank his colleagues, neighbors, family, and friends for supporting his wife Nancy at this difficult time due to his sudden loss.  To know that his colleagues will continue the care of his patients would be his greatest wish.   Craig was a passionate advocate for mental health and collaborative health was his life's work.  May he be remembered for his compassion, kindness, dedication, high ethics and standards, and the humanity of his soul.

Craig is survived by his wife, Nancy, brother Brian Pfaffl and his wife Wendy, niece Christine Pfaffl, nephew Daniel Pfaffl and family, cousins Kent Fossum, Louis Fossum and their families.  A memorial service will be held at McCormick Mortuary to be followed by a small reception.

To view webcasting of services please follow the link below.

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1235635