Born on June 9, 1992, Ethan Craft was known for his infectious smile, his dedication to hard work, and a personality that radiated warmth. He grew up in Akron and attended Kent State University, where he developed a love for both business and golf, ultimately completing his degree in 2013. His education would be the cornerstone of a successful career in the golf and hospitality industries, which spanned over a decade.
Ethan Craft’s career in golf began humbly but steadily. His first position was at Foxy Golf Inc., a well-known sporting goods retailer where he served as a Sales Associate from January 2012 to February 2013. This role introduced him to the world of golf retail, a space in which he quickly excelled. His ability to connect with customers, coupled with his passion for the game, made him a standout employee, and the skills he gained in customer service and sales would follow him throughout his career.
In 2013, Craft transitioned from retail into guest services at Ohio Prestwick Country Club, where he worked as a Guest Services Associate. During his tenure at Ohio Prestwick, Craft became known for his tireless dedication to ensuring that members and guests received the highest level of service. His attention to detail and unwavering professionalism made him an integral part of the club’s day-to-day operations. His contributions helped elevate the guest experience and ensure that Ohio Prestwick remained one of the premier golf destinations in the state.
Craft’s career continued to rise when he joined the team at Fairlawn Country Club in April 2008, where he would remain for more than eight years. Starting in the bag room, where he handled the clubs and equipment for golfers, Craft quickly moved up the ranks. His keen understanding of the game and meticulous work ethic led to his promotion to Assistant Caddiemaster. In this position, Craft was responsible for overseeing caddy operations, maintaining club standards, and managing relationships with members and guests. His role as Assistant Caddiemaster solidified his reputation as a capable and diligent professional, dedicated to the seamless operation of the club. Fairlawn became his second home, where he built friendships that would last a lifetime.
Craft’s passion for the sport of golf went beyond mere professionalism—it was personal. He enjoyed the game immensely and often played with friends and colleagues, finding relaxation and joy on the fairways and greens. His experience as a golfer also allowed him to empathize with members and guests, knowing exactly what they needed for a perfect day on the course. This deep understanding of the sport, paired with his exceptional management skills, made him a natural leader in the industry.
In September 2023, Ethan Craft took the next big step in his career when he joined Firestone Country Club, one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the United States. Known for hosting world-class tournaments such as the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone is a revered institution in the golfing world. Craft was appointed to the role of Outside Operations Manager, a position that placed him at the helm of all exterior operations at the club. From ensuring the course’s pristine condition to managing caddies and outside staff, Ethan was responsible for making sure the club’s guests had an exceptional experience from the moment they arrived until they left. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards at Firestone was unwavering, and his efforts were recognized by colleagues and club members alike.
Despite the demands of his job, Ethan remained humble and approachable. Colleagues recall his easygoing nature, his love for good conversation, and his ability to make others feel valued and appreciated. He was not just a manager but a mentor and friend to many of the staff at Firestone. His leadership extended beyond the golf course, where he often took younger employees under his wing, providing guidance and support to help them develop their own careers.
Off the course, Ethan Craft’s life was filled with other passions. He was an avid traveler, enjoying trips that combined his love for adventure with his interest in exploring new cultures and cuisines. His travels often took him to other notable golf courses, where he would play rounds with locals and exchange stories about the sport he loved. Ethan also had a deep appreciation for nature and spent many weekends hiking in the scenic areas around Akron, often accompanied by his friends or his beloved dog.
Ethan’s death at such a young age has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from the Akron community, members of Firestone Country Club, and friends from all walks of life. Many remember Ethan as a kind-hearted individual who always had time for others, no matter how busy he was. His ability to connect with people on a personal level was one of his greatest strengths, and it is what makes his loss so deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Firestone Country Club, where Ethan was working at the time of his death, also released a statement honoring his memory. “Ethan Craft was more than just an employee; he was a beloved member of our Firestone family. His dedication to his work, his professionalism, and his kindness were admired by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
At just 32 years old, Ethan Craft had already built a career that many would envy. He had earned the respect of his peers, the admiration of his colleagues, and the love of his friends and family. His sudden passing is a reminder of how fragile life can be, but also of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. Ethan’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew him and in the standards of excellence he set at every club he worked.
A visitation for Ethan will be held at [venue details to be announced], and a memorial service is planned for [date to be announced]. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to [charitable organization], a cause that was close to Ethan’s heart.
Ethan Craft may be gone, but his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and the countless others who will hear his story. Through his work and the lives he touched, Ethan’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the sport he loved and the community he served.
