UC Davis Grad One Of Reno Crash Victims

DAVIS (CBS13) -- A 46-year-old father with local ties was one of the victims of Friday's plane crash at the Reno air show.

John Craik, a man who friends say was full of life and dedicated to his family, died after the World War II-era plane piloted by Jimmy Leeward crashed in front of the stands at the Reno-Stead Airport.

The P-51 Mustang slammed nose-first into the tarmac, spraying nearby spectators with shrapnel.

Craik was fatally wounded, but his son and two of the boy's friends were unharmed.

Craik's sister-in-law, Shannon Wilhite of Denver, believes Craik saved their lives.

"I think he sheltered his son," she said. "That's the kind of dad he was. He was a very, very good dad."

Craik is a 1992 graduate of UC Davis, where he participated in the school's marching band. He played tenor saxophone at UC Davis before graduating with a degree in economics.

He lived in Gardnerville, Nev., and owned a construction business in nearby Woodfords, Calif.

Monday night as members of the band took the field, some had just learned John Craik was one of their own.

Several expressed their condolences on Facebook.

Meanwhile those who knew and loved john Craik hope he'll be remembered not for the horrific scene on Friday but for the person he was.

"He was a very good husband," Wilhite said. "He was very in love with my sister."

Craik is one of 10 victims who have died from the crash. He leaves behind a daughter in addition to his wife and son.