History and Background
In his earlier years, Craig Wilson had the privilege and honor of serving our country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. In those formidable years, his positive experiences from training, structure and adherence to integrity provided him with the basic values he holds true to serving the public today. Basic training in 1968 at Lackland Air Force Base, then to Sheppard Tech School for jet aircraft, began Craig's interest and enthusiasm for detail and precision oriented mechanical skills.Craig's first duty station was at Edwards Air Force Base training on F106 Aircraft, Detachment 1. 414 Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Then to George Air Force Base in San Bernardino training on F4E aircraft that prepared him for duty in Ton Son Knut Saigon Vietnam with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on RF4C aircraft. Relocating with his squadron to Misawa Japan before rotating back to the states, Craig was honored with achieving Master Crew Chief for Pacific Air Force.
End of tour brought Craig to McCord Air Force Base, Tacoma Washington and new life decisions. While attending Tacoma College and University of Washington, Craig touched base with Yacht Yard for early days in the Marine Industry. Before long, he relocated to San Carlos Ca for employment with Bay Marine. By 1976, Craig had achieved factory certifications for OMC, Johnson/Evinrude, Mercury, Mercruiser and Volvo. Props were turning full throttle.
As Craig opened his first Sole Proprietorship under the name Wilson's Boat Wrench in Belmont Ca, he trained Rich Lent who would become the next owner and retain the name of Belmont Boats still going strong today. Wilson's Paradise Marine, opening in 1983, began the next chapter with his move to Paradise Ca.
Craig's wife of the past 28 years, Donna, maintained the canvas department, producing custom boat covers and bimini's. With appreciation for the many requests to reopen the canvas department, but since time is of the essence for reorganizing service, sales and accessories, canvas will be revisited at a future date.
After the devastating fire of 2018, long hours of contemplating their future drew Craig and Donna closer to remaining in Paradise, determined that the Autumn years of life would be equally as fulfilling and exciting as their beginning.
With that decision set in stone, each new layer of the rebuild brought more appreciation for that old property of 5368 Clark Road, once only home to Wilson's Paradise Marine and an early settler by the name of Luther Sage Kelly (aka, Yellowstone Kelly).
Then came another consideration to explore, and the story begins once again.
Adam Seaholm, former employee and owner of Daddy's Boat and RV began communications regarding a partnership which could bring back Marine sales and service, as well as Recreational Vehicle sales and service to Paradise.
Just so happened that his father Art, had retired from the marine industry in Alaska with nearly 50 years of experience, which would represent nearly 100 years combined schooling, knowledge and qualifications between Craig and Art. Enhanced by business experience of 28+ years from Donna, not ready for the rocking chair, the idea of a union was only common sense.
Thus rounds out the story of Wilson's Paradise Marine and Daddy's Boat and RV, working happily ever after in Paradise Ca.
The concept of Adam at the Helm, flanked by Craig, Art, Donna and employees Tom, Aaron and Logan will provide a future of excellent service as an authorized service center for American Turbin, Berkeley Jet, BRP, Cobra, Hamilton Jet, Indmar, Mercury/Mariner, Mercruiser, OMC, Outboard Jets and Volvo is just a phone call away.
At the south/west corner of 5368 Clark Road, a monument is dedicated to the preservation of historical events connected to a prominent figure named Luther Sage Kelly. Now, this very property bears witness to the devastating fire of 2018 which almost destroyed it. As with Luther Sage Kelly, during his years on earth, those of us who choose to rebuild our community recognize the importance of moving forward, diversifying in the process and accomplishing what is in the best interest of all of us who survived.
