The BCIT Foundation pays tribute to an extraordinary donor and BCIT alumnus, Craig Widsten, whose life’s work left a lasting mark on British Columbia’s Central Coast and the communities he served.
Few individuals have shaped British Columbia’s Central Coast as profoundly as BCIT alumnus Craig Widsten, a member of the Institute’s first graduating class. An entrepreneur, community builder, and philanthropist, Craig dedicated his life to strengthening isolated communities, building essential infrastructure, and fostering relationships with Indigenous partners. His passing marks the loss of a remarkable leader whose influence continues to be felt throughout the Bella Bella and Denny Island region and far beyond.
Rooted on the Coast
Craig’s family roots on the Central Coast date back to 1894 when his grandfather settled in the Bella Coola Valley. The region changed significantly during the Second World War with the establishment of the Royal Canadian Air Force reconnaissance base at Shearwater. After the war, Craig’s father, Andrew Widsten, purchased a significant portion of the decommissioned base and transformed it into a marine services hub providing repairs, freight transportation, sawmill operations, and essential services for fishers.
Working alongside his father, Craig gained practical experience and a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with sustaining a remote community.
Finding his path at BCIT
After spending seven years in the family business, Craig recognized the need for formal business training. In 1964, Craig enrolled in BCIT’s Business Management program. Balancing coursework, part-time work, family responsibilities, and travel between Burnaby and the Central Coast, he graduated with honours in 1966 as a member of BCIT’s first graduating class.
The Institute’s applied, hands-on approach shaped Craig’s leadership philosophy and gave him the tools to manage complex operations with confidence. He often reflected that BCIT provided the foundation that guided every major decision in his career.
“BCIT took a kid who knew boats and gave him the language of business,” he reflected. “It gave me the tools that guided every adventure ahead.”
Taking the helm of Shearwater
In 1967, Craig purchased Shearwater’s assets when his father retired. Although he initially intended to resell the property, he quickly realized that the community depended on the jobs and services Shearwater provided. As a result, Craig chose to stay.
Over the next few decades, Craig transformed Shearwater into a modern marine services centre and regional anchor. He contributed to the electrification of the Bella Bella region and expanded marine infrastructure, including shipyards, docks, concrete floats, and a 70-ton travel lift. He also developed essential transportation networks, offering water taxi services and tug-and-barge operations that moved fuel, freight, construction materials, and emergency supplies throughout the region.
By the 1990s, Shearwater had grown into a vibrant, self-sustaining community with a general store, post office, hardware store, laundromat, community school, recreational spaces, a BC Ferries terminal, and an airport. He also supported the growth of eco-tourism while encouraging the economic participation of the local Heiltsuk First Nation.
Partnership, and shared stewardship
Craig maintained a long and respectful relationship with the Heiltsuk Nation grounded in collaboration and respect. In 2013, he donated land for the Bella Bella RCAF War Memorial and Cenotaph, honouring his father’s military service and the region’s wartime legacy.
On July 1, 2021, the Widsten family sold Shearwater to the Heiltsuk Nation, marking the beginning of a new chapter rooted in sovereignty and shared responsibility for the region’s future.
The Widsten Family Bursary at BCIT
In 2017, Craig established the Widsten Family Foundation to give back to the communities including his alma mater. Working with the BCIT Foundation, he created an annual bursary and an in-term achievement award for students pursuing education in business at BCIT.
He believed strongly in accessible, applied education and in creating opportunities for younger generations. Today, the awards funded by the Widsten Family Foundation continues to open doors for students who might otherwise never access advanced training ensuring Craig’s belief in education as a tool for uplifting community lives on.
Through his vision, humility, and unwavering commitment to community, Craig demonstrated how one person, guided by purpose and respect, can strengthen an entire region and leave a legacy that supports the next generation of leaders.