NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. — Clifford “Craig” Heindel, MD, 78, most recently of North Hampton and formerly of New Castle, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 29, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

He was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1939, the son of the late Judson C. and Mary W. (Craig) Heindel.

Dr. Heindel was raised in Chattanooga and graduated from the Baylor School before receiving his undergraduate and medical training from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He served as a neurosurgeon at St. Mary Hospital and Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME, from 1980-1997. After moving to the seacoast in 1997, he served at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital in Dover, Exeter Hospital, Parkland Medical Center in Derry and was affiliated at Portsmouth Regional Hospital with Coastal New Hampshire Neurosurgeons at the time of his death.

Dr. Heindel was an avid downhill skier, had a love for the water, sailing and kayaking, was a passionate cook and loved the family cabin in the Adirondacks built by his father in the Depression.

He was a member of the Medical Ethics Board at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and in his earlier years served with the U.S. Army Reserves.

He shared 24 years of marriage with his wife, Margaret “Margie” Heindel.

In addition to his wife, family members include six children, Christian Heindel of Athens, Ga., Stephanie Heindel, MD, of Corvallis, Ore., Clifford Heindel Jr. and Justine Matthews, both of Durham, N.C., and Annaliese and Gretchen Heindel, both of North Hampton; and his grandson, Montgomery Matthews.

Please visit www.RemickGendron.com to view Crag’s memorial website, sign his tribute wall or for directions.

Clifford Heindel