Craig Hightower
In
Memoriam
August
14, is a day of
sadness for us, but also full of happy memories of our loving, wildly
adventurous, gentle son who lived life fully and well. We
share with you this photo taken by
kayaking friends, Bob & Becky Stender. Sincerely, Craig's Mom &
Dad August 12, 2008
In
Memoriam
If you have stories to share, please share them here.
All stories, thoughts, and other entries will be forwarded to Craig's
family.
If you have pictures
to post, please send them here and we'll get them uploaded asap:
craiginmemoriam@regathon.com
|
Lucy O'Brien lucye@post.harvard.edu
Wednesday,
August 15, 2007, 8:50 PST
My
heart
has dropped through the floor and tears are running down my face. I
really admired how Craig
embraced
life in so many dimensions (paddling in rivers, oceans, surf,
expeditions, road cycling,
motorcycling,
jazz). But from my experience, what stands out about him is the way he
loved to share
his fun-seeking joy with
others. I knew him best through the classtwokayakers listserv of his,and remember
how upbeat and supportive he was in that setting and also how on the river he often
held back on his own
thrill-seeking to mentor others like me with less
experience. Craig was without doubt one of the guys in
white hatsin
this world. It seems so wrong that someone who lived so fully and gave
so much
to others
should be taken away from us so suddenly. In my mind's eye, he
lives on, surfing Barking Dog with
a huge sh!t-eating grin on his face. I'll run TroubleMaker
backwards (the 'Craig move') in his honor.
Paddle
on, Craig.
Lucy
Bill
Wednesday, August 15 2007, 19:20:14 PST
Hi Craig. I know you're listening. 'Cause that's the thing. You ALWAYS
Listen. I miss you already. Bill.
Ed Anderson eja@csc-research.com
Thursday, August 16 2007, 12:14:52 PST
I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear about Craig’s accident
yesterday. It is clear from the phone calls I had the day of this
tragedy and the posts on Buzz that Craig touched a lot of people’s
lives. I certainly count myself lucky to have known him. Craig was a
warm, outgoing guy whose enjoyment of life was contagious. Some of us
were lucky enough to paddle – or ride or party – with him and bask in
some of his positive vibe. He made people feel welcome and relaxed, and
he was more than generous with his encouragement and support. He was a
good person. The world was a little bit better place with him in it. My
heartfelt sympathies go out to Laurel and Craig’s family. Ed
Greg Leopold procyon@scrserv.com
Thursday, August 16 2007, 15:13:05 PST
The day of Craig's accident was one of the saddest of my life. His loss
has crushed my world as I'm sure it has for so many others. I know
Craig from another sport that he enjoyed; motorcycling. I met him when
we were both roadracing with AFM at Sears Point race track. That was
almost 20 years ago. We became fierce competitors and fast friends. I
was aware of his interest in kayaking. I never shared it with him. But,
whether you knew Craig from kayaking or motorcycling, you knew Craig's
passion for whatever sport/activity that he was involved in. Being the
person that he was, he always shared his experiences with anyone who
would listen or log on to his website. All of his exploits are
cataloged for all to read and enjoy at www.backroadsboogie.com. We've
lost a truly gifted human being. The world is diminished by his loss. I
share in this loss and will have to learn to live in a world without
Craig. Greg Leopold
Bob Bruinsma
Thursday, August 16 2007, 17:58:59 PST
Craig? Ain't enuf bits in the Internet to describe Craig. Let's
just say, we'll miss you bro. Save a couple cervezas for us. Bob
LaRhee Webster larhee@wbstr.com
Thursday, August 16 2007, 20:01:00 PST
Dude, we are stunned and saddened...all of us...everyone you have
ever touched with your vibrant life, winning smile and generous nature.
How can it be that you are suddenly gone from us? Craig, you were the
best. I remember a paddle out of Berkeley when you willingly turned
back to became the last in the pack to accompany another paddler who
was struggling, timid and threatened in the wind waves. How many times
have I seen you there at O Dark Thirty for early morning roll call as a
kayak escort for various events on the bay? And weren't you always
there at Mendo bringing a smile to everyone? Anybody who was willing to
paddle with me at my speed (slow) and willing to talk about kayaks,
motorcycles and airplanes has got to be THE BEST! Truly a light has
gone out and we are saddened. You have touched us and we miss you.
Hopefully your positive outlook and fun-loving spirit will live on in
our lives and deeds.I'm going to go make your brownies and celebrate
your memory with true BASK style...with food and chocolate. Cheers! The
adventure continues..... Paddle on. LaRhee Webster
Mark fzburk@california.com
Thursday, August 16 2007, 20:44:24 PST
Craig was probably the most positive person I have ever known.
Always something good to say about everyone, willing to share his
experience and knowledge, and upbeat about the process of learning his
love of bikes and kayaks. Craig lived life to the fullest, enjoying
each and every experience. Ironically he was one of the most safety
conscious riders I knew. He politely suggested I wear more gear on my
bike. Craig will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to know
him. He was truly a nice, giving man.
Glenn Nunez glenn@woodware.us
Thursday, August 16 2007, 21:07:26 PST
As I would guess many of you are, I'm still in shock over this
tragedy. I've known Craig since joining BASK several years ago and had
the good fortune to have camped and paddled with him in the San Juans
last month. We paddled together every day and I came to know him as an
extremely competent kayaker, but more as a person one really wanted to
have around. Doug, Donna, Don and I were fortunate that Craig joined us
on our three day paddling sojourn. Unfailingly, he was the first to set
up camp, get meals prepared, and pack up each morning. That just left
him more time to help out the rest of us or to entertain us with his
humor and his seemingly limitless store of adventure and travel tales.
A brief article from today's paper:
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_6621430?IADID=Search-
www.insidebayarea.com-www.insidebayarea.com There are also several
blogs around, particularly from his friends in the motorcycling
community, which recall what a great guy and good friend Craig was to
so many. Craig was one of those rare individuals among us who truly
lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed... Glenn
Susan McReynolds
mooresu@sonic.net
Thursday, August 16 2007, 21:32:51 PST
Like others, I also spent Tuesday afternoon reading Craig's
website. I had viewed it many times before, in pieces, as I followed
the links in the posts of Craig's regular adventures. I was amazed that
a guy could do so very much in the same time that the rest of us have.
After repeated raves about those brownies, I downloaded the recipe.
More recently, after my move to San Leandro, separated only by the San
Leandro Creek/Channel from Alameda, we exchanged emails a few times
about more local issues. I finally got to meet Craig in person on Lopez
Island, in the San Juans this summer. I was struck by how open, happy,
kind, supportive, giving and genuine this guy was. Not only were his
posts and website very upbeat, but he exuded that same full joy of life
in person. We played leap-frog on the long drive home, even bumping
into each other through emails from our motel rooms in the post-San
Juan glow of trip reports. Funny. Although on an intellectual basis, I
understand and accept the news, I am still a bit in disbelief, on an
emotional level, that this life- filled and vibrant man is gone. In my
mind's eye, I still see him in motion, and I hear his laugh. I am very
happy for him that he had met Laurel. It seems that she brought a very
special dimension into his life. My heart goes out to Laurel and his
parents, and to others that were closest to him. Susan
Joe Sharp e-sharp9999@sbcglobal.net
Friday, August 17 2007, -1:08:56 PST
I misssed out big not taking the opportunity to getto know Craig
better while I had a chance. The vivid memory of his campsight remains:
an awning over his most serious cooking set up, Pat Pruit for good
company, some jazz playing, and him looking at me just like in this
picture. Hope its that good on the other side, Craig.
Steven Schreibman
odesertman@gmail.com
Friday, August 17 2007, 11:05:08 PST
How shocking. I cant believe it. He was a great spirit full with
adventure generosity and joy. Saddened by the loss. Steven Schreibman
Lisa Bickford lisa@inreach.com
Friday, August 17 2007, 12:05:57 PST
Thank you, Craig, for all the paddling memories and the cerveza! Lisa
John Alfonso jalfonsojr@inreach.com
Friday, August 17 2007, 12:52:13 PST
I was fortunate to know Craig first through motorcycling, we were
introduced by our late friend Don Jenson, and later through kayaking. I
remember his old Tiger pulling up to CCK when I worked there and in
walked Craig. Like everything he pursued he became an expert paddler.
It was always good to see him and hear about his trip to the Galapagos
or Alaska or Baja. He always left me with a little voice in my head
saying "get off yer ass!" His life is a great lesson for all of us.
Goodbye good friend. May Heaven's twisty canyon roads all be positive
camber and may her glorious rivers be easy class III's. Godspeed John
and Elaine
Jesse graysby@comcvast.net
Friday, August 17 2007, 14:12:44 PST
I think we will all remember Craig for his fun positive attitude. He
was a very warm out going person that we will all miss. I was very
fortunate that I got to know Craig and paddle with him. We'll miss you.
Jesse
Emily emilymiggins@sbcglobal.net
Friday, August 17 2007, 14:55:57 PST
I have only known Craig for about 4 years. Craig was one of those
people you always secretly admire, but never say it out loud. I regret
that now--I should have said it outloud--YOU ROCK CRAIG!!! I admired
Craig because beyond being an incredible animal lover, expert
motorcyclist, DIYer with his home and adventure traveler, excellent
cook, and beautiful friend...he had humility and he actually cared
about people's stories. Here is a funny one. Over the last couple years
Craig and I would go back and forth on who he was dating, what he was
missing in life, what I was doing etc. It was kinda strange actually
how we got into this habbit, because we were not tremendously close in
daily life, just in spurts a few times a year. But one day sitting back
drinking a beer at a Motorgirlie gathering Craig leaned over, totally
casual and said to me "Em, nice ad on Match." I crapped my pants and
proceeded to blow beer through my nostrels. I could not believe a
"friend" had discovered my personal ad!! He then proceeded to tell me
each and every Motorgirlie that had an ad up online, which I thought
was funny. But still he "GOT me...." A few day's later I got an email
from him asking me "what happend Em to your Match. com?" I told him I
was so horrified that other male motorcyclists could see my ad! He told
me it was the "all time" shortest lived Match.com ad he'd ever
witnessed. This year I saw him briefly out at an event and he asked me
to introduce him to Mr. Woderful, my boyfriend Jesse and I got to meet
Laurel. We just sort of were applauding one another for finding the
elusive "it" in life. He proceeded to give me a top notch expert
lecture on traveling in Ecuador...as I was toying with going down and
doing some dirt biking and animal gazing. Over time Craig and I would
exchange emails, about his visits to a friend in Arizona and she had a
child and about his love of kids and sometimes he'd secretly desire his
own family. Other times Craig would chime in on a political issue, or
give me an idea for a camping trip. We'd talk chocolate and wine like
he did with so many of us. He was easy to be around, I remember him
adding a bottle of beer to a pot of chilli I had made, and it was just
the touch it needed! Craig saved my butt I cannot even count how many
times during the 2004 Motorgirlie Death Valley ride. But he never had
an ego, or was teasing about an inferior bike and newer rider. He was a
coach and a good one. Craig was just the sort of person who fell into
place in life. He was a big brother, a mentor, a leader, an educator,
and a friend. He will be sorely missed by so many. I am gathering
pictures as well for a Slide show to share with friends and family of
Craig. Please send me a photo if you would like me to add one with a
caption. The URL is below, get a tissue ready. RIP friend, warmth to
everyone, Em "You start the game with a full pot o’ luck and an empty
pot o’ experience... The object is to fill the pot of experience before
you empty the pot of luck."
Click for the slideshow
Earl MInkler e.minkler@comcast.net
Friday, August 17 2007, 18:54:44 PST
I am very sad to hear of Craig's passing. I feel enriched and lucky to
have had him as a friend. I have known few people that had a love of
life and the ability to pursue his passions the way he did. We had some
great camping, motorcycling and club experiences together. I am pissed
that it was cut short by such and avoidable incident. We had a lot more
life to live. I will always have fond memories of Craig and the ways he
made a positive change in my life. Craig was my hero when it came to
vacations. I will surely miss him and look forward to those long rides
into the sunset when we meet again up there. Laurel you are in my
prayers. Earl
Gino Fortunato ginof@mindspring.com
Friday, August 17 2007, 20:18:14 PST
wow, what can you say?! The world is definitely a lesser place. We need
more people with Craig's positive energy. Craig knew enough to be a
'know it all' bore. But, instead of being a egomaniac and relentless
self promoter, he was the world's nicest guy. His encyclopedic
knowledge was awesome. It's hard to believe how many things he knew
about. But never in an in your face way. Never pontificating about
this, that or the other thing. Instead, Craig would be your very own
google search. right there in front of you. All we had to do was ask.
But the answer would not be dry links on a web page, the answer would
be delivered with a passion that showed, one that told you he was not
'making it up', one that let you know it was the real deal. His passion
and organizational skills are legendary. But I don't know if we truly
appreciated them. My guess is we are about to learn how much he brought
to the table. My guess is we won't be happy about it. I think Craig is
the first person I know who has actually died while riding. To be
honest, he's the last person I would have expected it to have happened
to. In my limited experience, Craig NEVER rode out of control. It kind
of shakes you up. It has my wife freaked out. Sort of like when Larry
Grodsky, the motorcycle safety columnist died earlier this year when he
hit a deer. The difference is I knew Craig. Not nearly well enough, but
I did know him. But my intention is to honor Craig every day. How? By
living life to its fullest. He showed us how. We just have to follow in
his footsteps, the best way that we can. Hopefully, we can all take
this moment to turn ourselves to a better way, even just a little.
Paul Furlong mototourscr@gmail.com
Friday, August 17 2007, 20:40:28 PST
I rented bikes to Craig over most of my ten years here in Costa Rica.
Usually it was, "here's the bike, have fun", and he was off with a joke
and a smile. Those short moments were enough to establish a friendship
of sorts. The last time I saw him I was serving my last few months with
one company and about to start with another, better group. He was with
a friend. Well, the bikes broke and I had to meet them in Puntarenas
with the truck. We then spent the remainder of the afternoon in my Land
Cruiser heading back to Atenas. The conversation was lively and
intelligent. We talked about Moto GP, the new company I was hoping to
be involved with and a miriod of things that seemed important at the
time. Mostly, it was a sharing of mutual respect and admiration. We
were supposed to meet again in December. I'll notice that date as it
goes by, and I'll wonder if that's all there is to it.
Rick Blair sgtsurf@sbcglobal.net
Friday, August 17 2007, 22:43:02 PST
----- Original Message ----- From: Rick Blair To:
classtwokayakers@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 9:16
PM Subject: Goodbye ;-(..... Goodbye Craigums. I will always remember
your favorite quote; Life without adventure is a slow, dull death!
Right now I'm very pissed off, I regret not spending more time riding
and paddling with you, but I was changing that....I thought. Damned
I'll miss your smile. I have been taking my motorcycles to work all
week...I thought twice today, but rode in again...just to stay
centered,thinking of you. Bro's SGTSURF
Jenning Gee jgeelcsw@msn.com
Saturday, August 18 2007, 1:20:46 PST
I am so deeply saddened and still in shock. One of the nicest person on
this earth one would ever know. He's such a giving and caring person. A
very honest person and so positive. I have known him from our kayaking
community and was on the recent trip to the San Juan Islands. He's
certainly made me a better person over the years I've gotten to know
him. I just know that he will be missed terribly by many. I do believe
that there is a reason for everything. I also believe that Craig will
still be with us in our hearts. Jenning
Jon Jay chopperguy@localnet.com
Saturday, August 18 2007, 9:33:44 PST
Throughout our lifetime, we meet people from different walks of life
that have a lasting impression on us and touch our lives in a very
positive way. I was very fortunate to have met Craig and paddled with
him on one of the many whitewater trips that he organized. I could not
say enough of his heartwarming personality and generous interest in
others. God bless you Craig and I know that He has a special place for
you! Jon
Rick Cecil zoanas@yahoo.com
Saturday, August 18 2007, 12:55:14 PST
I worked with Craig at Oakland Center for the last decade. We spent
mornings together during briefings and telecons, and ALWAYS talked
about our common passion of motorsports. I race Porsches, and rode
bikes for quite awhile. He was the guy at work that couldn't wait to
hear about my latest track experience, and I couldn't wait to hear
about the last adventure he went on. I never saw him angry. He and I
weren't close friends, but he always lit up when we met, as though he
had been waiting just to hear the next chapter from me. I wish I had
known him better outside of work. Godspeed, Craig, I'll miss your
smile.
Kevin Whilden kwhilden at gmail
Sunday, August 19 2007, 18:50:02 PST
I'm really going to miss Craig. Having just moved to Bay Area this
summer, he was the first person I paddled with. I was immediately
struck by his enormous friendly nature. That trip down Chili Bar was
such a blast, and I recall being surprised how much we had in common
with regard to kayaking interests. Whitewater, surfing, sea kayaking,
and teaching beginners how to kayak. I was looking forward to many more
river and sea trips this summer with him, but he'll live on in spirit.
Two memories stand out: First, there was his birthday party in July on
the SF American. He did all the work organizing the trip, and paid for
everyone's camping and brought a huge quantity of food and drinks.
Craig was a lot more interested in making sure everyone else had a
great time on his birthday party. That's a special trait. Second, on
that same weekend, we paddled the Gorge and came upon a kayaker who had
cut his face quite badly on Hospital Bar. Craig provided the "hospital"
by pulling out his first-aid kit in a nice neat little dry bag. I've
never carried a first aid kit in 20 years of kayaking, but he was a
master at being prepared. Good bye Craig. I hope you are finding the
endless surf. Kevin
Michele LifeisBeauty7772003@yahoo.com
Monday, August 20 2007, 9:23:47 PST
I only met Craig a handful of times but had visited his website many
times looking at his pictures and reading his stories. I wish I had
known him better but what I did know of him through another good friend
and coworker was all positive. I will try to take his life as an
example and "live life to the fullest" My heart and prayers goes out to
his family and all of the friends who knew him so well, you are the
lucky ones to have known him. Godspeed Craig
Lee Van Pelt lvanpelt@ip-patent.com
Tuesday, August 21 2007, 3:22:00 PST
I met Craig on a whitewater trip on the Rogue River. He made the trip
for us and cemented together a good group of friends. He had alot of
fun being a nice guy. From now on, a backwards run down Troublemaker
will be called a "Hightower" since he so perfectly made the move with a
huge grin on his birthday.
Jessy jessywoman@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 22 2007, 10:38:52 PST
I only met Craig briefly once, but on Motogirlies a few weeks ago we
were exchanging e-mails about motorcycle safety and safety gear. I
always give my boyfriend a hard time about not wearing enough safety
gear, and Craig had some great insight to share. I forwarded it to my
boyfriend and I hope his words make an impact. Having been in two
accidents myself and miraculously walked away from both know it's a big
mystery as to weather it's your time or what the circumstances are
surrounding it, but I am sure it had nothing to do with Craig's own
caution and ability on two wheels. He commented on my email throughout
it, it's dated Monday, July 30, 2007: --- Jessica
<jessywoman@sbcglobal.net> wrote: > Thanks for the thoughtful
response. > I really am very concerned for my boyfriend. Yeah,
sometimes it's hard to convince people to ride smart. You can be the
greatest rider in the world but things have a way of sneaking up on
you. I have had friend's hit in the city, hit in the country and have
had my own surprises. Like the time a car driveshaft came bouncing out
from under the car in front of me in the middle of 880 South! I managed
to hit it and ride over it with minimal damage to the bike and no
crash. Could have been a lot worse. > We actually made a deal, he
had to get and wear a DOT > approved helmet and I had to quit
smoking. I still crave and > he hates wearing his hot helmet, but
hey we will both live > longer, hopefully. Just need to find a
substitute for that craving! ;) There are lots of great helmets out
there. My Shoei X-11 has a lot of venting...almost too much for my
taste. Try several on and see what feels best. > See, I am a HUGE
advocate of wearing LOTS of gear. In fact I > am working with a
friend on creating a line of plus-size > women's moto gear (with
armor!) Very cool! Mota was working with several manufacturers right
before they closed shop. Too bad. I hope you have better luck! >...
but my BF sees himself as a > rogue, lone harley biker who rides his
chopper he built > himself in nothing but a t-shirt, shorts,
turtle-shell > (novelty helmet) and converse sneakers. I give him
crap all > the time, but how can we convince someone like this to
look > beyond style and "the harley way"?? Tell him to ride up to
Vallejo Harley Davidson and look up the owner, Thom. Ask his about his
wife's experience on a group ride where she was wearing a half face
helmet and hit the road. She'll give you an earful about riding without
decent protection! > thanks again for the insight. You betcha! Ride
safe! c Craig webmaster backroadsboogie dot com
Janice Gardner-Loster oyukwi@yahoo.com
Friday, August 24 2007, 16:18:28 PST
Words cannot express my shock and sadness upon hearing about Craig’s
accident. Our encounters through BASK were few, but my respect for him
has always been huge. I first met Craig in December 2003 in, of all
places, the El Salvador (San Salvador) airport—small world! We both had
a change of planes on our way to our respective kayaking adventures,
Craig in Honduras and me in Costa Rica. At BASK Mendocino 2005, Craig
together with Dick Ryon coaxed me to paddle out of Russian Gulch to
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse with them. Although I have a white-knuckle
view of paddling the ocean, Craig and Dick were the perfect paddling
partners to help me build my confidence through their patient guidance.
And then there is chocolate. I don’t know how he kept his truffles in
the heat at Mendocino last year, but they waited until the potluck to
melt in one’s mouth. I don’t think I ever saw Craig without a big smile
on his face or heard him speak an unkind word. He was truly a gentle
man. My heart goes out to his parents, Laurel, and all those whose
lives he has touched.
Dan Ward wardconst@netzero.com
Tuesday, August 28 2007, 7:29:43 PST
I just found out about Craig's accident. I am blown away. I was always
running into him on the So.Fork American paddeling.We were @ Barking
Dog doing a surfing session together just four days before the
accident. I did not know him very well but he had an energy about him
that was so strong and good. All that encountered him could feel it and
benefitted from it. Like I said I did not know him very well, you did
not need to... to feel close. He had a great soul. God bless him.He is
paddeling only "high water" now.He definitely made the world a better
place. Sincerely, Dan
Sherry McKillop sherry@followyourcompass.com
Tuesday, August 28 2007, 13:08:32 PST
Craig Hightower: generous, compassion, enthusiasm, enrolling, leader,
companion, friend, vibrant, laughter, fun, energy, life lived well,
profound contribution.
James Subido James@Subido.Net
Wednesday, August 29 2007, 20:55:48 PST
While I've only met Craig once on a whitewater kayaking trip, he made
an indelible impression on me. His unbridled enthusiasm for kayaking
was punctuated by boisterous laughter and eager anticipation for the
rapids that lay ahead. He sought to improve his paddling skills through
constant practice fueled by his bountiful and seemingly limitless
supply of energy. His passion for the water and zest for adventure
reminded me of the essence of the sport -- kayaking is about immersing
yourself in nature while riding the flow of current as it takes you to
discover new places while meeting wonderful people such as...Craig
Hightower.
Gregg :o) ofarchesandants@yahoo.com
Monday, September 3 2007, 12:02:06 PST
SORRY TO NOT BE THERE Having missed the last couple of Craig's paddles
and having not yet gotten to meet Laurel. I was especially saddened to
miss the paddle this weekend. Alas yeaterday afternoon while goofy off
in the ocean I hurt my back making it impossible for me to paddle or
drive. Lying around taking meds and watching videos has been the limit
for me. But I certainly hope the weekend went well, was cathartic and
fun and filled with great memories of craig. Whether officially listed
as a craig memorial or not I'm sure thoughts of craig will be with us
all on many, many of our paddles and other adventures for years to
come. cheers, gregg :o)
Thursday, September 27 2007, 11:02:04 PST
I miss him so much.
Sunday, July 20 2008, 18:26:39 PST
Happy birthday Pooh!!
Alicia Padilla alicia94555@yahoo.com
Friday, August 8 2008, 15:52:43 PST
Can someone pls email & tell me when & how???? I knew Craig
& havent spoken in a few .... Im sooo freakin shocked!!!
Alicia Padilla alicia94555@yahoo.com
Friday, August 8 2008, 16:26:53 PST
Can someone pls email & tell me when & how???? I knew Craig
& havent spoken in a few .... Im sooo freakin shocked!!!
Sam sam@eyeyak.com
Tuesday, August 12 2008, 18:01:55 PST
Craig, I can't believe it's been a year. Thing is, you aren't gone: you'll always be with us! Throttle up, man! Love always!
Lynn Seigerman seigernet@yahoo.com
Thursday, August 14 2008, 7:49:17 PST
I just re-read, and re-lived, some 2007 whitewater memories from Craig's Backroads Boogie site. Craig has been in my thoughts frequently during the past year, and his constant smile and unbelievable generosity leaves me with the warmest of feelings. Craig, we were happy and lucky to be a part of your life.
Lynn Seigerman seigernet@yahoo.com
Thursday, August 14 2008, 7:56:42 PST
I just re-read, and re-lived, some 2007 whitewater memories from Craig's Backroads Boogie site. Craig has been in my thoughts frequently during the past year, and his constant smile and unbelievable generosity leaves me with the warmest of feelings. Craig, we were happy and lucky to be a part of your life.
Steve Roach bugmoto@comcast.net
Friday, November 20 2009, 20:03:17 PST
Craig was a superbly skilled rider, a thoughtful and intelligent human being and a genuinely positive influence on everyone he came into contact with- no matter how incidental the encounter. I first met him on the Sunday Morning Ride many years ago (trying to catch up with him) and I enjoyed running into him from time to time ever since- usually on the road, at the track or the annual S.F. motorcycle show. It was always good to see him- he seemed to be always smiling. On the Ride he had great lines through the corners, interesting conversation at breakfast, and what seemed like a boundless enthusisam for adventure and the company of kindred spirits. A creative and talented guy, he made doing hard things look easy and seemed to relish being part of the fun his friends got from traveling on two wheels. A class act. What a heartbreaking loss, but what a life he lived! Godspeed Craig. My sympathies go out to your family and friends who will always miss you...
|
|
The
Patented "Hightower Move."
Paddling backwards down "Troublemaker" on the
South Fork of the American River:
|