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Craig Douglas Jackson

Craig Douglas Jackson

March 16th, 1971 - June 14th, 2021

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Name Craig Douglas Jackson
Date of Birth March 16th, 1971
Date of Death June 14th, 2021
Home Town Geelong, VIC, AU 

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Gayle Potts published a tribute .

Craig co-founded the WeCycle community bike shed with me in 2016 rehoming bicycles with refugees and asylum seekers and others in need. As Craig said "every kid deserves to ride a bike". Bike shed still going strong and this project would never have gotten off the ground without Craig. The team at WeCycle send their condolences.

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Sb published a comment .

We are keeping it going. R.I.P.

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James Robins published a tribute .

As I watched the fabulous celebration of Craig's life from lockdown in NSW today, I was reminded how his life touched, guided and influenced so many others... how he always brought people together to form new friendships... and that legacy continued today.

When I was an outsider - Craig accepted me
In the important moments - Craig celebrated with me
When I was contemplating something new - Craig encouraged me
In the good times - Craig laughed with me
When greeting after long absences - Craig embraced me
When I was struggling - Craig counselled me
Now that he is gone - his friends go on with me.

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Louise Vernieux published a comment .

Lovely James

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Katherine Freeman published a tribute .

I met CJ when I was 17. First year of Uni and first time living away from home. I was shy and awkward and living with bunch of strangers I was too scared to talk to at first. CJ was an extrovert, so warm and friendly, interested in people and interested in having fun. We hit it off pretty well. He taught me tricks to getting good marks in art history essays. He helped me to break into Sherwood House when I’d locked myself out. He made sure I was included. One night there was party I didn’t feel like going to at first. I was home alone and it was unusually quiet at Sherwood House. It got lonely pretty quickly. Before long CJ turned up at the door, without me asking he had come back from the party to pick me up. CJ was kind, generous and irreverent and I hold dear the memories of his friendship.

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Lynne Franke published a comment .

Gorgeous memories Katherine. x

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Julie Quinlan published a tribute .

Today’s celebration of Craig’s life was beautiful with family and friends sharing their precious memories of a very loved partner, son, brother, cousin and friend. Sending love and support to Lizzie and family as life continues on without Craig by your side.

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Karen Mudge published a tribute .

Thinking of you all today. Will never forget all those hours we spent playing Monopoly in Craig's bedroom as kids, family picnics and camping trips, Christmases with the Blakeleys. Although we were always that bit younger, Craig, Susan and Paul always included us and kept us entertained. Will miss that infectious smile and happy go lucky approach to life that I could definitely learn from! In Eucla now, and will be sure to have a beer for you at the end of today's travels. Vale Cousin Craig

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Belinda Wells published a tribute .

I love this photo of Liz and Craig. I had to post it to show the impromptu marriage celebration we we privy to. Craig in his silver number and Liz in my favourite Bros t shirt and a veil. Priceless!

I met Craig initially at a 21st and the party literally came alive when he arrived. Years later my good friend Liz started dating him. And Omg the banter and wit as they bounced off each other was hilarious.

Craig will definitely be missed. He was so charismatic, witty, brutally honest but so so funny.

My thoughts are with you Liz and all the family. I hope this photo makes you smile, it certainly made me.

Lot of love Bel

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James Chow published a tribute .

Last time I got to hand out in person. Such a great get together in Dec 2011

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James Chow published a tribute .

This was when I visited Liz & Craig in Sydney Jan 2003.
I had the pleasure in calling CJ my good friend while in Uni. Got up to memorable things that are all a bit blurry now.
You are such a great person and loved by many.
Lots of love to you my friend.

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Louise Vernieux published a tribute .

I was lucky enough to become friends with Craig at school when we were 15/16. About two years later we discovered we were fourth cousins. Our surprise shared space with our giggles of relief that we had never snogged. Since then Craig has been a steadfast feature in my life. He was always up for anything with a hearty “Yes!”….unless it was it was dumb arse idea, then he would steer us all in the right direction with his decisive rejection of our stupidity. Then came Lizzy and the two started a love story that was the envy of us all. They were the perfect pair and Lizzy and I became great friends. After our wanderings in our 20s we found ourselves together in Melbourne, after which they were there for all the important times of my life. After some poor choices on the relationship front I met John: Craig was the first person I asked for his opinion about my choice of mate, as I trusted him to guide me well. He gave his approval, wisely it turned out, and he and Lizzy were at our wedding. They were there in the hazy days after I had my first child, gently pointing out that post-breastfeeding and so very sleep deprived my boob was still hanging out. They brought me a bottle of Mumm champagne and left us to our haze, Craig and Lizzy clearly in shock at what we’d done to ourselves. They never wanted to have children, apart from the odd go at eating one of mine (“no Craig, spit that out!”). Craig would often look quizzically at my two sons, wondering what they were for, something that has occasionally crossed my mind too, and there was more than one moment that I envied their child-free life despite the usual joys of mine. But even though our paths in life veered we kept our common ground, values and views, and we especially loved sharing our travel stories and our love of good food and wine, so that our friendship deepened with the patina of time. In more recent years Craig took to making drunken and profound friendship affirming statements that always touched me deeply, and I’m so grateful for them now. I last saw him at his 50th and I’m happy that among our last words were “I love you Cuz”. There are so many things I am yet to see and experience that will always provoke the memory of him: a wicked beef rendang, parties on boats, good tequila drunk irresponsibly, sexy black leather couches called Noel, crazy cats, molten glass sculptures, goatees, and time spent with Lizzy (you will always be my bitch, and I will be yours). In the weeks since Craig’s death I’ve often caught myself smiling as I flashback to seeing his left arm raised high in a pre-hug curve, his face smiling as it always was, and him growling “come ‘ere!” as he wrapped me in one of his truly genuine hugs. He lived every corner and crevice of his life, following each dream and passion, he and Lizzy supportive of each other in their shared and separate pursuits. It’s true, Craig, you were that most rare and treasured of things: a truly good man that never attracted a bad word. We always knew we’d be there for each other whenever needed. Now I promise I’ll be there for Lizzy, and we will only do “Craig approved” things, and do them with the same level of enthusiasm as you did. But no, it won’t be “diiirrrty”. Love you Cuz.

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

Feb 1988 Anglesa

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

Possibly 1991?

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

May 1989 Sherwood

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

Early 1989

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

1988

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Kerry Hobbs published a tribute .

1987

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Sasha Cyganowski published a tribute .

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Sasha Cyganowski published a tribute .

Dear Liz and all of Craig's family and friends,
We're so very sorry for your loss.
When you walked into a room it was Craig that captivated and welcomed in his beautifully unique way:
heels close, shoulders back, an outstretched arm keen for a hug, the other hand raised in a toast, and that "Jester" grin spread across his face telling you, here is a friend for life.
This is the image of Craig that I'll forever hold close to my heart.
Much love,
Sash and Michelle.

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Renata Musson published a tribute .

Craig, Lizzie and Col sharing a picnic lunch after mountain biking in the You Yangs. Love him like another brother, always.

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Brendan Barbetti published a tribute .

I first met Craig at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya. He was doing a mercy delivery of much needed motorcycle parts. Even though we had never met in person I instantly knew who he was at the airport as he was the only tourist not wearing a daggy safari outfit, he was in jeans and a band T-shirt. I instantly liked him. By the time we drove though the traffic and got to the hotel, I felt like I'd known him for years. He was so happy and excited to be there, and just good and generous in spirit to all that he met. He was that kind of person. I am so sad about this, my most sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. Brendan Barbetti

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Jane Kelly published a tribute .

My very first recollection of Craig was on an arty field trip to Pickering Point in Warrnambool, he was skipping along the edge of the cliff with gleeful abandon singing the Monty Python Jehovah song. He always laughed loudly and inappropriately in the quiet art history lecture theatre causing a cascade of laughter. His laugh and joie de vivre were contagious.
He was authentic and kind, I found his confidence and ability to be in the moment an inspiration.
A wonderful, special friend, I feel blessed to have known him.
I’m heartbroken for all who will feel the loss of this truly exceptional gentle soul.

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Felicity published a tribute .

Craig was a champion. Our Sunday night drives back to Warrnambool in the Combi was a staple in my life. I could hear it coming down Roselyn Road and knew it was time to grab my bag and say goodbye to my folks. We used to laugh, sing to The Cure & The Doors and right the wrongs of the world in those 2 hours. I remember stopping to nick a couple of railway sleepers that we had spotted on the way back to Geelong on the Friday afternoon. Under the cloak of darkness, we both nearly gave ourselves hernias lifting them up and into the Combi driving ever so slowly and laughing all the way!
Craig was a true 'one of a kind' soul. I can't believe he has left us so early and I won't be able to catch up with him at Sandra & David's place. My heart and love goes out to Lizzie, his family and friends. We have lost a Corka.

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David Castro published a tribute .

as a follow-up to my last tribute....SEE! Tongue sticking out.

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David Castro published a tribute .

One of the few photos without CJ sticking out his tongue. But we needed haircuts. Miss you CJ, love from David & Sandra

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Janice Jansen published a tribute .

Dear Craig, you will be thought of often. You will be missed . No-one can take away the fun we had with you at most of the shows we had to attend! We certainly got to know you quite well, sharing accommodation at Phillip Island, meeting up in LA and NY bike shows and ensuring we spent a lot of time together, after the shows, having drinks and dinner and generally making sure we kept in touch in between. I remember getting so excited just a few weeks back, whenthe news came out that Compass was back and immediately called you to find out if we should book Phillip Island again! Damn! Craig ! Too soon mate.. way too soon. Greg and Janice xx

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Rob Evans - Allbids published a tribute .

To Liz and all of Craig's dear family and friends,
Craig joined our business in January this year as our marketing manager. I guess unsurprising to you all, Craig quickly became a key and much loved member of our family business. He was always positive and an absolute pleasure to work with in every sense. We knew before he started that he was taking time off for a road trip and we were all so excited for him. We send our collective love and support to you all. We will miss him.
The team at ALLBIDS

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Kirsty And Andrew Brown published a tribute .

Dear Liz,
We are thinking of you at this saddest of times. Craig’s vitality, creativity and generosity will always be remembered by us. He took many beautiful photos of our wedding and some particularly hilarious ones. Strength and love to you from Kirsty, Andrew, Jess and Alex Brown. ❤️

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Anne Hotchin published a tribute .

Liz, you are in my thoughts and heart. I knew Craig only through the marvelous stories of his dear friends the DeP’s, so can only offer my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your love.

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Damien & Mandy published a tribute .

It has been two weeks yet I still struggle to put words on a page to describe what Craig meant to us. We have many stories to share because Craig was one of those rare people that you carry through every stage of your life.

For Damien and I, our story has always been closely linked with Liz and Craig's. The boys were friends at high school and Liz and I were besties at Uni. Damien and I first kissed after regular Friday drinks at Deakin House in 1995. Then two months later, we were delighted when our best friends did the same.

Craig was always the life of the party, loved by all. It didn't matter how long you knew Craig or whether you knew him as the artist formerly known as Jester Designs, "CJ", "Action Jackson", "Diamond Jackson", "Tio Paco", "Mr. Milla" or one of his many other personas. Craig's super power was to make everyone feel welcome. He was always there for every milestone event: 21sts, 30ths, 40ths and more. The best man at our wedding. The photographer at yours.

We will always treasure the memory of Craig's beautiful smile, infectious laugh, endless hugs. With a wink and a "chlick", reminding us that life will be OK.

Salud.

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Christopher McAvaney published a tribute .

Such tragic news. With everything going in the world at this time, this news was the last thing I expected to hear.

To me Craig was always the one to have a laugh but also kept life in perspective. One memory when Craig was in Geelong was of Craig's black van that required a full container of oil to top up the engine at short notice. Great plumes of smoke as you drove along.

So sad that you are no longer with us. Our love and prayers are with you. Farewell Craig.

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Trevor Fitzpatrick published a tribute .

So so sorry to hear this tragic news. I had known Craig for the last 4 years and our paths had crossed many times in that time - both physically and on social media! One of life's gentlemen, and always great to catch up with. A huge asset to Compass Expeditions and someone who was able to touch so many people. He will be sorely missed

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Mark O'rielly published a tribute .

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David Castro published a comment .

Fantastic photo of CJ!

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Mark O'rielly published a tribute .

I am very sorry to learn of CJ’s passing. We hadn’t caught up in a long while, but I have very fond memories of our friendship when at uni together – part of the close-knit student community at Deakin Warrnambool, and the ‘cool’ artie crowd.
There was many a time spent ‘cruising’ in his old mustard-coloured Combi, ironically named ‘Das Tier’ (‘The Beast’ in German), visiting the pub and student bar (probably too often), having $5 steak-and-a-pot student meals at the ‘Calli’ hotel, and just hanging out as mates.
I was an admirer of CJ’s art and did a photo-shoot with him with some of his sculptures (one of which he kindly gifted to me, but unfortunately was broken in a house-move many years ago). I still have the resulting photos in my old art folio of him with his trademark floppy hair, leather bike jacket and boots and will share a couple here.
My thoughts are with his friends and family. Farewell my old friend…

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Tony Ising published a tribute .

So sad to hear the news about CJ. I have nothing but happy memories of my time with him. I’m sure everyone he encountered feels the same.
My fondest memory was the two of us trekking 5 kilometres back home in the middle of an unforgiving Warrnambool winter after midnight, half-heartedly hitchhiking. When we eventually did get picked up we were only a couple of hundred metres from home, as the radio announcer proclaimed it was a chilly -2°C. Oh how we laughed (through chattering teeth). Pretty much sums up CJ for me - was never a situation he couldn’t turn to a smile.
So privileged to have caught up with him (albeit briefly) at Lynne’s Zoom birthday. He looked so handsome and so grown up. My sincerest wishes to all who knew him and mourn his passing.

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Lynne Franke published a comment .

Oh those chilly treks back to campus! I remember them well.

Great memories Tony x

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Robyn Good published a tribute .

What is there Not to say about CJ.
You could guarantee CJ would be at any social gathering, be it Pub, Student bar, house party or our 21st Birthday Celebrations.
CJ had his own style and a warmth that attracted anyone to him.
Many a Night at Uni a bunch of us would take a trip into town in his Bongo Bus(Combi).
I can still hear his chuckle and laughter and have great memories of him and his band, Playing in the Student Canteen where he held that microphone with ease and sang like no one was watching.
Remembering you CJ with a smile on my dial.
Thanks for being you xxx

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Lynne Franke published a comment .

Wonderful memories Robyn. Xx

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Robyn Good published a tribute .

Cheers CJ x

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Lynne Franke published a tribute .

CJ was one of my very first friends when I moved to Warnambool to attend uni in 1990. It was a huge leap for most of us, moving out of home, learning to fend for ourselves. Terrifying, exciting and emotional all at once.

CJ made me feel welcome and understood - he too was navigating this new world of study, play and adventure. There were some rocky roads and challenging junctures - but CJ always took it in his stride.

My first and lasting memories are of his laughter. His passion for art, music and friendship. His floppy hair and Blundstone boots. Always ready for a chat, a hug and a drink.

I was so pleased he joined my virtual 50th birthday quiz night last year. Just to hear his laughter again and catch up on what he has been up to in life was wonderful. And made you realise how fast life was going. But more than that - how special those friendships made all those years ago really are. A bond that few people are lucky enough to experience. A bond that will never be broken no matter how much time and distance is between us.

Our Warnambool crew mean the world to me, and am so blessed CJ was one of them.

CJ really was the most gentle, humble and funniest of guys. Rest well friend. xxx

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David Castro published a tribute .

I want to tell you about my friend Craig Jackson – CJ. For those who are not aware, CJ had a fatal bike accident on Monday night near Wagga Wagga, the commencement of a 6 week road trip doing something he loved.

CJ is loved by all who knew him and also those who were honoured to be called a friend. We went to University together, and in him I saw a kindred spirit. We loved making things and we pushed each other in our creations with metal work, ceramics, timber. His curiosity in all things led him to glass making and we still hold a piece he made in our home.

His friendship was unconditional and I am sure that was the case for all who called him a friend. I promised Lizzie that as part of my witness to his life, that I would put together my memories of him so that these could be held in trust for the love of his life - Lizzie, his parents- Doug and Joan, and the rest of his family.

I remember the mustard yellow kombi, of road trips listening to the Cure and the Doors. This was his first car, and what a purchase! It provided freedom for us; as well for myself and CJ a way of buying and collecting materials from George Taylors surplus stores for our art pieces, many a long afternoon picking through the metal, glass, old army boxes. For those who knew me back then, my car was the Nimbus (not quite as big).

In our University years, we did so much and created so many lasting memories. Our summer actually staying with Sandra (my love of my life) at her house, where CJ worked as a barmen at the local, exploring the local beaches and having amazing picnics. Going to Bungs bar in the basement of the Criterion hotel on a Thursday night and having a shot of Dom Benedictine with whoever was there. Our bravado at the pool table pretending to be Paul Newman or Tom Cruise.

We lived life to the full. We got our L plates for motorbike riding together, but my riding career stopped immediately after my very minor crash with stiches in my knee; whereas CJs trips over the years where legendary. His story of being stuck out back of beyond and having to fix his bike with some tape and cardboard and then having to travel hundreds of kilometres back to a town always astounds me.
I remember dancing to Weddings Parties Anything, drinking cheap beer and clutching to CJ and the rest of the crew as we jumped in unison and bellowed out the words to our favourite songs. In fact that was how we did most live gigs.

As I said, his friendship, unconditional and always there for you. CJ came around to my house and we built my back deck together, when it came around for his house in Northcote, I reciprocated. Not as favours to be repaid, but because we loved to make things and use our power tools.

When he met Lizzie, so many years ago, both Sandra and I knew they were perfect for each other. Lizzie had a partner to further explore adventurous places together, I remember the stories of them reaching the peak of Mount Kinabalu, of their travels through South America. CJ’s photography documented their amazing journeys. Lizzies drive was in sync with CJ and the support they provided each other in their passions meant they achieved things that many of us can only dream of. Lizzie is now a Doctor!

There are so many things that I haven’t written, as I continue to honour the memory of CJ, these recollections will surface. But I will miss you my friend; I will miss the long great conversations we had about everything, your genuine interest in my children, your love of Sandra. My life is a bit emptier now and I have to draw upon the incredible memories we had together to fill the cup. I know that all of your old friends, from James and Flick in the UK, to Jane, myself and Sandra, and all the others here in Australia that love you are better people for knowing you.

CJ you have now commenced on that never ending road trip, at some point, make sure you stop and have a rest, look back so we can catch-up and when we meet, we will bellow out our favourite songs and drink cheap beer together. Love David, Sandra.

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Craig Jackson Memorial Service

July 9th, 2021 at 11:00am
Mt Duneed Estate
Waurn Ponds,
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