Craig McCracken

13 September 19541 June 2023

Craig McCracken ( Updated Post)

We are devastated to announce that Craig died unexpectedly when he was visiting his great mates Mark and Karen Stothart in the Gold Coast of Australia.

He is now back in New Zealand and here are the details of the week ahead

Tuesday morning - depart Auckland for Hastings 
Tim Hutchins driving with Glen riding shotgun.

Approx. 5-6pm Tuesday - Dad arrives home at 402 Massey St where he will lie until his service. 

We'd love those who can be there to welcome him home, and there will be people at the house from 10am onwards for anyone who wants to arrive early.

After his arrival home, Craig's house will be open to one and all to visit at any hour until he is moved for the service.

Please drop in to share your stories, have some kai or a cup of tea.

His house has always been a drop-in centre and he wouldn't want it any other way. 

2pm Friday -  Funeral Service at the Hastings Boys' High School hall
The service will be followed by refreshments in the library 

4pm Friday - Committal Service at the Hastings Crematorium Chapel for the family and Craig's inner circle 

3:30 - Wake to be held at Hastings Rugby & Sports Club at Elwood Rd.

For anyone wishing to make a Koha please use this account: 
01-1847-0007982-30
G McCracken K McCracken S McCracken

All funds will be added to the amount that Craig and his sons will put towards a memorial award at Hastings Boys' High School - details will be announced at the service.

 https://www.timhutchinsfunerals.co.nz/funerals

Funeral service held at Hastings Boys High School Hall

Tributes

Cannot thank Sir enough for the support and guidance during my time at HBHS, I wouldn't have come to Otago university with the confidence and backing I had from Sir. He knew what was necessary for a successful career, through empathy, diligence and experience, he would strive for us seniors, to succeed as future alumni and old boys of Hastings Boys. He had one of the biggest hearts, his passion for the school and the students could only be rivaled for his love of rugby. You will be missed. Rest in peace Sir

Lam Tran

Work colleague, boss, friend, mentor, Craig was fantastic to work alongside. He had a huge wealth of knowledge he was always happy to share. Craig encouraged me to study and gain a formal qualification in Career Guidance. He believed in me more than I believed in myself and never doubted I could be anything other than an A student. He spent hours reading my assignments, mentoring me on how to change my writing style from creative to academic. He always had my back. I will miss him popping in to HBHS when out on his walks. Always with a ready smile and keen for a chat. We would share updates on family our grandchildren and what was happening at school. Craig had a huge heart - one of life’s gentleman - I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Craig ❤️

Doreen Waite

Our closet and dearest friend spent his last three weeks supporting us with Marks treatment. We are eternally grateful we had that time with him. 55 years friendship so many memories. The kindest most giving unconditional loving soul who loved his family and friends and gave his all. Served others above himself RIP

Karen and Mark
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