Craig Charles SHEPHERD

Name

Celebrating a Life - Craig Charles SHEPHERD

The Macleay Valley has lost a hard-working jack of all trades and a ripper bloke with the passing of Craig Charles SHEPHERD following a long battle with multiple cancers. Craig was born in Annandale in Sydney and started work as an Apprentice Printer with the Sydney Morning Herald.  After a stint labouring for the Sydney County Council he purchased his own trunk and began delivering the Herald up and down the NSW coast.

Craig and his young family moved to the Kempsey area in the early 1980's where he built his own house and turned his hand to a wide variety of work from fencing up-river to working as a brickie's labourer.  He loved nature and trees in particular and was even known to give them a hug.  He could fix almost anything and never liked to discard anything that could be repaired or repurposed.  He passed on his knowledge and skills to his children who were firmly taught the value of hard work.  Craig was direct and honest his word or handshake were his bond.  He was the kind of bloke who would do anything to help a neighbour or a mate and helped many people who were building their houses.  He had been known to give his last dollar to someone in need; truly the kind of man who would give away the shirt off his back on the rare occasion that he was wearing one!   Very athletic until he became ill, he loved to surf and played soccer and cricket.  He represented New South Wales in both cricket and soccer. As his health declined, he continued to enjoy watching sport most especially his beloved St George Dragons. 

More than anything Craig loved his family and his home life.  Craig was taken from his much-loved family far too young at only 69.  He will be sadly missed by his wife Gina, sons Troy and Baylin and daughter Briana and by their children his grandchildren.

A service will be held to celebrate Craig's life on Monday 13th July 2026 at 11am in the Chapel at the Chain O Ponds Crematorium & Memorial Park.