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New Mexico State University University of California| Berkeley

Craig Mack Obituary

CRAIG MACK SEPTEMBER 27, 1951 - NOVEMBER 15, 2016 Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Sadly, Santa Fe lost one of its most wonderful and beloved characters, despite the heroic efforts of the amazing Intensive Care Unit staff at St. Vincent's Hospital. The quintessential Santa Fean, Craig Mack, 65, passed quietly. Most people probably don't know his name. It's Craig Mack. He could be seen 5 nights a week at the Santa Fe Bandstand on the Plaza during the summer dancing and enjoying the music. While he was not the most graceful dancer, his arms and legs flopped about wildly, he was most certainly the most enthusiastic dancer. At other times of the year, he could be seen at the Cowgirl or the Railyard, always following the music. Craig was also recognized all about town, throughout the year, but especially during the summer, riding his bicycle, shirtless, sporting a deep bronze tan. He graduated from the University of California, majoring in Psychology. He later earned his MSW from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. While Craig had a joyful, carefree spirit, few knew he worked tirelessly for 20 years at Santa Fe New Mexico Child and Adult Protective Services, bringing services and comfort to those most in need. To this writer, he was my best and most loyal and considerate friend, in the truest sense of the word, for over 24 years. Craig was also an avid gardener, a staunch environmentalist, and a gourmet cook, as well as a yard sale aficionado. Santa Fe has truly lost one of its greatest treasures. Craig was one of the most unforgettable, kind, and selfless members of this community. Our loss is enormous and for many, Craig will always be remembered. Craig survived the death of his mother and father, Edith and John Mack, and his youngest brother, Dave. Craig is survived by his much beloved brother Paul, and a multitude of devoted and appreciative friends and musicians. Los Lobos will miss him and his enthusiastic dancing, when they next perform. They were his favorite band and they eventually became friends. Initially, his favorite band was The Grateful Dead, but when the leader Jerry Garcia died, he gravitated towards Los Lobos. His friends are planning a celebration of his life, in the near future. Please call Joan at 690-8239 for details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Mack

30 Entries

Phyllis Turner

November 11, 2024

And here we are 8 years after your passing. I remember you still as a unique and memorable part of my life.

Phyllis Turner

November 11, 2023

Here we are at the 7th anniversary of your passing. After working together for so many years, you left an indelible imprint on my life, and I continue to remember you fondly.

Phyllis Turner

November 11, 2022

I can't believe it's been 6 years since you left this earth. You were a very memorable person in my life, unique and like no else I knew. I will always have the best memories of you.

Lorinda

February 20, 2021

Even though it's been about 30 years and we lost touch, I will always be thankful to Craig and the impact he had on my life. Even when you haven’t seen someone in years, if you genuinely loved them at any point, especially at a point that was monumental in your development, they are a permanent piece of you. I was touched by Craig's presence and am better for knowing him.

Phyllis Turner

November 11, 2020

I can't believe it has been 4 years since Craig passed! What a spirited and interesting person he was. I am so glad he was part of my life.

Dawnie Jayne

May 4, 2017

I just heard of Craig's passing through the Cabbage network , what a sad surprise. Some little memories of working with him, Birkenstocks with multiple soles("the tops are still good"). Fleeing the kitchen during the annual jalapeño roast(a giant wok-ful). Check the dishwasher, there might be work laundry in it at the end of the shift. I'm so glad we had this time together...

Elise Pendall

January 24, 2017

Sad to hear the news that Craig passed away. We lived and worked together in the Cabbagetown days in Ithaca. He inspired and influenced me in many ways: Making amazing Indian food, listening profoundly and dancing madly to complex music like Weather Report, Zobo Funn Band and of course the Dead, biking to Potters falls to relax in nature. You are missed, Craig!

Robb Johnsrud

January 6, 2017

I've only just heard of Craig's death. We worked together, barely, at Cabbagetown, some 30 years back. The most vivid memory I have is Craig, having just stopped work for the day, hopping on his bike, pedaling like made for Six Mile Creek, dashing into the gorge, shedding clothes as he neared the water, and diving in. One of the sweetest and most joyful people I've known. I'm so sad about his death and so happy that we crossed paths.

David Kay

January 1, 2017

Farewell, Craig, friend and housemate from the Cabbagetown days in Ithaca. It has been quite a few years since you last arrived by VW bus (as I recall?) at our home in Ithaca. Though we lost touch afterwards, it's clear that you were unyieldingly the Craig we knew to the very end.

Hreg Kimbell

December 30, 2016

Craig Mack is eternal. I haven't seen him since we worked together 30 years ago (at Cabbagetown) and I miss him terribly. I can't imagine how hard it is for those of you who've loved him more recently. For what it's worth, you have my condolences.
Greg

Julie Jordan

December 30, 2016

All his friends in Ithaca New York are mourning Craig along with you Santa Fe-ans. He was one of our most beloved characters too. Good bye Craig. We love you!

Phil Anderson

December 12, 2016

RIP Craig, Not Fade Away. Living in the dorms of UC Riverside with you and moving out for the first time, we were warriors and able to witness probably the most exciting time in the planet. First hand! We'll join you soon enough, and get you caught up on the madness . . . . . .

bill unkel

November 30, 2016

Truly sad. A great guy and always a joy to talk to about music and life.

Dia Winograd

November 27, 2016

We met through our professional roles, but soon realized we had happier pursuits in common in the live music scene. More of the A-list are joining each other at the big concert in the sky.

Brian Hardgroove

November 26, 2016

I remember Craig being the first person to talk to me about the music of Santa Fe. Craig was a loyal and passionate advocate of just about everything musical here. He always made sure to say "Hey Brian!" whenever or wherever he saw me. Just a nice man from the moment we met 10 years ago. Santa Fe has lost another legend, but we will all remember you my Brother.

Drucilla Gonzales

November 22, 2016

Rest in peace Craig!

November 21, 2016

I worked with Craig for several years and what sad news to hear. He was an advocate to help others and very dependable. He loved music! Rest in peace my friend.
Bobbette Salazar-Martinez

Craig, dancing in a thunderstorm, August 13, 2012. Photo by Freddy Lopez.

Susan Holmes

November 20, 2016

I'm thankful to have known Craig. Over the years I'd come to rely on his showing up at whatever gig we might be playing. He was the best kind of music fan, open-hearted, open-minded and ever joyful. Let's all treasure the memory of this generous, sweet and kind soul. May he rest in peace.

Moria Peters

November 20, 2016

I am shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our dear old friend Craig. We met him first in Ithaca in 1980, when we all lived in Ithaca, NY. Years later, on moving to Santa Fe, we were so happy to find him there. Since moving to California four years back, the one person we always ran into around Santa Fe when we would visit was Craig. He was always there, zipping around town on his bike or holding forth on the dance floor. Except, on our most recent visit, a couple of months ago, we didn't see him. Now I understand why. Oh, Craig! You will be missed! With loving memories from Moria and Steve Peters.

Wray Mountain

November 19, 2016

His Love of music was so thorough he didn't listen so much as he bounced to music. A shy but happy soul, honestly more of an acquaintance than a friend yet one of the dearest people I've known so far.

Godspeed, Craig, or, as he would've preferred; rock on.

Dan Pearlman

November 19, 2016

I worked with Craig at CYFD, where we became friends. As a musician, I seldom played a gig or went to a music performance where Craig was not there with a big smile on his face. Even when we talked about his health problems over the years, he always had a positive attitude and a joy for life. I will miss you, brother.

David Barsanti

November 18, 2016

I met Craig or "Dancing Guy" as my girlfriend liked to call him in the front row of many a show. I would see him at an out-jazz show one night and the next at an indie rock show. Any show I saw him at I would go over to him and he would give me a big sweaty hug. He would call me at my radio show because he wanted to chat about some obscure track I was playing. The last time I saw him was last month at the Cowgirl seeing St Range. I'm sure glad I had that last beer and talk with him He was a true original and music lover. I will miss him immensely.

Phyllis Turner

November 18, 2016

As a co-worker, then supervisor of Craig during his career with Adult Protective Services, I greatly appreciated his intelligence, his analytical skills, his keen interest in exploring and solving problems, and his hilarious sense of humor. He was truly a unique person. Bravo Joan, for a well written, thoughtful, insightful and touching obituary

Jennifer Esperanza

November 18, 2016

Craig was always in front... leaning on the stage listening to music ... watching the musicians ~ dancing & smiling. We shared many great times at Thirsty Ear festival together ~ as I photographed & he danced. He would come to my vintage sales on his bike to say hi to me. I am so sad that he is gone ~ may his kind sould be Blessed.

Mark Kuechle

November 18, 2016

Fantastic guy, sweet and humble. Great supporter of music, musicians, and venues. Loved to discuss music with him, really had a broad knowledge of the art form. He will be missed.

David Barsanti

November 18, 2016

Brett Davis

November 18, 2016

Craig was always there at gigs I played, and was at everyone else's gigs, too. He was a true music lover, a peaceful person, and a truly sweet guy. He will be missed.

November 18, 2016

We are terribly saddened to hear the news about Craig. He was one of the few people who could dance to bluegrass music (!) and we will miss seeing him at the shows around town. Our condolences his friends and family.
Laura Leach Devlin
Higher Ground Bluegrass

Curly

November 18, 2016

Sorry to our community for such a loss. Craig was at the SF Pub and Grill dancing more than anyone over the 5 1/2 year that Justin and I were there. He had a style like now other and I truly enjoyed his presence and how much he was in his own happy world dancing. Much love and prayers for all those feeling his absence now and for ever.

Steve Terrell

November 17, 2016

I knew Craig through music. I'd see him at nearly every local show I went to. He'd sometimes call me when I was doing one of my shows at KSFR to comment on the music and/or to let me know of some upcoming concert. I actually met Craig back in the late 1990s when he helped with the fight to keep KSFR. A good man who will be missed.

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