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Craig Lieske Obituary
Craig was an incredible musician, as well as an author, bookseller, songwriter, and so much more. He was born in Lima, Ohio, on December 30, 1964. He also lived in Athens, Tenn., and Florence, S.C., but had lived in Athens, Ga., since 1982. He graduated from Clarke Central High School, class of 1983, and attended UGA in the 1980s.
Craig was a bookseller at Avid Bookshop and played in countless bands, including Garbage Island and Echo Canyon. He was an extremely well-regarded musician in experimental rock and freeform jazz circles. He was also a former manager at the Fabulous 40 Watt Club, and a long-time employee of the band Drive-By Truckers, where he rose from the role of merchandise wrangler to that of an ambassador and liaison between the fans and the band.
He was known for an encyclopedic knowledge of music, art, and literature. He had recently finished writing a novel, and was shopping for a publishing deal. He was as happy, kind, and thoughtful a man as could be, and was universally loved.
Craig was preceded in death by his wonderful and loving wife, Janet Bond.
He is survived by his beloved soul mate and companion, Melinda Cook; parents, Dale and Elaine Lieske; sister, Gretchen Lieske Hill; brother-in-law, Shawn Hill; niece, Sierra Veal; cousin, Ryan Hetrick; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
There has been an outpouring of love and grief from friends all over Athens and the many towns Craig traveled while touring with Drive-By Truckers, as well as his many musical collaborators and dear friends from Avid Bookshop and the 40 Watt Club. Many people regarded Craig as the glue that helped to hold our very vibrant and diverse music scene together, and he will be terribly missed.
The official memorial service will be 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, at the Fabulous 40 Watt Club, 285 West Washington Street, Athens.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Craig's name to Nuçi's Space, 396 Oconee St., Athens, GA 30601.
For more information on Craig and how to help Melinda and Craig's family, please visit http://drivebytruckers.com/craig.html.
Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Lieske
Tim Smith
February 5, 2013
I Am So Sorry To Here About Craig We Had A Lot Of Fun When We Were Young He Will Be Missed
Kim Whitaker-Firman
February 2, 2013
Rest in peace my old friend. You were loved by many because you loved so many. I will miss that quirky smile and that wild hair, and your loving heart.
February 2, 2013
We will be toasting Craig and all those who love him and were touched in some way by his kind, friendly ways. He brought so many people together and will be greatly missed. May you all find comfort in his memory, and peace in the love you shared. Sincerely, Lisa and James Schacht
Aimee Donnelly
February 2, 2013
I am so honored my life crossed paths with Craig Lieske, he was the best of the best, my sincere condolences go out to Melinda, his friends and family and The Drive By Truckers, may he rest in peace.
January 31, 2013
Im sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time of grief
January 31, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the Lieske family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
EG
January 31, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 31, 2013
Dale, I am so sorry for your loss. I know from personal experience that the loss of a child is the worst pain any parent can ever go through no matter how old they are. I know there are no words that can help ease your pain. Just know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Christy Huff Searcy
S.Griggs
January 31, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bernstein Funeral Home
January 31, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606
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