Craig Lieske Obituary



Craig Wayne Lieske

ATHENS: Craig Wayne Lieske, age 48, of Athens, passed away on Friday, January 18th of a heart attack.

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 TN & Florence SC, but has lived in Athens GA since 1982. He graduated from Clarke Central High School, class of 1983 and attended UGA in the eighties.

Craig was a bookseller at Avid Bookshop, 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 a former manager at The Fabulous 40 Watt Club and a long time employee of the band Drive-By Truckers where he elevated to 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 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 universally loved.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful and loving wife, Janet Bond.

Craig 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 he 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 will be terribly missed.

The Official Memorial Service will be Saturday February 2nd, 2:00-4:00pm at the Fabulous 40 Watt Club 285 West Washington St. Athens, GA 30601

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 & Craig's family please go to http://drivebytruckers.com/craig.html

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.comBernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Published by News Herald on Jan. 31, 2013.
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I Am So Sorry To Here About Craig We Had A Lot Of Fun When We Were Young He Will Be Missed

Tim Smith

February 5, 2013

ann smith

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.

Kim Whitaker-Firman

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

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.

Aimee Donnelly

February 2, 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.

January 31, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

EG

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

January 31, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

S.Griggs

January 31, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Bernstein Funeral Home

January 31, 2013

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