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Craig Sjodin Obituary
Craig was the brother of Brenda Rickey and brother-in-law of Dave Rickey, frequent visitors to the Geneva area.
Craig was born October 26, 1955 in Evanston, Illinois, the son of George and Carolyn Sjodin. He worked for ABC TV and its acquirer Disney for 39 years, as a still photographer. His long career included work on the iconic ABC television show The Bachelor, and its spinoffs. If you have seen the images of contestants holding their roses at the beginning of each season, you probably have seen Craig's work over the years. Craig retired just last month, and was looking forward to taking his family on trips to Australia and other sites he visited over the course of his career.
Craig was a seasoned bicyclist, often logging hundreds of miles a week. He cycled with the Rickeys several times a year in San Diego and Westlake Village, and loved biking in the Geneva area this past summer as part of a Sjodin family reunion.
Craig is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Esther Bekhore Sjodin; his son, Ryan; sisters, Brenda (Dave) Rickey of San Diego, Nancy Nickoloff and Linda Hughes both of Phoenix, Arizona. He also is survived by his niece Kerri (Jeff) Lane; and grand-nieces Avery and Grace Lane also of San Diego, among other relatives.
The family will miss Craig's companionship on our long bike rides, our marathon pickleball sessions, his unquenchable thirst for Arnold Palmer drinks, his sense of humor and infectious laughter. He was the youngest 67-year-old we have ever known.
We thank the family and friends who rushed to his side at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center after his accident, who sat with him through those agonizing eight days before his passing, and who continue to comfort his wife, son, sisters and relatives through this tragic ordeal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Craig Sjodin
Patti O
September 21, 2024
Missing you my friend. Think of you often.
Your friend Patti O'Leary
Jill Lessard
December 12, 2023
I was truly shocked to learn that Craig has left the planet. As an ABC publicist for nearly a decade, I worked with Craig on countless photo shoots. In a town teeming with artificiality, Craig was the genuine article. To his family and friends -- please accept my heartfelt condolences on your profound loss.
Sheila Burk
December 11, 2023
Sorry to the family at the loss of Craig, but be glad he's Heaven and is your Angel watching over all friends and family!!!
Tawanda Britton
December 10, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leyla
November 16, 2023
My most heartfelt and deepest condolences. He was an absolute gem. Someone who only influenced this world for the better.
Joan L Cauble
November 4, 2023
May God be with the family. I am so sorry for your loss. Find comfort in God. A General Hospital fan.
Deborah Ussery
October 5, 2023
May God be with Craig´s family and friends during this time. Prayers and thoughts for all of you.
Deborah Ussery, GH fan
Lisa Brewer
September 30, 2023
R.I.P
Robin Campbell
September 29, 2023
Craig was always a spark of energy. I worked with him for many years on our Disney photoshoots. He was always game for whatever ridiculous idea I requested and would dive in with a "can do" attitude. He was a pleasure to work with and his enthusiasm was so uplifting and full of passion of things big and small. My heart goes out to his friends and family, and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.
Kathy Seng
September 29, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues
Linda Watson
September 29, 2023
Praying for the family... I didn't know Craig but after reading all of his accomplishments I know he was a great person to know. I pray that you all find comfort in knowing he is in the bosom of God and at peace.
Craig Smith
September 29, 2023
Warm thoughts and prayers for Craig's family and friends. We were close friends in high school but lost touch over the years. We took a Greyhound bus to visit my cousins in KY when we were still teenagers along with many other good times and fond memories. Blue skies and sunsets my old friend.
Sue Carter
September 28, 2023
Esther and Ryan, I´m so sad to hear of this tragedy.
My prayers are with you both.
Love former neighbors, Joe and Sue Carter
Tina Huddleston
September 28, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of talented photographer Craig Sjodin for their loss. Beautiful remembrance of your beloved Craig. Our prayers and hearts are with you at this time.
Tina Huddleston
General Hospital Fan
Lillian GH fan
September 28, 2023
May God keep your family and friends strong and blessed throughout this sad time in your lives many blessings
Patti O'Leary
September 28, 2023
Craig was my colleague and became a very good friend. I tried to be the same to him. An extraordinary photographer, a really good man. Kind and funny. Will always miss him. RIP and again sending my deepest condolences to his family.
Lynda Titley
September 28, 2023
To his family and friends colleagues my thoughts and prayers are with you. Life cut too short he still had plenty of Life to live. And he was superb photographer. May Craig RIP. And just remember he is always in your heart and your memories and he will be your guardian angel watching out over you.
Betty Crawford
September 28, 2023
You never know who's work you admire. I'm a fan of the bachelor and general hospital. My condolences to family and friends.
Art Kitchen
September 28, 2023
RIP My prayers to the family and the family and the family of GH.
Jenn. S
September 28, 2023
Rest in peace with the angels your work here on earth is done. Jenn. s
Carol GH watcher
September 28, 2023
My deepest condolences to Mr. Sjodins family and friends. He will be missed by everyone who new him.
Christine Marble Big Fan of his
September 28, 2023
My Condolences and prayers go out to his Family and Friends.God asking you for strength for his Family and Friends Please help them get through all there hurt and pain .God Bless Y'all
Linda Bailey
September 28, 2023
I would like to send Hugs and prayers to Craigs family and friends
Sherry Sparks
September 28, 2023
May you´re new photos hang on the walls of Heaven
RIP
S. Sparks
Susan in Sharon, TN
September 28, 2023
I saw his picture at the end of GH. I knew him a long time ago. He had just started taking pictures. He lived in Connecticut at the time and came with his friend Craig to visit relatives in Ky. He was such a great person. So shocked and sad to hear this. Prayers to his family
Penny
September 28, 2023
So so sorry for your loss, how tragic, prayers for his family!
Shelly GH watcher
September 27, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss
Cathy Leckrone
September 27, 2023
I'm sorry for your loss, your all in my prayers
SHEILA
September 27, 2023
RIP
SHEILA JACKSON SMITH
September 27, 2023
REST EASY CRAIG SJODIN. MY CONDOLENCES TO CRAIG´S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Janis Lang
September 27, 2023
Thank you for the photos. You made some homely folks look fabulous. JK. My heartfelt wishes go out to all his family and friends
A 50 year fan of General Hospital. Janis
Rhonda D Rainey
September 27, 2023
Craig Sjodin has Graced Heaven as an Angel it is now and forever more Heavenly to our love ones, strength a prayers are going up with love to His beloved Family!!!
G
September 27, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss...I don't know Mr. Sjodin or any of his family, but when I saw his picture on TV, I felt this strong connection. He remains in your memories and your heart. To his wife & son, God's blessings to you and your family.
Anjie
September 27, 2023
My condolences to his family and friends
JUDY L SMITH
September 27, 2023
RIP. So sorry for the family!
Mary Boswell
September 27, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. I have seen a lot of his work and he was a real genius with the camera. GOD bless all of you!
S. Handspur
September 27, 2023
Very sorry for your loss.
Remember the lovely person
,and good times you all Shared.
Tom & Sue Lawrence
September 27, 2023
Brenda, Dave & Families,
Our sincere condolences on the tragic loss of your brother Craig. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Tom & Sue Lawrence
San Antonio, Texas
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