Craig Gardner Yerkes (1968-2008)

Joe Williams
Los Angeles

I use to work with craig, and have fallen out of touch with most people. I am deeply sadden by this, as I am just learning about this. As you can tell he touched my life as I was looking to see if he was still in the memory business and wanted to get together.
Craig may you be in a happy place and know that you are still missed

Mark Truax
Temecula

Creg,

I will always remember you from Linfield High School as the funny very harry guy that made us all laugh in class. I miss, and will always miss not seeing you at the 4th party.

Mark

Jenna
OC

I met Craig in early 2002 and was struck by what an amazing and talented man he was. He talked quite a bit about his boys and how much he loved him. I was blessed enough to hear him play several times. About once a year we would exchange an email or two to catch up.

I just learned tonight about his passing and I am truly sad at heart. He was a very special man and I am certain he is still making beautiful music somewhere.

Tony
Kauai, Hawaii

My thoughts and prayers go out to such a wonderful family. Craig and I we sort of went through some of those growing up years together, 6th, 7th, 8th grade. He was always a friend of mine, a person who was always happy and smiling, full of talent, a person of integrity and a fun guy to hang around. I came across this very sad news and it made me remember back to when times were of a happier sort. Craig...Be happy be free and know you will always be missed. It is our turn to smile now!! Aloha Buddy!!

Rory
Los Angeles

I'm sorry if I am intruding, but is this the same Craig that lived in Torrance, Ca as a kid and went to St James grade school ?

Jac
North Carolina

I never knew Craig, but when I was 15 I saw him profiled in Guitar Player magazine's Spotlight column. I was shocked a 14-year old (a year younger than me) was profiled, so I wrote to him and asked for a tape (tapes in those days - no CDs). He kindly sent me the 3 song demo he had sent into GP magazine and even recorded a personal blurb at the end thanking me by name. Now at 41, I was going through a bunch of old tapes and digitizing them onto my computer when I found that 26 year old cassette. I Googled Craig to see what he was up to and was saddened to learn of his passing. I had played his cassette over the years and was always impressed that a 14 year old kid had that much musicality. I was happy to see he continued with music and imagine his sudden loss was devastating to friends and family. I offer my sincere condolences.

hot rod harris
poway

Craig, you will be surely missed in the local music scene. Your licks and addition to the Grams super impressed me as a musician. Last time we spoke was Earth Day 2008 in Balboa Park. You helped make the world go round. May you acoustically play in peace. hot rod

Marlene Gastaldo
Lake Forest CA

I met Craig and Elise 2 years ago, on a sailing trip my husband John organized... and since then, we've met several times at parties and celebrations.
Each and every time we saw Craig & Elise you could tell that these two shared something very special! The way he looked at her.. and the way she smiled back... yup.. it was more than music that brought them together... it was love... the type of love only a few are lucky to find in this lifetime... May the love and memories you both shared last you a lifetime Elise!

HarpO
San dee

Last show i saw was at Sven's party in jan., so great..
what a guy, what a perfomer.

thanx for the music, Craig! Namastae!
HarpO

Bridget Jones
UK

Not my real name obvously but what Craig used to call me on account of my Brit status. Craig and I used to talk and e-mail a lot and anyone who' s had the pleasure of that experience will know it was like he was there, Mojito in hand, having a chat.
We covered so many subjects at length and in depth because when Craig asked a question, he REALLY wanted to know the answer. His favourite subjects by far were his boys and Marcia. So, so proud of Brent and Trevor just for being the characters they are and just a little in awe of his Big Sister, in a good way.
He introduced me to these song lyrics about a week before he left us and it struck me that this is exactly what you're all doing 'across the pond'. He would be smiling that legendary smile....
'I was a willow last night in a dream. I bent down over a clear running stream. I sang you the song that I heard from above and you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love....'

Kevin Irvin
Santee

A gemtleman with a warm smile and butter smooth hands. Youare missed!

Janet Marlow
Fountain Valley, CA

I worked with Craig many, many years ago at Kingston Technology. I still remember his smile and contagious sense of humor. I am very sad to hear of his loss. My thoughts are with his wife, kids, family and friends.

Stephanie Colton
Vista, CA

Craig was, for our family, a frined we could count on. A couple of years ago when I was pregnant w/ our second child, Clay & Ava Rose got extremely sick at the same time. I was in the hospital & not much use, so I called Craig to see if he could help w/ a 'mission of mercy'. Sure enough, he & Elise came over w/ bottles of gatorade, medicine, and a variety of stuff to help us out. I always felt like Craig had my back...it's a good feeling to have a friend you can count on.

Brent Yerkes
Fallbrook, CA

Dad,
You always gave me a warm feeling in my heart with your great sense of humor and your wonderful smile. I remember the time when you tried to make french toast strips and poured water in with the boiling oil and the huge flame came up from the pot.

You were always so loving, supportive, compassionate, and eager to listen. It was only three and a half weeks ago when I came off the stage from Peter Pan and you gave me a great big hug, one of your contagious smiles, and told me how great I did. There is nothing in world that I would rather do than give you just one more big hug and see your smile one more time. Thank you for being such a wonderful dad! I love you so much!
Brent

John Miller
San Diego

I've hung out with Craig more times than I can count at Grams gigs and Chuck’s backyard BBQs. We weren't really close but every time I'd see him, he'd come up to me and my wife and chat us up like we'd all know each other for years and years. I'll always remember the time that he randomly dropped my name into a song he was singing at a gig at the moment I walked into the room and totally caught me off guard...or the time I was in Chuck’s studio singing backing vocals with him on the Grams’ last album…an amazing person that is sorely missed.

Kim DeRoest (Spencer) Linfield class of '87
Murrieta

I knew Craig back in the 80's as we both went to Linfield at the same time. He was an outstanding person! He always had a smile on his face and never had anything bad to say about anybody. I was saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless

Kris Deutch
San Marcos, CA

I met Craig when he was 14 years old (still had hair!) and was playing with Main Street Magic. Once we began talking, with his quick wit and great sense of humor, I knew we were destined to be friends forever . . . . and 26 years later, we still were. He was everything a person could want in a friend . . . generous, thoughtful, upbeat, supportive, willing to listen, giving, and asking for nothing in return. He was an amazing man and my world won't ever be the same without him. Wherever you are looking down on us, know that I will miss you always, my dear friend.

Joanna Schiele
Ocean Beach

There are so many wonderful memories shared with Craig and most of them were really with the four of us - Craig, Elise, Chuck and I. I loved cooking for us all and chatting over whatever meal was prepared and catching up, laughing, sharing and planning. We had so much fun going to NYC together, doing so much together...Grams related, friends related, family related - music and otherwise.
The last Grams rehearsal (just days before the accident) was amazing. They had reached a new level of musical maturity and the sheer fun and exuberance of the music was brilliant. I was so excited as I listened to this next, new chapter start to unfold for them. Everyone was in high spirits that night; a happy,cohesive unit of Chuck, Craig, Elise, Tony and Bill and me who always felt like part den-mother, part manager, part cheerleader and all around support system.
There will never be another to replace the Craigness so we will remember him for his very best qualities and for the best that he gave to us. I hope that Craig is making music and smiling that big, wide joyous smile and I look forward to the day when we're all laughing together again.

Lindsey Yung
San Diego

Craig was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had the most contagious smile, which had a unique ability to warm anyone. He was also without a doubt, ridiculously talented. We lost a good one. I am so deeply saddened by his death. Rest in peace Craig.

Holly and Autumn Truax
Temecula

Craig was very funny. We liked always seeing him at the 4th of July. We liked it when he brought the fun Bongo game and dance game for us all to play. He was always telling funny stories. It was funny when he ate Elise's dad's chicken wings even though he was a vegetarian just because they were special wings. The last time we saw Craig was at Brent's "Peter Pan" play. He made fruit salad. He wasn't going to tell anybody about Brent getting to fly. It was a special surprise and he was very excited. He was talking about Trevor getting to go away for the first time on a camping trip. He was always happy and enthusiastic about everything.

Chris Irving
Riverside

Craigness,
You are truly a great friend and you will be missed. Although I can't say that I connected with you on a musical level, I do have a few memories involving me, you, and music that I'll never forget. The very first time I ever sang kareoke, you were in the room cheering me on and telling me what a wonderful job I did. I remember (down in O-side harbor) you singing a song to Elise for the very first time that you had written for her. She cried like a little baby. I remember you, me, BJ, Clay, and a few others jamming on some instruments in BJ's back yard a year ago. Your company always brought a smile to my face as it did to everyone else. We love you and you will be missed.

To steal a line from my favorite TV show 'Lost,' "I'll see ya in another life brutha!"

Chuck Schiele
Ocean Beach

Thank you for being the friend you were to me. I will remember this most. Thank you for being such a great partner. I love you my friend, my bother, my partner. I want you to know that I am so privilged, affected, and grateful that weren't just "in" my life - you were "integral" about it. Send us a post card or a smoke signal now and then. And know I still got your back.
Now.... go show Jimi whatchu got, there, Willis.
(Salutes!)
xoMCchuckyBoo

Clint Welch
O.B.

The man could command your attention with his guitar, and command your heart with his smile...I would have liked to have known Craig better, but I am greatful to have had the opportuninty to make his aquaintence. May his family and freinds find comfort in knowing that Craig touched so many people in a positive way.

Sheryl Thompson
San Diego

I Met Joanna, Chuck's wife, thru a mutual friend a couple of years ago. She introduced me to Chuck, Elise & Craig. I fell in love with their music. Craig's guitar playing was mesmerizing. They all have always made me feel very welcome but especially Craig. No matter what was going on , he would always acknowledge me with a warm hug and make me feel like it mattered that I was there, even if I did just see them all play the same music a week ago. The last picture in my mind of Criag is that quirky smile he & Elise shared at the last house concert where it was only apparent to them that they screwed up which didn't happen too often but I had seen it before. It was also so apparent to me how much he loved his boys. He was a talented, wonderful, kind soul and I will miss him dearly.

Stephanie Colton
Vista, CA

Craig was living w/ Clay and I in the spring of 2003 and he had recently started dating Elise. They went to Palm Springs for a couple of days, their first get-away together I think. They drove Elise's Jeep out there. I guess one night, not too long before the sun went down, they were driving down the road & Elise was wearing this scarf that was blowing in the wind, and smiling at him while they drove with the top down. I remember him standing in the back yard how great life felt with beautiful Elise. He was just really happy, and that's a cool thing to remember.

Elise Ohki

To my beloved husband,
I will love you forever.
Your wife

B.J. Morgan
Oceanside, CA

Craig,

Thanks for everything. Even though you'd probably deny it, it wasn't hard to look to you as a mentor and an inspiration.

I would always glance over for your approval after conquering some crazy 3-part harmony, or when I'd try and keep up with one of your massive over-the-bar solos. Those are some of my most cherished musical experiences.

Thanks for being there to make them.

Much love,

B.J.

Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 results	Add a new entry
Name	Message
Joe Williams Los Angeles	I use to work with craig, and have fallen out of touch with most people. I am deeply sadden by this, as I am just learning about this. As you can tell he touched my life as I was looking to see if he was still in the memory business and wanted to get together. Craig may you be in a happy place and know that you are still missed
Mark Truax Temecula	Creg, I will always remember you from Linfield High School as the funny very harry guy that made us all laugh in class. I miss, and will always miss not seeing you at the 4th party. Mark
Jenna OC	I met Craig in early 2002 and was struck by what an amazing and talented man he was. He talked quite a bit about his boys and how much he loved him. I was blessed enough to hear him play several times. About once a year we would exchange an email or two to catch up. I just learned tonight about his passing and I am truly sad at heart. He was a very special man and I am certain he is still making beautiful music somewhere.
Tony Kauai, Hawaii	My thoughts and prayers go out to such a wonderful family. Craig and I we sort of went through some of those growing up years together, 6th, 7th, 8th grade. He was always a friend of mine, a person who was always happy and smiling, full of talent, a person of integrity and a fun guy to hang around. I came across this very sad news and it made me remember back to when times were of a happier sort. Craig...Be happy be free and know you will always be missed. It is our turn to smile now!! Aloha Buddy!!
Rory Los Angeles	I'm sorry if I am intruding, but is this the same Craig that lived in Torrance, Ca as a kid and went to St James grade school ?
Jac North Carolina	I never knew Craig, but when I was 15 I saw him profiled in Guitar Player magazine's Spotlight column. I was shocked a 14-year old (a year younger than me) was profiled, so I wrote to him and asked for a tape (tapes in those days - no CDs). He kindly sent me the 3 song demo he had sent into GP magazine and even recorded a personal blurb at the end thanking me by name. Now at 41, I was going through a bunch of old tapes and digitizing them onto my computer when I found that 26 year old cassette. I Googled Craig to see what he was up to and was saddened to learn of his passing. I had played his cassette over the years and was always impressed that a 14 year old kid had that much musicality. I was happy to see he continued with music and imagine his sudden loss was devastating to friends and family. I offer my sincere condolences.
hot rod harris poway	Craig, you will be surely missed in the local music scene. Your licks and addition to the Grams super impressed me as a musician. Last time we spoke was Earth Day 2008 in Balboa Park. You helped make the world go round. May you acoustically play in peace. hot rod
Marlene Gastaldo Lake Forest CA	I met Craig and Elise 2 years ago, on a sailing trip my husband John organized... and since then, we've met several times at parties and celebrations. Each and every time we saw Craig & Elise you could tell that these two shared something very special! The way he looked at her.. and the way she smiled back... yup.. it was more than music that brought them together... it was love... the type of love only a few are lucky to find in this lifetime... May the love and memories you both shared last you a lifetime Elise!
HarpO San dee	Last show i saw was at Sven's party in jan., so great.. what a guy, what a perfomer. thanx for the music, Craig! Namastae! HarpO
Bridget Jones UK	Not my real name obvously but what Craig used to call me on account of my Brit status. Craig and I used to talk and e-mail a lot and anyone who' s had the pleasure of that experience will know it was like he was there, Mojito in hand, having a chat. We covered so many subjects at length and in depth because when Craig asked a question, he REALLY wanted to know the answer. His favourite subjects by far were his boys and Marcia. So, so proud of Brent and Trevor just for being the characters they are and just a little in awe of his Big Sister, in a good way. He introduced me to these song lyrics about a week before he left us and it struck me that this is exactly what you're all doing 'across the pond'. He would be smiling that legendary smile.... 'I was a willow last night in a dream. I bent down over a clear running stream. I sang you the song that I heard from above and you kept me alive with your sweet flowing love....'
Kevin Irvin Santee	A gemtleman with a warm smile and butter smooth hands. Youare missed!
Janet Marlow Fountain Valley, CA	I worked with Craig many, many years ago at Kingston Technology. I still remember his smile and contagious sense of humor. I am very sad to hear of his loss. My thoughts are with his wife, kids, family and friends.
Stephanie Colton Vista, CA	Craig was, for our family, a frined we could count on. A couple of years ago when I was pregnant w/ our second child, Clay & Ava Rose got extremely sick at the same time. I was in the hospital & not much use, so I called Craig to see if he could help w/ a 'mission of mercy'. Sure enough, he & Elise came over w/ bottles of gatorade, medicine, and a variety of stuff to help us out. I always felt like Craig had my back...it's a good feeling to have a friend you can count on.
Brent Yerkes Fallbrook, CA	Dad, You always gave me a warm feeling in my heart with your great sense of humor and your wonderful smile. I remember the time when you tried to make french toast strips and poured water in with the boiling oil and the huge flame came up from the pot. You were always so loving, supportive, compassionate, and eager to listen. It was only three and a half weeks ago when I came off the stage from Peter Pan and you gave me a great big hug, one of your contagious smiles, and told me how great I did. There is nothing in world that I would rather do than give you just one more big hug and see your smile one more time. Thank you for being such a wonderful dad! I love you so much! Brent
John Miller San Diego	I've hung out with Craig more times than I can count at Grams gigs and Chuck’s backyard BBQs. We weren't really close but every time I'd see him, he'd come up to me and my wife and chat us up like we'd all know each other for years and years. I'll always remember the time that he randomly dropped my name into a song he was singing at a gig at the moment I walked into the room and totally caught me off guard...or the time I was in Chuck’s studio singing backing vocals with him on the Grams’ last album…an amazing person that is sorely missed.
Kim DeRoest (Spencer) Linfield class of '87 Murrieta	I knew Craig back in the 80's as we both went to Linfield at the same time. He was an outstanding person! He always had a smile on his face and never had anything bad to say about anybody. I was saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless
Kris Deutch San Marcos, CA	I met Craig when he was 14 years old (still had hair!) and was playing with Main Street Magic. Once we began talking, with his quick wit and great sense of humor, I knew we were destined to be friends forever . . . . and 26 years later, we still were. He was everything a person could want in a friend . . . generous, thoughtful, upbeat, supportive, willing to listen, giving, and asking for nothing in return. He was an amazing man and my world won't ever be the same without him. Wherever you are looking down on us, know that I will miss you always, my dear friend.
Joanna Schiele Ocean Beach	There are so many wonderful memories shared with Craig and most of them were really with the four of us - Craig, Elise, Chuck and I. I loved cooking for us all and chatting over whatever meal was prepared and catching up, laughing, sharing and planning. We had so much fun going to NYC together, doing so much together...Grams related, friends related, family related - music and otherwise. The last Grams rehearsal (just days before the accident) was amazing. They had reached a new level of musical maturity and the sheer fun and exuberance of the music was brilliant. I was so excited as I listened to this next, new chapter start to unfold for them. Everyone was in high spirits that night; a happy,cohesive unit of Chuck, Craig, Elise, Tony and Bill and me who always felt like part den-mother, part manager, part cheerleader and all around support system. There will never be another to replace the Craigness so we will remember him for his very best qualities and for the best that he gave to us. I hope that Craig is making music and smiling that big, wide joyous smile and I look forward to the day when we're all laughing together again.
Lindsey Yung San Diego	Craig was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had the most contagious smile, which had a unique ability to warm anyone. He was also without a doubt, ridiculously talented. We lost a good one. I am so deeply saddened by his death. Rest in peace Craig.
Holly and Autumn Truax Temecula	Craig was very funny. We liked always seeing him at the 4th of July. We liked it when he brought the fun Bongo game and dance game for us all to play. He was always telling funny stories. It was funny when he ate Elise's dad's chicken wings even though he was a vegetarian just because they were special wings. The last time we saw Craig was at Brent's "Peter Pan" play. He made fruit salad. He wasn't going to tell anybody about Brent getting to fly. It was a special surprise and he was very excited. He was talking about Trevor getting to go away for the first time on a camping trip. He was always happy and enthusiastic about everything.
Chris Irving Riverside	Craigness, You are truly a great friend and you will be missed. Although I can't say that I connected with you on a musical level, I do have a few memories involving me, you, and music that I'll never forget. The very first time I ever sang kareoke, you were in the room cheering me on and telling me what a wonderful job I did. I remember (down in O-side harbor) you singing a song to Elise for the very first time that you had written for her. She cried like a little baby. I remember you, me, BJ, Clay, and a few others jamming on some instruments in BJ's back yard a year ago. Your company always brought a smile to my face as it did to everyone else. We love you and you will be missed. To steal a line from my favorite TV show 'Lost,' "I'll see ya in another life brutha!"
Chuck Schiele Ocean Beach	Thank you for being the friend you were to me. I will remember this most. Thank you for being such a great partner. I love you my friend, my bother, my partner. I want you to know that I am so privilged, affected, and grateful that weren't just "in" my life - you were "integral" about it. Send us a post card or a smoke signal now and then. And know I still got your back. Now.... go show Jimi whatchu got, there, Willis. (Salutes!) xoMCchuckyBoo
Clint Welch O.B.	The man could command your attention with his guitar, and command your heart with his smile...I would have liked to have known Craig better, but I am greatful to have had the opportuninty to make his aquaintence. May his family and freinds find comfort in knowing that Craig touched so many people in a positive way.
Sheryl Thompson San Diego	I Met Joanna, Chuck's wife, thru a mutual friend a couple of years ago. She introduced me to Chuck, Elise & Craig. I fell in love with their music. Craig's guitar playing was mesmerizing. They all have always made me feel very welcome but especially Craig. No matter what was going on , he would always acknowledge me with a warm hug and make me feel like it mattered that I was there, even if I did just see them all play the same music a week ago. The last picture in my mind of Criag is that quirky smile he & Elise shared at the last house concert where it was only apparent to them that they screwed up which didn't happen too often but I had seen it before. It was also so apparent to me how much he loved his boys. He was a talented, wonderful, kind soul and I will miss him dearly.
Stephanie Colton Vista, CA	Craig was living w/ Clay and I in the spring of 2003 and he had recently started dating Elise. They went to Palm Springs for a couple of days, their first get-away together I think. They drove Elise's Jeep out there. I guess one night, not too long before the sun went down, they were driving down the road & Elise was wearing this scarf that was blowing in the wind, and smiling at him while they drove with the top down. I remember him standing in the back yard how great life felt with beautiful Elise. He was just really happy, and that's a cool thing to remember.
Elise Ohki	To my beloved husband, I will love you forever. Your wife
B.J. Morgan Oceanside, CA	Craig, Thanks for everything. Even though you'd probably deny it, it wasn't hard to look to you as a mentor and an inspiration. I would always glance over for your approval after conquering some crazy 3-part harmony, or when I'd try and keep up with one of your massive over-the-bar solos. Those are some of my most cherished musical experiences. Thanks for being there to make them. Much love, B.J.

Craig Gardner Yerkes (1968-2008)

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