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  • Results 1 to 18 of 18

    Thread: RIP CraigP

    1. #1
      BullGator's Avatar
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      RIP CraigP

      It is with great sadness that I bring the news of Craig Presnell’s passing. Craig was a longtime member here and was active up until recently.

      In March he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia and the only treatment option was not effective in any way.

      After discontinuing treatment last week, Craig passed peacefully in his sleep Sunday evening.

      I first met Craig here in this very forum and we soon became fast friends. Although I have not been active here in many years, I have visited Craig on his farm every couple of months since we first met and we have remained close.

      It was rare that I left the farm without some new plant, fresh eggs, peppers, ginger, turmeric or some sample of whatever new pursuit had caught Craig’s interest.

      It was always fascinating to me to sit with someone who had such depth of knowledge about aquatic plants. When he transitioned from the aquatic plant business and into terrestrial crops, there were hours of discussion as he figured out the best ways to grow those plants.

      He was incredibly devoted to his wife Darcy, his cats and his farm. He always seemed happiest sweaty and dirty from working on his various projects or walking with a cold craft beer as we toured his vast library of cultivars.

      And I have to mention the cats – as neighbors began feeding strays, the population exploded. Craig found a vet willing to do low cost spay/neuter and he began trapping and sterilizing the local cat population. At any given time there were 3-10 cats in the house and another 20-40 “around”. In the morning and evening when he would feed them, it was a sight to see.

      I last saw him in person in early February, he seemed fine and we had a great day long visit.

      There are no plans for public services or funerals, but I think it would be an appropriate memorial for anyone that has a picture of one of his creations to post it here in this thread and remember his contributions to our hobby.

      I’ll start with pictures of two of his favorite creations: Foxfire and Darcy Presnell

      RIP my friend, you will be missed.

      BullGator
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    2. #2
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      So sorry to hear this. Thanks for letting us know, Bullgator. He will be missed. He did create many beautiful lilies.
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    3. #3
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      Sorry to hear this. RIP Craig.


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    4. #4
      Noahsnana's Avatar
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      Thank you for letting us know of his passing. His photos and posts of his beautiful lilies and plants will be missed.
      The will of God will not take you where the grace of God cannot keep you. .....
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    5. #5
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      So very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed. RIP Craig.


      Midnight Serenade Hybridized by Craig Presnell in 2000 and winner of the Banksian Award given by the IWGS in 2002.
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    6. #6
      coolwon is offline Senior Member
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      CRAIG P, You were constantantly striving for recognition on KOIPHEN.

      RIP
      Last edited by coolwon; 05-17-2023 at 03:34 AM.
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    7. #7
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      RIP Craig feeling sorry
      Last edited by Eirahill; 05-17-2023 at 03:55 AM.

    8. #8
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      Rip Craig …enjoyed your photos

    9. #9
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      WOW! I'm Stunned. Craig was the person that lead me to this group and probably the person I had the most communications with. I was looking for info on Nymphaea thermarum and Craig had it. He was waiting for his to flower and produce some seeds as they hadn't the first year, but then Life got in the way and I hadn't been back here after his plants had flowered again. We had a lot of private communications regarding his hybrids, My plants, identifying them and the keeping of N. thermarum.
      I had met his wife briefly in St Pete at the Weekend Market and gave her some plants, cuttings and seeds for her to bring to Craig. She was very sweet!
      He will be missed :-(
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    10. #10
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      Thank you for letting us know. Craig will be missed, he was a big part of this group

      I believe Heaven has a special spot for cat rescuers.

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    11. #11
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      Sorry to hear this. I am glad his lilies will live on through Florida Aquatics. Fox Fire and the white one named after his daughter were my favorites.
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    12. #12
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      Craig you left a legacy your single Amarilis Surprise bulb that you gifted me back in 2017 will be a great memory RIP.Name:  20220423_165247.jpg
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      Last edited by Orlando; 05-18-2023 at 09:44 PM.
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    13. #13
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      Thanks for the beauty Craig.

      Very genuine and generous person!Autumn Crush[ATTACH=CONFIG]616509Manassas[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]616510Caliente[/ATTACH]Name:  DSC_0130 (2).jpg
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    14. #14
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      Here you go, this is your mark.
      Last edited by Orlando; 05-26-2023 at 04:49 PM.
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    15. #15
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      I am sad to read this news but thank you so much for the update. Rest in peace. Day Glow (top). Foxfire (below).

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    16. #16
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      Thank you for sharing this sad news. I have not logged in in probably a couple of years and was wondering what Craig was up to. Didn't see any recent posts with his name in them so did a forum search and saw this post. The only surviving plant I have from Craig is a semi bog plant called "Mickey Mouse". Knowing that he is no longer with us makes this plant all the more cherished.

    17. #17
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      I can never pick a favorite lily... but Foxfire is consistently the best overall if you could only grow one plant. What a beautiful legacy. RIP.

    18. #18
      danzcool is offline Senior Member
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      Wow, so sad. All the legends are leaving us.
      Koiphen member since 05-13-2004

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