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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feeling sorry
TN.
