Craig JESSOP Obituary

Goodbye, my dear friend.
You were truly one of a kind - a gentleman, with a wicked sense of humour that never failed to make me laugh. Your quick wit, your kindness, and your ability to find joy in the little things made every moment in your company something special.
Thank you for the friendship, the laughter, and the memories. I was lucky to know you.
You´ll always hold a place in my heart.

Anne, Rosalie, Alan, Kevin, Michael, family and friends, my thoughts are with you.
As a BLV colleague, fellow Achilles runner and admirer of craig´s fortitude and compassion, I add a tribute:


Craig Jessop of Whangarei was a singular figure-a man of profound selflessness, tenacity, and pragmatic generosity. In spite of grave personal challenges, including a double transplant, Craig dedicated himself with unwavering resolve to lifting others. When he joined the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind´s Whangarei office, he brought not just lived experience but an instinctive drive to make meaningful, lasting change. For over a quarter century, he served as an Adaptive Communication and Adaptive Technology Services (ACATS) Program Support Assistant, volunteer services liaison, and locality coordinator with the community committee.
Craig lost his sight in 1989, and in 1998 underwent a life saving kidney pancreas transplant.
An exceptional adaptive technology trainer, what set him apart wasn´t just technical knowledge-it was his innate ability to understand how technology intersected with the lives of individuals. He had a unique capacity to assess new software or hardware not just for its functions, but for its fit: who it could serve, when it would be of most use, and why it would matter. He matched innovation with intuition, always grounded in the context of someone´s actual needs and aspirations.
He instinctively tailored his approach to each learner-speaking the language that made sense to them, choosing the most direct and accessible teaching methodology, and always staying attuned to their goals. Craig´s sessions were never one-size-fits-all. His patience, attentiveness, and ability to demystify even the most complex tech created a space of confidence and discovery for the people he trained.
Beyond his role with Blind Low Vision NZ, his life was one of relentless service and adventure. He was instrumental in establishing Achilles New Zealand, helping athletes with sensory or physical disabilities take part in mainstream road events. He mentored many within the transplant, diabetes, and disability communities, and poured his energy into volunteerism, consumer advocacy, and fundraising for causes close to his heart.
Peter Loft, Craig´s early coach with Achilles, recalls a moment that captures Craig´s spirit. When doctors warned Craig that running the New York City Marathon could kill him, he responded:
"Well, at least I will die doing something."
It was never easy. Craig began training in 1994, only to end up in intensive care with kidney failure. But even as dialysis became a daily routine, he adapted-shifting to a mobile CAPD system so he could continue training. When joint issues ruled out running, he defied medical advice and took up water training instead. Two months later, he completed a 21km walk. Later that year, he completed the NYC Marathon in 7 hours and 20 minutes. He would go on to do it again-multiple times-including once as a blind, double-transplant athlete.
Always with a natural humility, Craig´s feats were numerous. He rode tandem from Brisbane to Sydney for diabetes research, cycled from Bluff to Cape Reinga to raise money for disabled athletes, and ran the New York Marathon four times-once after his transplants. He drove a manual MX5 on winding Northland roads-despite blindness. If it had wheels and an engine, Craig could fix it.
He never stopped. He never complained. He never sought accolades. He simply kept moving forward-living fully, serving others, and inspiring everyone he met.
Craig Jessop´s legacy marries extraordinary personal courage with a deep and consistent commitment to equity, empowerment, and community. He lived not for recognition, but for real-world impact. His influence endures in the lives he touched and the inclusive world he helped to build.
May Blind Low Vision NZ honour him as he honoured others-through shared stories, enduring programs, and a relentless commitment to the kind of inclusive, compassionate service that Craig exemplified.

RIP Craig you served us extraordinarily well, we will never forget.

I am so sorry to read this, Craig you were an inspiration to many. Thanks for the laughs (especially giggling after we went to the wrong wedding reception over 25 years ago) Sending love and strength to Craig's whanau xo

The laughs, laughs and more laughs, the in-depth talks, the (mostly) daily phone calls, the nips of Ratu Rum, the `work´ we did together - Craig, you were such a huge inspiration, you were a best friend, I loved you and I´ll miss you so much.

Funny, determined. Kind. A gentleman. Rest easy