Craig Bradley and "Redwing", his beautiful 25 Sportsman out on Lake Hopatcong. Photo - Bob Kays
This sad note is from fellow Woody Boater Bob Kays – Craig Bradley passed away on Saturday. He was a long time Woody Boater and will be deeply missed by his friends in the Antique Boat Club as well as the entire Lake community. As I write this today, Nov 7, it is a beautiful warm November day. Just the kind of day I would expect to see Craig out for a ride in his pride and joy “Redwing” a 1949 25’ Chris Craft Sportsman. Most years Craig’s “Redwing” would be the first in and last out, with Craig sharing rides with his many friends and his favorite crew, his wife Marge. In recent years, no Sunday morning would be complete with Craig using Redwing to monitor the Sunday sailboat races. Craig purchased “Redwing” in 1975 from Wayne Mocksfield and the boat is a regular at our annual boat show. Craig and Marge rarely missed a club event. Craig knew what it meant to be a woody boater, he used his boat, shared it with friends and family and found joy in every ride. I thought of him today on my ride, wishing I could see him power by. He will be missed by the members of the Lake Hopatcong Antique Boat Club.
You may recognize some of these shots from Woody Boater and the Lake Hopatcong calenders
I saw Redwing in person when I bought a boat from Katz’s Marina last fall. What a beautiful boat. Sad to hear Mr. Bradley passed. But it’s nice to learn he will be remembered, and missed in part, for his joy in boating. Let’s hope we are all so fortunate with that. Best wishes to the Bradley family.
I didn’t know Craig Bradley but feel a kinship with him as a fellow wooden boat lover. When we loose one of our own it’s natural to morn the loss. It’s a sad day for us to hear this news. Our deepest sympathy to his family and to his friends.
My sympathy to Mr.Bradley’s family and friends.
i am deeply grieved to learn of crags passing. we were close friends for many years, and he was the best man at my marriage. i regret that a divorce caused our friendship to pass, but i have nothing but good memories of craig, and wish marge and their extended family well.