Craig Lyndon Weir

This is one of the most heart wrenching losses. Too young. Too fast. May Craig's memory be always honoured. May you know God's comfort.

My deepest sympathy Onida, Caydon and Chaelynne. Sorry for I could not be there with you all today. I am sincerely sorry for your loss and pray for you all in this time. I had only met Craig once. His life shone as a loving husband, wonderful father and a generous man. Rest In Peace Craig.

My condolences to the family, Craig was such an amazing person the 4 years that I was around. Always the father, such a funny character by nature. Thinking of you all.

At first I thought Craig was a mythical creature! We first met Onida & the kids when they settled in Australia. I only heard mention of her husband, Craig, and it took several weeks before the myth turned into a reality. Boy - are we glad we met him and became friends with all the Weirs. Over the years Craig has been such a true, kind and generous friend to us. We have learned and laughed with him. Our lives are richer because of him. We will miss him. Our sorrow is deep, but are hearts are hopeful in the legacy he has left. Onida, Caydon and Chaelynne, please accept our deepest sympathies, our love, and our prayers during this time. We will be there for you in days to come! May you truly know God's love, strength and promises now and in the future. We love you (& Craig) very much - Robyn, Richard, Abi & Courtney, xxxx

Dearest Craig we are so sorry we did not say goodbye, we truly enjoyed your friendship. Thank you for your kind friendship, help to fix our computer, lots of laughter . Rest in peace with the lord and the Angels until we all meet again. It will be just like it was and ever will be .our deepest condolences to the extended family . Mama Jackie , Rudy Corentin and the extended family .

Our most sincere love and heartfelt Prayers for this beautiful and precious family. God Bless you all. xx

Meaning-Making from Death & Loss 17 February 2021 On Friday evening, Christie received a text letting us know that a Bayside Church member had just collapsed and was being rushed to the hospital. It was Craig weir, husband of Onida Weir (Bayside Church’s children’s ministry leader). By Sunday afternoon Craig had passed away. He was 47. Over my 35 years in pastoral ministry, I have been with many people when they’ve died. I’ve conducted dozens of funerals, I’ve walked the journey of grief with lots of people. Death is always sad, although the death of a person ripe in years or someone who’s suffered pain from a terminal illness is often merciful. But the passing of one so young seems unfathomable. I’m writing this blog as my tribute to Craig Lyndon Weir ((13/06/1973 – 14/02/2021). He and I used to joke about our yearly breakfast catch-up. “Hey, Rob,” he’d say in his South African accent. “It must be nearly time for our annual breaky.” Our last one was early March last year, just before the first lockdown. It crossed my mind a week or two ago that we were about due for another catch-up. Sadly, that is not to be. Craig was a gentle man with a great sense of humour renowned for his dad jokes, much like my own! He loved his wife and kids, his family and friends. And it’s that which I’d like to focus on here. Even in death, he gave the gift of life to others. In discussion with Christie, Onida and the kids decided on the weekend to donate Craig’s organs. Amid their grief, they decided that Craig would want to be as generous in death as he was in life. Having said their goodbyes, they left Craig in the caring hands of skilled surgeons and DonateLife Victoria. Over the next couple of days, Craig’s body gave life to a man who would have died if it were not for Craig’s healthy heart being made available to him. I am told that this man and his family are rejoicing. Two people received his corneas and the gift of improved eyesight and the resulting quality of life. One of his kidneys, as well as his liver, was also donated. His pancreas was given for diabetes research, as were his lungs, some bone marrow, and blood. Bayside Church’s Vision includes the words, “To courageously love.” To me, the act of generosity displayed by Onida and her family powerfully typify courageous love. Onida shared with me yesterday how she had powerfully experienced the presence of God. And that in grief, she had discovered the truth of these words: “For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow” (Jeremiah 31:13). I’ve been pondering how in life joy and sadness; happiness and grief are often so intertwined. At most funerals, there are things said in a eulogy that make people laugh and cry. A few days ago, a grieving family made decisions that brought great joy to others. And isn’t that a stunning picture of the Christian gospel? The life and death of the man Jesus has brought so much life and joy to millions over two millennia. A decade ago, I made the decision to become an organ donor. It was around this time of year in the season of Lent. Lent is about giving up something, so others don’t have to. In the past, I’d gone without coffee for 40 days and donated that money to our Forever Home for boys in South Africa. Organ donation is the gift you decide in life so that your death reflects the generosity by which you’ve lived. In this Lenten season, why not register to become an organ donor? It’s so simple Donate Life today. Organ donation gives another chance at life to those people who would otherwise die. Jesus taught the Golden Rule, “in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). If I – or Christie or our kids – was dying and an organ transplant could save a life, I would be so grateful if a donor was available. If I would want others to do that for me, why wouldn’t I reciprocate? Organ donation is one of the few acts for which people will remember you. We will certainly remember Craig Weir for this and a whole lot more! Blog by Pastor Rob Buckingham

Craig & I met through work & we soon discovered that we had a few common interests. The work association only lasted about a year, but we maintained our friendship. You were taken from this earth too soon for your family & friends, but we have to trust that God has his reasons for allowing it to happen this way. We will always miss your cheerful attitude to most things in life. Our deepest sympathy & condolences to Onida, Caydon & Chaelyn. John & Rosemary