Tuesday, August 5, 2014

In Memory of Craig Lowe

On Sunday it was announced that Craig Lowe, Mike's dear friend and colleague, passed away suddenly. Craig Lowe had been working with Mike on his shows since the early days of Holmes on Homes. Every fan of Mike's knows who Craig is and respects him as a true professional. For more information, please see Rest In Peace Craig Lowe.

The Holmes Spot would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Lowe family. I can't imagine the devastation they feel right now. In my belief system, we mourn with those who mourn and weep with those who weep, and the entire community of Mike's fans and those who appreciate the hard work of dedicated craftsmen are mourning with them. Our sincerest prayers and love for all of Craig's family and friends.



Craig Lowe's Obituary was made public today:

CRAIG LOWE October 28, 1972 to August 2, 2014 Treasure hunter, lover of life and a passionate adventure seeker. We lost Craig much sooner than we should have. Craig was always smiling, kind and fired up about whatever life was bringing next. His energy was contagious and never-ending. His children were everything to him and they lit up his life. Amazing husband to Kaley and wonderful father to Sydney, Alexa, Ryley and Lainey. Beloved brother of Kristi, son of Don and Jacquie Lowe, son-in-law of Gail and Alex Gray and grandson of Jack and Eileen Finan. A celebration of his life will take place on Monday, August 18, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Turtle Creek Golf Course at 11660 Guelph Line, Campbellville, L0P 1B0. Please wear casual and colourful clothes, he would have wanted it this way. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider sending your best story, memory, picture or video of Craig at any age to: [email removed by THS to prevent bot spam. Visit original link to view.] We will use them to create a memory book for his children. You may submit more than one, as we know some of you have lots! We would like to have them all.



Here's an article from the Toronto Sun regarding Mike Holmes' reaction to Craig Lowe's passing:
Mike Holmes 'blown away' by pal's scuba diving death
7:10 am, August 5th, 2014


    MATT INGRAM | QMI AGENCY

    TORONTO -- Television personality Mike Holmes says he's "blown away" by the death of his friend in a weekend scuba diving incident accident.
    John (Craig) Lowe, 41, a Mississauga, Ontario house painter and frequent guest on the popular television show Holmes on Homes was found dead Saturday off the coast of Nova Scotia.
    "He was an avid scuba diver, he loved it, he was a professional at it so this doesn't make any sense to us at all," Holmes, 51, said.
    Holmes spoke from his boat where he was spending the long weekend celebrating his birthday with family.
    "It's terribly tragic. When I woke up yesterday morning and found my daughter crying telling me happy birthday and I knew something was wrong," Holmes said.
    The longtime friends met while working on a job 15 years ago, before the television series.
    Lowe worked with Holmes completing painting on many projects. Over the years, they went on white water-rafting trips and to the Muskoka cottage of Lowe's mother-in-law.
    When the television show began, Lowe's relationship with Holmes led him to become a prominent guest.
    "He was on the very first show and he has painted almost every single home on the show," Holmes said.
    His talent as a painter and his desire to teach people about his craft made him a popular guest on the show, according to Holmes.
    "He's got a big heart; he wants to help other people, he wants to educate other people so he was really good in front of the camera," Holmes said. "Everyone loved the guy."
    Lowe had been diving for 20 years and travelled to pursue the sport, Holmes said.
    He added Lowe went to Nova Scotia to dive in Aspy Bay with a friend in search artifacts from a French shipwreck.
    Lowe had many friends who were also divers, including his wife, and much of the Holmes on Homes crew. Holmes never had the opportunity to dive with him.
    "I wish I had," Holmes said.
    Lowe leaves behind a wife and four daughters. A funeral is expected to take place in the GTA by the end of the week. Holmes will be closing his business for the day so that all his employees can attend.

    42 comments:

    1. His contributions were understated. Such a professional whose selfless contributions to those in need has inspired me to try and help those less fortunate.

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    2. I was in total disbelief when I saw his memorial on last night's episode. I can feel the sadness in all the crew he worked with. I can only hope to help as many people as he has.

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    3. I'm a french fan from Quebec city and i watch mike's shows from the beginnign. I am shock about the death of Craig Lowe i've heard in the last night show. As we could saw on TV he was one of the most passionate guy in the world of construction... Rest in peace Craig. Jean Labadie (Québec city)

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    4. I never knew him personally.
      But.. He helped me perfect my painting skills.
      Like Mike and the team, Craig taught us the tricks of the trade.
      I will truly miss him..
      I pray for him and his family..
      What a guy...
      :)
      Steve Debarros

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    5. I was shocked and saddened to see Mike Holmes' memorial of Craig Lowe. I learned many tips from Craig, seeing him on Mike's shows. Once I wrote to him and received a personal reply to a painting problem. I will miss him. My condolences, although late, go out to his wife and children. So sad. Such a waste.

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    6. My wife and I have been watching Mike Holmes since the very first episode. Seeing the memorial for Craig Lowe came as a big shock to us since he was a regular guest on the show. We are saddened by this loss and we wish all the best to his family and friends. And may Lowes painting continue to be a success in his name.

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    7. Wow, that is a tragic accident. Mr. Lowe has been a show favorite of mine since the very first appearance. Everybody paints, but almost nobody knows how to do it correctly. Craig teached everybody at every occasion. Simple tricks, explained simply - the best there is.
      My family would like to offer our condolences to Craig's family, and to the Holmes family. This is a great loss.

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    8. my deepest condolences to Craigs family and friends ive been watching mike since day 1 and I feel like I know everyone personal I was shocked R.I.P Craig you will be greatly missed and fondly remembered

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    9. Sorry about your loss ! Hugs go out to his family !

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    10. My wife and I have been watching Mike Holmes' series since the beginning. Craig Lowe was always a favourite of ours, with his giving, patient and professional attitude, and sense of humour. As the household painter, I always appreciated that Craig was willing to share tips to make my honey-do list easier, along with great pointers for future projects. He will be sadly missed on the show, and fondly remembered. Such a tragic accident. Our deepest condolences go out to Craig's wife and daughters, their families and friends, as well as to Mike Holmes and his crew.

      R.I.P. Craig. You will be missed.

      johncanadian

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    11. Very sad news. I choked up a bit when I saw the tribute on the last show. :(

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    12. will be missed.
      anon from South Africa

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    13. I live in Australia and am a HUGE Holmes fan. I guess we get the series much later than the Canadians, and I am very saddened indeed to hear of Craig's passing which I just watched earlier this evening. What terrible news. I could plainly see that Craig was a great guy, brilliant at his trade, a thoroughly nice bloke and it is a tragedy he has been taken at such a young age. Sad, sad, sad. My sincere condolences to his family, the crew and everyone that knew him. Vale Craig.

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    14. I also live in Australia and have just seen the episode. I have tears welling in y eyes as I type. What a tragedy. I never met Craig, but on the TV he always had a smile and seemed like a great guy. I truly hope his family are OK.
      Steve.

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    15. Just heard about Craig..such a talented man..such a shame. RIP

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    16. RIP Craig, you are missed by so many people, including a lot who never knew you.

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    17. I too have just learned of Craig's passing. I am an avid fan of Holmes on homes and am in total shock in this great loss. I'm a carpenter by trade and love the show. Mike has professionals that care about their work and Craig was second to none. He was the consumate professional. My heart goes out to his family in their time of need. May they hold dear to them what Craig gave to us. We are very fortunate that they shared Craig with us. We are all better for knowing him, even if just by the show. RIP Craig. You will always be with us and remember, you did it RIGHT.
      Respectfully,
      Jerry
      Illinois

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    18. I too have just learned of Craig's passing. I am an avid fan of Holmes on homes and am in total shock in this great loss. I'm a carpenter by trade and love the show. Mike has professionals that care about their work and Craig was second to none. He was the consumate professional. My heart goes out to his family in their time of need. May they hold dear to them what Craig gave to us. We are very fortunate that they shared Craig with us. We are all better for knowing him, even if just by the show. RIP Craig. You will always be with us and remember, you did it RIGHT.
      Respectfully,
      Jerry
      Illinois

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    19. Living in Phoenix, Arizona we get the shows later than most and watched the latest episode on Tuesday, February 24, 2014 and when the show had finished I was stunned to hear that Craig Lowe had passed away. I immediately went to the Internet to see what happened. Such a tragedy for his family, friends and co-workers. Craig was a professional at his work and we always enjoyed his time on the shows. He will be remembered and remain in the hearts of those that knew him personally as well as the rest of us who saw him on TV. Respectfully, Stan, Arizona

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    20. Craig, thank you sharing you tips and experiences. I always looked forward to seeing the jobs you and your crew performed. I just learned of your passing and am in shock...we're the same age. Prayers for you and your family. God Bless and I know your painting the sky with your beauty.
      Gary in Colorado....by way of The Bronx, NY.

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    21. I just found out about Craig's passing when the tribute show aired this week in the USA. Up to that point I had no idea Craig passed away. I was shocked and deeply saddened. After watching Mike Holmes for so many, many years, all of the crew and contractors have become "friends". To his family and friends I send my most sincere sympathies and I will always remember Craig with respect and affection. How very, very, sad. No wonder the blues in the sky have been brighter and the sun a more magical in its glow. Craig is working! RIP Craig.

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    22. Our thoughts and prayers for Craig's family. R.I.P. Craig. From all your fans in Phoenix AZ.

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    23. I just learned this. My husband and I are huge "Holmes" fans. We now have have "peasant vision" so are really enjoying watching the show on Netflix. Very sorry for your loss, Lowe family and Holmes family.

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    24. I just watched a Holmes Makes it Right episode and saw the dedication. I was completely shocked. I have always found Craig's knowledge of his craft and easy going spirit to be refreshing. My heart goes out to his family. He will be truly missed.

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    25. Last night I recorded an episode of Holmes Makes It Right that originally aired on 3/3/15 titled, "Investment Gate," and just finished watching the episode. At the very beginning of the recording, Mike was giving tribute to Craig Lowe and talked about his sudden passing. I had to come to the computer to fin dout what happened, and when, and found this site. I have been watching Holmes on Homes, and every other TV show that has Mike and his wonderful crew on it, restoring dignity and peace to so many people's lives. Craig Lowe was one of the regulars on Mike Holmes' shows, and I could tell that Craig enjoyed what he did. He was a very talented artist with a brush. Yes, I said artist. Craig's canvas was whatever he was painting...a wall, a staircase, a ceiling, anything. I listened intently when he educated us about oil base - vs - acrylic base paint, primers, paint stroke technique, all of it. Paint that was used for high humidity areas such as a bathroom, and on and on. Craig was a joy to watch because he was so calm, and talented, and willing to educate, and willing to help others. I remember when he joined Mike Holmes and crew in L.A. to help a family with a modern home gone awry. I believe Craig was on vacation with his family, and stopped in to help. Craig seemed to me to have a very big heart, and Mike Holmes' tribute said the same thing. I never knew Craig personally, but I saw his work, his skill, and his compassion, and his passion for painting, and making things right. I myself lost my husband to cancer in March 2012, my father July 2012, and now my mother in March 2015. I can empathize with the Lowe family, and friends. To lose a loved one is devastating, but at least with my family members, they were ill, so there were warnings, and time to say goodbye. When Craig died so unexpectedly, it makes the shock even worse for his wife, children, parents, grandparents, in-laws, and friends, and all the rest of us who loved him for who he was, even though we never personally met. My heart is full of compassion for Craig's family. This mortal journey is just the tiniest fraction of our immortal life, and it will be amazing when the family is reunited once more in heaven, even though the loss of his physical presence on this earth has left everyone feeling hollow. May you find the peace you need. You will be in my prayers.
      - Gale Franklin
      Cumming, GA

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    26. I have just watched the Make It Right episode that was in memory of Craig Lowe, and toward the end of the show, and virtually every show I have watched, I had a few tears in my eyes when Mike presented the house to the owners, because I am always amazed how fantastic everything looks and how hard everyone has worked to get it done. Heros, is what I always say to myself after every episode. But when I saw that Craig had passed away, I was horrified. My tears of joy instantly turned to sorrow, and seeing Craig on all those shows made me feel like I myself lost a good friend. I can only imagine how hard it has been for his family, and his true friends, to adjust to life without him. Once again, I think of Hero, which is what Craig is, because I am sure he is painting the heck out of Heaven as we live our lives here on Earth. My deepest condolences to everyone who knew him - Ken Suter, Rayland, Ohio

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    27. Im embarrassed to say that I am just learning of Craig's passing via a Holmes on Holmes episode. What a sad tragedy. Since day one of the Holmes on Holmes series you could not help but fall in love with Craig. He seemed so calm and patient and of course knew everything about painting. He could actually paint along a wall edge without tape or any mechanical help, Which was a skill not many had or have, he was amazing to watch. I, as I'm sure so many others, learned so much from his little lessons. He will be deeply missed by the fans, I for one will miss watching him. Holmes is known for surrounding himself with expert craftsmen, Craig was top notch and will be hard to replace. My condolences to his family, friend and fans. Please know that he has touched even those of us in the US and the pain of his loss is shared. Though I did not know him personally the pain I feel is for the kind soul I perceive him to be.
      N. Adams
      Bronx NY

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    28. Craig Lowe was one of many cogs in a construction machine that was probably the best crew on the entire planet. I have watched the entire Homes series from Holmes on Homes to Holmes Inspection to Holmes Makes It Right. How do you replace a person of such artistry, knowledge and personality? Craig was not only a master at his chosen profession but did not mind educating you on what kind of primers/paints to use in a particular scentric but also how to brush stroke and roll paint. Craig was a very kind, giving person and having watched all the series from the beginning, I feel like all of the crews I know personally and consider them as friends even though we have actually never met. I hope the Lowe family along with all of the Holmes' crews know that they had the privilege and knowledge to know a great person and a quality human being. My sympathies to all.

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    29. Dear Craig,
      As you look upon your family this Christmas, as you know you are remembered well. To your widow, Kaley and your daughters go my deepest thoughts of sympathy but also of hope. I know you would have taught them so much. For me, I thank you for teaching me big things like keeping cool in adversity, using integrity in business, being available to people personally and professionally(it's a lot of work and you did it well), your vision and ability to size up a job and the expectations of a client are invaluable skills. I watched, talked, and listened to you and you to me. We learned things from each other. To me, you have never left in some ways and that is a tribute to you.
      See you when I see you. All the best.
      Shawn

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    30. I HAVE JUST SEEN THE EPISODE WITH THE TRIBUTE TO CRAIG LOW - I AM SO, SO SORRY INDEED!
      MY BLESSINGS FROM MICHAEL IN AUSTRALIA TO THE LOW FAMILY AND THE HOLMES FAMILY

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    31. I just saw the memorium episode for Craig Lowe. The Lowe and Holmes familes, crew, and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to you all. Craig was a good man and will never be forgotten.

      Diane Feliciano
      Mt. Vernon, NY.

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    32. I'm sitting here blown away by the news that Craig Lowe has passed away! Like many of us Craig showed us the right way to paint and you could see and feel his passion for painting. As a long time viewer of Holmes on Homes, I'm going to miss Craig's smile and his painting skills. God bless his family and watch over them.

      Bret Whitney
      Queens, NY.

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    33. How happy I was to, finally, watch the second episode of the $170 000 house rebuild years later, to only have my eyes well and my heart sag, to learn of Craig's passing away. For a stranger who inspired my own skills he will be missed as his calm demeanor made sense with his troubleshooting tips and tricks. All the previous posts have said it all. Craig's spirit will not be replaced. He will sorely be missed.

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    34. I'm sure he was enjoying every moment. My best thoughts go out to all he touched. I live in Vero Beach, Fl USA and just found out. Yes, it's 8/2016! But again to all, close your eyes, smile, and remember.

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    35. I am sorry very sorry to hear of Craig's passing. I have enjoyed watch and learning from him on the Holmes shows. Blessing to the family, friends, and followers. He will be missed.
      Narcisse

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    36. Just learned about Craig's passing on diy Holmes. Feel so badly. He will be missed. God bless his family and friends.

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    37. My heart goes out to his family. I have been watching the show for years and saw him doing what he does best, painting for Mike! I am (was)a painter (interior) mostly in the Lynchburg Va area. Now two yrs later and you probably still hurt from the loss. So sorry for the loss and he has been missed and will continue to be!!! The Lords comfort be with you and the family!

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    38. I have Mikes show set to record all so I don't know how I missed this when it happened but I just found out about Craigs untimely passing. I was shocked, he was such a caring person. His heart went into every brush stroke, he showed such compassion for the home owner by making their homes beautiful. He took the time to explain so amateurs like myself could understand and learn from him. I never had the remotest chance to meet him but I will miss that smile and patient voice. Rest in peace Craig, God bless you for all you did in your to short time here on earth.

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    39. he lives on. I was just painting a room at my house and thinking of his professionalism and talent

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    40. I bought a newly built house and after 2 weeks of living there I noticed that the 2nd floor sub-flooring was unlevel in several areas. I brought it to the attention of the builder and he wants to correct the problem using self-leveling compound. I hire a structural engineer and he recommended correcting the issues with insulate foam board mainly because he felt that the the leveling compound would introduce moisture issues for the OSB and undue weight on the 2nd floor. I asked that the builder completely redo the sub-flooring giving the extremely poor workmanship but of course he felt the pulling up the old floor would damage the joist. What would be your approach to this situation? ( note: the house was built in 2017, Meclenburg county, North Carolina and the builder nailed OSB for the sub-floor, the bare minimum construction and materials were employed here).

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    41. Hello to everyone on the show. I recently watched an older episode and only found out now of Craig Lowe's death. This one really hurt. The joy this man had in his work was unbelievable. I want to express my sadness to the family . I don't mean to bring the pain back but rather to celebrate the legacy of Craig since He touched my life and others. A very sincere thank you goes to the crew to Mike Holmes and his crew. You guys have no idea how much you impacted me by your work, your integrity and the many people you have helped. I spend many episode dreaming of repairing my own home of 1911, we take it a step by step since we are retirees. Thank you to all for inspiring us. Living in a cottage, a house, a bungalow or an old house does not matter you inspire us. Sincerely Sylvia

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    42. I recently watched an older episode of Mike Holmes in which he was dedicated to Craig Lowe the painter. I was very sad to hear of his passing. I enjoyed his work and his joy. He made it look so easy for the homeowner. Thank You to Mike Holmes for the dedication to Craig Lowe. I watch Holmes on Holmes and Holmes make it right. It always inspires me. I own a 1911 old house with no basement but it is home and I get to dream every time I watch an episode and I also try our repairs a step by step. I also want to point out how it is important to see integrity shown in action. Sincerely Sylvia

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