Craig William Lemster: 8th Degree Black Belt, Musician, Business Owner

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Craig Lemster August 4, 1959 – May 8, 2025

 

On May 8, 2025, Craig William Lemster went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of his family. He passed peacefully, held close by those who cherished him, and welcomed into eternal life by the One in whom he placed his trust.

 

Born in Los Angeles on August 4, 1959, to Patricia and Kenneth Lemster, Craig’s life was filled with purpose, creativity, and devotion. At age seven, his family moved north to Arcata, California, where they established the Lazy L Ranch—a formative place that nurtured Craig’s lifelong love for the American West, self-reliance, and adventure.

Craig was a true entrepreneur with a brilliant mechanical mind and an unmatched work ethic. His passion for European automobiles was first inspired by his Uncle Harry and later shaped by his time at the renowned Vasek Polak Porsche dealership, where he became shop foreman. That early experience laid the foundation for a life in automotive excellence. Later, Craig and his beloved wife Louise founded Specialty Foreign Auto in McKinleyville, California—a successful business that continues to serve the community to this day.

 

Craig’s journey took him down many rich and colorful paths. He earned an 8th degree black belt in karate and went on to teach at a Chuck Norris studio, where he formed many lifelong friendships—including one with former L.A. Dodger Steve Sax, who remained a treasured friend through the years. Craig’s time as both student and instructor was deeply meaningful, blending discipline, mentorship, and joy.

 

In 1976, Craig made history as the youngest teamster on a leg of the Bicentennial Wagon Train, driving a team of horses from Keno to Jacksonville. That spirit of celebration, showmanship, and heritage never left him. He and the Lemster crew brought joy to Humboldt County with their Wild West stunt shows, where Craig wowed crowds with his fast draw and bullwhip mastery. In the fall, he would transform into a haunting and unforgettable Headless Horseman during the beloved Lazy L Monster Walks, thrilling generations with his flair for the dramatic.

 

But perhaps nothing brought Craig more joy—or forged deeper connections—than music. Introduced to the guitar and the music of Glen Campbell by “Uncle” Bob Alder, Craig developed not just a talent, but a lifelong calling. He had an absolutely incredible voice -rich, soulful, and effortlessly powerful. His vocal talent had a way of filling a room and stirring something deep inside you, whether he was singing a heartfelt ballad or an old classic. And when he picked up a guitar it was like an extension of himself -every note he played was filled with emotion, precision and pure skill. His music didn’t just sound good -it felt good. That introduction blossomed into cherished friendships with many in the Campbell family, especially Glen’s daughter Debby, with whom Craig toured across the country, and Glen’s brother Shorty, whose warmth and humor held a special place in Craig’s heart. His love for the Adamas Ovation guitar even inspired the creation of the band Adamas, which he co-founded with Dave Weston, Frank Anderson, and Greg Hall—brothers in music and in spirit.

 

Craig also had a deep love for football. He refereed college games up to the PAC-10 level and approached the game with the same heart and intensity he brought to every area of life. But his truest allegiance was to the USC Trojans—a passion passed down from his grandfather and proudly shared with his children and grandchildren. One of Craig’s most treasured memories was witnessing his father moved to tears by the sound of the Trojan Marching Band playing “Fight On”—a tradition that remained sacred in the Lemster family.

 

Through every role he played—husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, performer—Craig led with love. He was married for 42 years to his soulmate, Louise Lemster, and together they built a life filled with devotion, resilience, and deep family bonds. He was the kind of man who made everyone feel like they belonged, who gave generously of his time and talents, and who never lost his sense of humor or adventure.

 

Craig is survived by his wife Louise; his sister Daralee and husband Larry Robinett; sister Carrie and husband Mark Harnden; his adopted brother Greg Brooks; and his five beloved children: Shannon and Jordan Ries, Katy and Tony Freeman, Savannah and Sage Higginson, Garrett Lemster, and Karah Lemster. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Mikayla and Mason Jaramillo, Brady Freeman, Quinnlyn Ries, Alessandra Lemster, and Haydn and Sloane Higginson; his niece Mandy and her husband Jesse Nolan; great-niece and nephew Kayla Balangue and Cole Curtis; and countless others who called him family by blood or by bond.

Craig had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and truly valued. Whether you shared a campfire song, a side-of-the-road laugh, a handshake at the shop, or a seat in the audience of one of his performances—if you knew Craig, you were better for it.

 

In the end, it was Craig’s faith in Jesus that carried him through life’s highest peaks and deepest valleys. His enduring motto—Fight On—was more than a cheer for his beloved Trojans; it was a declaration of hope, courage, and faith. That unshakable belief gave him peace in his final days and gave strength to all of us who walked with him to the threshold of heaven.

 

Craig’s legacy is one of music, mentorship, performance, faith, and boundless love.

 

He will be profoundly missed—and forever remembered.

 

And he would want you to remember…Jesus paid it all.

A celebration of life will be held at Old Growth Cellars on August 17th from 2pm-6pm. We kindly ask that you rsvp by July 20th at 707-362-1204, as food and drink will be provided.