Craig Ruddy mourned: Byron community loses Archibald winner to Covid

Archibald winner and beloved Byron Shire resident Craig Ruddy has left a void in the hearts of many after his recent passing from Covid-19 complications.

The art world and Northern Rivers communities have been mourning the loss of prominent Byron Shire artist Craig Ruddy.

Mr Ruddy was renowned for his work including as Archibald Prize winner in 2004 for his portrait of David Gulpilil, who also recently passed away.

He was a finalist again in 2020 and that work, depicting writer Bruce Pascoe, was displayed as part of the travelling exhibition at the Tweed Regional Art Gallery.

Mr Ruddy passed away as a result of Covid-19 complications.

Byron Shire mayor Michael Lyon said Mr Ruddy’s loss was being sorely felt by the community.

Archibald winner Craig Ruddy has died of Covid aged 53. Picture: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/craigruddyartist/?hl=en

“I knew Craig really well; we’d been neighbours for eight or nine years and spent a fair bit of time together,” Mr Lyon said.

He said the passing of his friend was “pretty devastating”

“He was a hugely loved and respected member of our community and the broader artistic community across Australia and the world,” Mr Lyon said.

Archibald winner Craig Ruddy has died of Covid aged 53. Pictured with partner, Roberto Meza Mont’s Picture: instagram

He described Mr Ruddy as “a warm and funny and intelligent and big hearted individual”.

“Everyone will be feeling this loss very keenly,” he said.

“At 53 it’s just too young and it’s certainly caught everyone by surprise.”

Mr Lyon said his thoughts were with Mr Ruddy’s partner, Roberto Meza Mont, and his other loved ones.

Archibald Prize 2020 finalist Craig Ruddy’s 'Dark emu'.

The Byron Shire has recorded 236 new cases of the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm Wednesday.

According to NSW Health, the shire recorded a total of 2036 new cases in the four weeks leading up to Wednesday night.

The Northern NSW Local Health District recorded a total of 4839 Covid-19 cases in the same period.

“We certainly didn’t need a high profile example to bring it home but that’s what we’ve got,” Mr Lyon said.

“I think putting aside the who … I think it's very clear to all of us that Covid is a killer and we are at the start, not even close to the end, of this pandemic.

“It’s really just a time to support each other and look out for each other and be kind to each other.”

Byron Shire artist Craig Ruddy with his 2004 Archibald Prize and People Choice-winning artwork Two Worlds.

A statement posted to Mr Ruddy’s Facebook page has also paid tribute to the artist.

“It is with the heaviest of tender hearts we let you know that last night Craig left his body peacefully at home in Roberto’s arms,” the statement said.

“We have lost the most divine human that gave so much to our communities, the creativity, the inspiration, the pure love and plenty of dance.

“Let’s remember him as he was always wanted to be remembered.”

An elderly man in Ballina has also recently died with Covid-19. 

He was not vaccinated against the virus.

The local health district has 25 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital, four of them in intensive care.