‘His legacy will live on’: Much loved SA agronomist, family man Craig Hole honoured amid drought tragedy
Thousands gathered to celebrate the life of a Naracoorte agronomist and family man who is being remembered for his “boundless kindness”.
SA News
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Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, thousands gathered at the Naracoorte Showgrounds on Friday to remember a loved family man, a passionate agronomist and a “true legend” who tragically died of suicide in early May.
Craig ‘Holey’ Hole was lauded as “one of Australia’s finest agronomists”, celebrating a 37 year career in the field, most of his years working for Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Mr Hole, a pillar in the state’s south east, died of suicide on May 6, just days before his 59th birthday on May 12.
A fellow farmer and accountant from the region, Abby Miller penned a letter that was read at parliament the week after Mr Hole’s death highlighting the financial weight of farming life, especially during the current drought, as “a pressure that’s invisible to most, but unbearable for many”.
“This week, we lost a dear friend to suicide. He wasn’t just a farmer, he was one of Australia’s finest agronomists,” the letter read.
Online and in person, thousands mourned and shared their own memories of Mr Hole on Friday at his Naracoorte funeral.
Tracey Hole, Craig’s wife, wrote in her heartfelt farewell to her late husband that though “his absence is hard to bear” every time she looked at their two children, twins Henry and Imogen, “I see his love”.
A close friend of Mr Hole’s, Liam Hay remembered him as a “pivotal man” and a “father figure” with “boundless kindness”.
“Craig was admired and is loved by all, he truly is a legend,” Mr Hay said, holding back tears.
Todd Woodard became close with Mr Hole during their time together at Roseworthy College in the mid 1980s.
Mr Woodard said “Holey had a fear of missing out” which made for some fun and interesting times while juggling study and the social scene.
He said Mr Hole “pushed me to become a better person”.
“He (Craig) could make you feel like the most important person in the room and it didn’t matter if you were the forklift operator or the boss,” he said.
“I never had a brother, but Holey is about as close as I could get I reckon.”
Another friend, and long-time Nutrien work colleague Craig Tapfield said Mr Hole’s contribution to the field would be honoured with an industry award named the Craig Hole Outstanding Achievement in Agronomy award.
“His legacy will live on in all those he’s helped over the years,” he said.
“Now that the rain has finally started falling, I’m tipping if anyone can talk them into sending it down it’d be you, so please keep it coming mate.”
If you or someone you know needs assistance:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au
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Originally published as ‘His legacy will live on’: Much loved SA agronomist, family man Craig Hole honoured amid drought tragedy
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