Craig Sjodin Obituary
It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Craig Oliver Sjodin, who left us too soon at the age of 67, on September 15, 2023, due to the severe injuries he sustained from a tragic bicycle accident.
A cherished sibling to Brenda Rickey and a respected brother-in-law to Dave Rickey, Craig often made himself a familiar face around the scenic landscapes of the Geneva area. Born on the 26th of October, 1955, in the idyllic setting of Evanston, Illinois, he was the proud son of George and Carolyn Sjodin.
In a career that spanned almost four decades, Craig was an integral part of the ABC Television Network and later, its acquiring company, Disney. Working as a still photographer, his lens captured poignant moments in some of the most iconic television series, including ‘The Bachelor’ and its numerous spinoffs. Those evocative images of contestants delicately clutching roses at the onset of each season? Many of those were courtesy of Craig’s artistic touch. Just a month prior to his unfortunate demise, Craig had hung up his camera, looking forward to sharing the chapters of his retirement with his family, while globetrotting to Australia and other locations that had touched his soul throughout his storied career.
An ardent cyclist, Craig could often be seen traversing hundreds of miles weekly on his bicycle. His enthusiasm for cycling was a shared joy with the Rickeys, and they would often embark on cycling journeys together in locations like San Diego and Westlake Village. This past summer, Craig relished the opportunity to cycle through Geneva during the Sjodin family reunion, a memory that now holds even more weight for his loved ones.
The untimely departure of Craig Oliver Sjodin at 67 years old on September 15, 2023, resulted from the grave injuries he incurred in a devastating bicycle mishap.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of three decades, Esther Bekhore Sjodin; his beloved son, Ryan; and his sisters Brenda (Dave) Rickey, Nancy Nickoloff, and Linda Hughes, all of whom reside in Phoenix, Arizona. Craig’s legacy also extends to his niece Kerri (Jeff) Lane and his grand-nieces, Avery and Grace Lane, also based in San Diego, among other cherished family members.
In the wake of Craig’s passing, the family finds solace in the memories of their times together—be it the adrenaline-fueled bike rides, the fiercely competitive pickleball matches, or the simple joy of sharing an Arnold Palmer drink. His laughter was infectious, his humor unmatched; he was the most youthful 67-year-old anyone had ever encountered.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to the family and friends who gathered at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in the wake of his accident. Their support over those heart-wrenching eight days prior to his passing and their continued consolation to his grieving wife, son, sisters, and extended family have been an immeasurable comfort during this heart-rending period.
We say our final farewells to Craig, a husband, father, brother, and friend, whose spirit will forever ride along the trails and paths he so dearly loved.
Craig Sjodin Cause of Death? Craig Sjodin GH, what happened?
On September 15, 2023, an air of melancholy pervaded the community surrounding General Hospital, as it grappled with the devastating news of the untimely loss of Craig Sjodin. At 67 years old, his life was cut short by a grievous bicycle accident. Craig wasn’t merely a staff member; he was a legend within the four walls of the studio and beyond, a living archive of the show’s rich history.
Craig Sjodin was far more than the man behind the camera; he was a storyteller in his own right. For an astonishing nearly 40 years, his keen eye captured the soul and essence of Port Charles, immortalizing its characters in ways that transcended the screen. Each snapshot encapsulated a moment, a feeling, a fragment of a tale that connected us to the unfolding drama of the iconic soap opera.
But Craig’s artistry wasn’t confined to the world of daytime television. His versatile talents shone bright under the floodlights of primetime as well. If you ever marveled at the nuanced expressions on Nathan Fillion in Castle, the emotional depth of Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives, or the jubilant pirouettes of Susan Lucci on Dancing With the Stars, then you’ve witnessed the scope of Sjodin’s work.
His contributions extended beyond mere still photography. Demonstrating a multifaceted mastery of his craft, Craig also stepped into the role of a cinematographer. Specifically, in 1993, he lent his visionary genius to two memorable episodes of General Hospital, adding yet another layer of depth and richness to a series that had already captivated audiences for generations.
The magnitude of Craig’s unparalleled vision and enduring contributions will remain indelibly etched in the annals of television history. As we mourn his untimely passing, we also celebrate a life that touched so many—both in front of the lens and behind it.
The General Hospital community was enveloped in sorrow on September 15, 2023, as they struggled to come to terms with the heartbreaking and premature passing of Craig Sjodin.
Remembering Craig Sjodin
The heartfelt tribute aired on September 27th, culminating in an “In Loving Memory” card, resonated deeply, not just with the cast and crew but also with the vast community of General Hospital fans. The loss of Craig Sjodin was profoundly felt, transcending the parameters of a mere professional relationship to strike a deeply personal chord with many.
In an outpouring of sentiment, fans joined the ensemble of cast and crew in expressing a sense of sorrow, tinged with immense gratitude for the indelible moments that Craig skillfully committed to film. He was not simply capturing a scene; he was weaving together the very fabric of General Hospital’s storied legacy, one meticulously framed shot at a time.
For countless individuals, both on-set and off, Craig’s lens was the gateway to an emotional and narrative universe that will forever remain etched in their memories. His contributions did more than just create visual recollections—they laid the foundation for a collective emotional history that will continue to be revisited for generations to come.
