The Woolsthorpe community is mourning the loss of a "popular and unforgettable" husband, father, friend and sportsman.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Duncan Craw, 33, died while on a camping trip with his wife Taylia and young son Levi in South Australia last Thursday.
Woolsthorpe 'Warriors' Cricket Club president Jason Willie said Mr Craw was "a much-loved member of the Warriors family and our local community".
"We are all devastated by the sad news," he said.
"Duncan's spirit and personality made him a popular and unforgettable member of the club and community."
Duncan's passing is a huge loss.
- Jason Willie
Mr Willie said Mr Craw was "one of the finest young men, a great clubman who knew the importance of bringing the kids along".
"He was competitive, skilled, talented and club-orientated. He possessed maturity beyond his years. Duncan's passing is a huge loss for our club and community."
Mr Craw became a Warrior in the 2016/17 cricket season and took out champion player for B grade.
The following year he took out the clubman of the year award and runners up in the champion player for A grade.
He played 92 matches with an impressive high score of 106 not out.
Mr Willie said Mr Craw's best bowling was 4-39.
"He made 2035 runs in total, 66 wickets and 33 catches," he said.
"Duncan was not only an outstanding cricket player, he also generously gave his time to help others, voluntarily running the kids Milo Cricket Program in the 2017/18 season, as well as assisting at Woolsthorpe Primary School cricket clinics.
"Woolsthorpe Cricket Club and the Mailors Flat Cricket Club express our thoughts and condolences to Taylia and Levi, Duncan's family, friends and teammates during this extremely tough time."
A keen footballer, Mr Craw played 21 reserve games and three senior-grade games for Allansford Football Netball Club in 2008, 2009 and 2017.
For the last two years he worked as the operations manager at Warrnambool agriculture contracting company Monk and Son Ag Services.
"It is with unimaginable sadness we pay a tribute to the sudden loss of our workmate, our colleague and our friend Duncan Craw," the company said in a statement.
"How do you sum up a man like Duncan? His energy, humour, support, dedication, loyalty and sincere friendship to those he worked are qualities that made him and will forever make him a fundamental part of the Monk and Son family."
Mr Craw was involved in the leadership and management of employees.
"While not shy in telling someone when they had done wrong (which could be often), his heart of gold was always there," the company statement said.
"Nothing was ever too much, always there as a lending hand or a shoulder of support. 'No worries, brother' and 'how are you chief?' are lines that are going to be greatly missed in our business."
Following news of Mr Craw's death, a number of people left condolence messages on The Standard's Facebook page.
"RIP big fella. Your big grin will be missed by many," one person wrote.
"Incredible person, great mate and awesome work mate will be truly missed by all. My deepest sympathy to Tay and Levi," said another.
"Heartbreaking," wrote a number of other mourners.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.