The Sharks were saddened by the news on the weekend of the passing of Craig Pinn, a long-time corporate partner, friend and supporter of the club.
Craig, who his son Scott estimates became involved with the Sharks prior to the advent of Super League in the mid 1990’s, was a close friend of Mat and Steve Rogers.
As a result of that friendship, Craig would go on to organise the Steve and Carol Rogers Memorial Golf Day, a charity event which is ongoing and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and depression over the past 15 years.
The proprietor of Country Air Plumbing, a business now run by his son Scott, Craig employed a teenage Paul Gallen as an apprentice when he arrived at the Sharks some 15 years ago.
Such is the respect Gallen holds for Craig, the Sharks skipper is said to be heading home prematurely from a family holiday overseas to attend the funeral on Friday.
Country Air now currently employs Jack Rogers, the son of Mat and grandson of Steve.
Sharks Head Coach Shane Flanagan, also a close friend, was extremely saddened by the news.
“Craig had been sick for a while but his passing was still a shock and very sad news. Personally and on behalf of the club we offer our sincere condolences and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with Craig’s wife Janine and his family,” Flanagan said.
For friends and acquaintances of Craig, his funeral will be held on Friday, November 13 at the Shire Live Church in Sutherland (7 Stapleton Avenue), beginning at 11.30am. A wake will then be held to celebrate Craig’s life at The Tradies at Gymea following the service.
Craig Pinn is survived by wife Janine, son Scott and daughters Jenna, Abby and Elise. He was 52.
