Sad News about Wilson Edwards Toy Soldiers (2 Viewers)

[Obee]

I received this email last night from a friend of Craig Pearse of Wilson Edwards Toy Soldiers:

My name is Greg Blake.
I am a good friend and fellow model soldier enthusiast of Craig Pearse of Wilson Edward Toy Soldiers.
It is with immense sadness that I have to tell you that Craig passed away today.
This is as you can imagine a massive shock to his family and all his friends.
I know that you have had some connection to Craig through his beautiful toy soldiers and thought you would like to know.
Could I ask a favor of you John?
Could you please make use of your extensive contacts in the Toy Soldier world and let them know that this has occurred.

Craig apparently was mowing the lawn when he collapsed and died.
I am not sure exactly why this occurred.
It happened this afternoon. (Wednesday)
As far as I am aware, and I knew him very well, he was in the prime of life and had no health issues at all.
The random suddenness of this is a massive shock and a real tragedy as he was really one of life's true blue fellows and a great mate.
Regards and best wishes.

Greg

I am deeply shocked about this, as I have been dealing with Craig for over 10 years, since he commenced making toy soldiers in Australia.

I was in contact with him this week, after receiving a shipment of castings I am about to paint, and there was even a message on his BLOG page today, so that’s even more of a shock.

He was a Sergeant in the Victorian Police force, stationed in Ballarat, and his toy soldier business was he relaxation for the day job.

Any condolences can be sent to his WETS email <soldiers@aapt.net.au>


John

 

[PolarBear]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

John

Thank you for posting this very sad news. When I read it my jaw dropped and I felt like I had had the wind knocked out of me.
I have been collecting Wilson Edward for the last few years and getting to know Craig has been a wonderful experience. One could not ask for a nicer "mate".

I am totally devastated by this news.


Randy

 

[lancer]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

What tragic news. My prayers go out for him and his family. Just very sorry and sad. -- Al

 

[damian]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

I am truly saddened to hear this.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Condolences to the family at this difficult time. Sorry to hear this.

 

[jazzeum]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

I am very sorry to hear this, particularly on the eve of what should be a joyous time. My best to his family. I hope you pass on our condolences John.

Brad

 

[VIRIATO]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Oh my, shocking news! My condolences to the family. Wilson Edwards are such nice figures. At first I wouldn't believe, my first thought was: ''this must be an old post relating to the death of another Aussie toy soldier manufacturer (who manufactured Pearce Miniatures? I am not sure of the name right now). Only recently I received a catalogue from Wilson Edwards, such a lovely range of figures... Very sorry to hear this:redface2:. I really hope he RIP.


Paulo

 

[Rob]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Very sad news, my condolences to his family.

Rob

 

[Northgate Woods]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Gentlemen,
"Sergeant Craig Pearse, Victorian Police"
Craig was an absolute fantastic bloke. He will be a great loss to the Aussie Toy Soldier industry. My condolences go out to his partner Leesa and family.
He was the most excited guy I have ever seen this year when I invited him and Leesa to attend a Dinner in Melbourne with other collectors to meet Andy and Helen from King & Country. I have sent photos to Obee to post to just show you what a great effect his enthusiam had on making it a memorable night.
He loved his TS and we had many discussions about how they took him away into another world from the hectic life of a Victorian Policeman. I was honoured to call him "my mate".
A truely, truely sad loss. This man was a credit to Australia. As a retired soldier I salute him.
Howard:salute::

 

[Wraith]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

I am truely sorry to hear this news. I was fortunate enough to have a number of e-mail 'conversations' with Craig and can only conclude that he's a top bloke and he will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends from a fellow collector and officer.

Simon

 

[Louis Badolato]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

I am both shocked and saddened by the news, and extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this untimely loss.

 

[Obee]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Gentlemen,
"Sergeant Craig Pearse, Victorian Police"
Craig was an absolute fantastic bloke. He will be a great loss to the Aussie Toy Soldier industry. My condolences go out to his partner Leesa and family.
He was the most excited guy I have ever seen this year when I invited him and Leesa to attend a Dinner in Melbourne with other collectors to meet Andy and Helen from King & Country. I have sent photos to Obee to post to just show you what a great effect his enthusiam had on making it a memorable night.
He loved his TS and we had many discussions about how they took him away into another world from the hectic life of a Victorian Policeman. I was honoured to call him "my mate".
A truely, truely sad loss. This man was a credit to Australia. As a retired soldier I salute him.
Howard:salute::

Images as requested......




John

 

[kogu]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

This is very sad news.
Craig sure was a great asset to the Toy Soldier world and a very, very nice guy to communicate with.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Konrad

 

[The Military Workshop]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Like others I was shocked to hear this sad news.

I had never met him but had stocked his figures and spoken to him and exchanged a few emails over the years.
Was always amazed that he could produce the figures he did whilst being a full time police officer.

Condolences to his family at this sad time.

RIP.

Brett

 

[Rethymno]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Just so very sad.

 

[marco55]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

So sad to see someone so young and strong go before his time.My deepest condolences to his family.
Mark

 

[Shannon Reuss]

Re: Sad news about Wlison Edwards Toy Soldiers

Dear All,
This is such a sad and unexpected loss. Craig's friend Greg Blake has provided me with a tribute and obituary he has written and I wanted to share it with you here on the forum:
Craig Pearse was one of life's true gentlemen and it with immense sadness that we acknowledge his untimely passing. Craig's passion for Toy Soldiers was boundless and reflected in his tireless enthusiasm for sculpting, painting and displaying his own Wilson Edward Toy Soldiers as well as collecting many other lines of miniatures. I knew Craig for many years and he was for me a true inspiration for opening my eyes to the wonderful world of 54mm model soldiers. Whenever I visited his home he would show me his latest acquisition which would be proudly displayed in one of several glorious glass fronted cabinets. I recall fondly his absolute delight for his lovely collection of Trophy Toy Soldiers including a very impressive collection of Trophy artillery models. It was only this year that Craig began to collect King and Country and I remember the absolute excitement he exhibited when he got to meet with Andy Neilson of King and Country earlier this year.
Craig was a Police Sergeant with the Victoria Police and served the people of Maryborough the town where he lived. He was extremely competent in his job and highly respected by both his police colleagues and the people of Maryborough. As you can imagine his day job came with great challenges and stresses, but Craig was a lucky man for in Wilson Edward Toy Soldiers he had the perfect counter to those stresses. After a hard days toil Craig would delight in losing himself in the world of Wilson Edward where he would meticulously assemble, undercoat, paint, pack and dispatch multitudes of delightful toy soldiers to his growing legion of customers around the world. Craig, along with his brother Jason, established Wilson Edward Toy Soldiers about ten years ago and built the business from the ground up. I can honestly say that Craig's total dedication to his Toy Soldier business would leave me in awe. He seemed to possess tireless energy and his love of the hobby never ever diminished.
Craig's passion was for things Australian and he produced a vast line of Australian First World War figures as well as other figures from Australian history such as the Eureka Stockade and Bushrangers. I had the privilege to sculpt some of these latter figures and working with Craig was a true pleasure. Amongst the ever growing lines of models Craig also produced a wonderful line of figures for the Boxer Rebellion.
It was with the greatest personal pleasure to see him establish his Wilson Edward Blog earlier this year after I had introduced him to the magical world of Blogging. Craig simply thrived on letting everyone know what he was up to with his toy soldiers. It was a mark of his true generosity of spirit that he opened his Blog to other toy soldier enthusiasts to share images of their models.
Craig Pearse was a very close and personal friend. I will miss him immensely as I am sure his passing will be equally regretted by all those people who ever got to know him either personally or through Wilson Edward toy soldiers.
Vale Craig.

 

[Gideon]

what a shame. he seemed like a really nice guy. my condolences to his family and friends.

 

[tdubel]

John,
Horrible news, I only spoke to Craig over email and pm, but I always found him to be a fine and decent fellow and own quite a number of his wonderful pieces. Wow, I am just shocked to say the least. My thoughts go out to his family.

Tom

 

[hoogri]

Very sad news, my condolences to his family.

Richard .