Epic Production Technologies, along with the entertainment lighting world, lost a consummate professional and great friend with the sudden passing of industry veteran Craig Redden, who died of an apparent massive heart attack November 20th while in Los Angeles.

Craig was born on February 6, 1956 in Sudbury, Ontario and moved to Winnipeg in 1976 to study psychology and pursue a career in psychiatric patient care. Among the new friends he met in his adopted home were members of a local band who enlisted him to help out with sound and lights for an upcoming gig. In the summer of 1978 he stopped into a newly opened equipment rental shop called Westsun Media and formed an immediate friendship with the company's founder Marc Raymond, who later invited him to join the company full-time. After years of learning, touring and teching every kind of event in North America including the Calgary Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies, Craig took on a well-earned management role at what had now become Westsun International, ultimately leading to a move to Toronto and the position of Senior Account Manager.

In 2002 Craig rejoined Marc in Winnipeg at newly formed Q1 Production Technologies as Vice President Rentals where he focused on US and International business growth as well as overseeing major tour and event projects. He took a special interest in the growth of the annual dual-coast Trans-Siberian Orchestra tours, working closely with the management and artists behind TSO to help create the extravagant lighting and production that became an entertainment phenomenon. A genuine 'people person', Craig turned many of his clients into long-time friends and nowhere was this more evident than in his relationships with the entire TSO team. In a recent newspaper interview TSO founder Paul O'Neill said "I consider Craig as much a member of the band as any lead singer or myself". Craig in turn considered his involvement with TSO to be one of his greatest personal and career achievements.

Craig was excited about the recent formation of Epic Production Technologies through the merger of Q1 and Ed & Ted's Excellent Lighting and had taken the new title of Vice President Concert Touring. He was in the midst of working with the Epic management team in strategic planning for the company's future and was contemplating a move to Southern California with his wife Judith Williams-Redden and their two children, fourteen-year-old son Terrell and four-year-old daughter Chelsea, who were all with him in Los Angeles at the time of his passing. Craig is also survived by his sisters Linda, Sandra and Beverly and his brother Rick and their families.

Epic Chairman & CEO Marc Raymond issued the following statement about his long-time friend and collaborator: "For all of us who knew and worked with Craig, we have lost a tireless colleague and a great friend with a dry wit and boisterous personality. For me personally, I have lost someone who has not only been a close friend for over thirty years, but a man who has been my source of inspiration in more ways than he ever knew. With his eternal optimism and unwavering loyalty, he has been a cornerstone of the personal and professional successes of so many of the people whose lives he touched. We have been uplifted by the incredible outpouring of sympathy and support from Craig's friends and colleagues around the world, and can only hope that in his lifetime he knew how very much loved and admired he was".

A private funeral service for family and close friends took place on December 8th with a memorial evening celebrating Craig's life and career held that same night at Winnipeg's Burton Cummings Theatre. The memorial, which included performances, a video tribute and speakers representing all aspects of Craig's life, was attended by friends, clients and associates who made the trip to Winnipeg from throughout North America to honor and remember him.

A Message From Epic Production Technologies CEO Marc Raymond

It is with immense sadness that I announce the passing of my friend and colleague Craig Redden. Craig passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 20th as he was arriving back at his hotel to be with his family who had joined him on his most recent trip to Los Angeles.

Craig and I first teamed up in 1978 as he began his lighting career with the newly formed Westsun Media in Winnipeg. Ten years later he gave up his career on the road to begin his journey through management leading to his role as Senior Account Manager with Westsun in Toronto.

In 2002 Craig moved back to Winnipeg with his new wife Judith and their son Terrell to begin the task of building Q1 Production Technologies into a major international lighting company. In 2004 Craig and Judith were blessed with the birth of their daughter Chelsea who was the true light of his life.

As Q1's Vice President Rentals, Craig was instrumental in leading the company through phenomenal growth. Most recently he was looking forward to even greater successes as the formation of Epic presented exciting new challenges and opportunities.

For all of us who knew and worked with Craig, we have lost a tireless colleague and a great friend with a dry wit and boisterous personality. For me personally, I have lost someone who has not only been a close friend for over thirty years, but a man who has been my source of inspiration in more ways than he ever knew. With his eternal optimism and unwavering loyalty, he has been the cornerstone of the personal and professional successes of so many of the people whose lives he touched.

Craig, you were a big man in so many ways, but the hole that you leave in our hearts and our lives is so much larger.

Rest in peace my friend.
Marc Raymond
Chaiman & CEO, Epic Production Technologies

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