Craig MacLugash, kiwi father, killed in motorcycle accident in Brazil

A kiwi killed while riding his motorcycle with friends in Brazil is remembered as a loving father and husband who made friends around the world.

Former Auckland business owner Craig MacLugash died on November 7 after colliding with a tanker near his home in Votuporanga, 500 kilometers inland from Sao Paulo.

The 52-year-old is survived by his wife, Simone, daughter Islay-Karyn, 14, and son Braedyn, 11.

MacLugash’s mother and stepfather, Joclyn and Ian Trethowen, spoke to the Herald today from their home in Auckland.

Her son, a successful businessman who retired early, was someone who always worked hard and earned the friendship of many, Joclyn Trethowen said.

“I had a lot of friends … [and] he was a good father. The children were taken to many places. “

MacLugash, educated at Māngere College, loved rugby league, starting in his younger years as a running back for Manukau Magpies and then playing club rugby league in England, and he also had a deep connection to his father’s native country, Scotland, said Ian Trethowen.

“There was very little he didn’t know about the league. And he was very proud of his Scottish heritage. When he went there, he learned some Gaelic and was very involved in the Highland Games here.

“He even married a kilt.”

MacLugash worked as a baggage handler for Air New Zealand before taking an electrical apprenticeship, and by age 30 had started with a co-owner, construction and maintenance company Total Property Worx.

MacLugash sold his half of the business three years ago and followed his dream of moving his family to Simone’s home country of Brazil.

But he was starting to think about moving closer to home, said Ian Trethowen.

“I had my heart set on buying a property on the Gold Coast next year.”

His stepson loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles and bought his own in the United States.

“He went horseback riding every weekend and he enjoyed life.”

The family does not know what caused the accident, as MacLugash was riding before others in his social group of motorcyclists when he hit the tanker. He was dead when his friends caught up with him.

“There were no witnesses and we don’t think there is a police report, which is quite difficult for us.”

MacLugash had been cremated and Simone was likely to bring his remains to New Zealand next year, Ian Trethowen said.

“Our wish is to bring him home.”