The Australian Forestry Standard has released a statement extending their condolences to the family of the organisation's CEO and National Secretary Richard Stanton, who passed away after an accident on Thursday morning:
"The Directors of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd are deeply saddened to inform you of the unexpected death of their CEO and National Secretary Richard Stanton.
Richard was severely injured in an early morning cycling accident on Thursday in Canberra and died on Saturday without regaining consciousness.
We will remember Richard as a quiet achiever with a huge intellect, a droll sense of humour, and a knack of getting to the core of an issue. Outside work he was well-known as a dedicated family man and an avid cyclist.
Richard had previously held a number of key roles in Australian Plantation Products & Paper Industry Council (A3P); Australian Paper Industry Council; Plantation Timber Association of Australia; National Association of Forest Industries; and State Forests NSW.
The Board extends our deepest sympathy to Richard’s family, as they seek to come to terms with this tragic and unexpected loss.
The Board members and AFS staff are already working together to keep AFS operational. We will convey the arrangements for Richard’s funeral once these have been finalised.
Vale Richard, you were respected and loved, and will be missed and not forgotten."
Update: According to the Australian Forestry Standard, a notice was published in The Canberra Times on 4 February announced a "celebration of Richard's life" to be held at Bruce Hall, Australian National University at 4pm on Friday, 6 February. They said:
"The family ask that "in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Brain and Mind Research Institute, http://sydney.edu.au/bmri".
There is also an online guest book where you can leave a message, the guest book will be available until 11 March 2015.
Richard is missed and will not be forgotten."
