Mr Richard Stanton
The directors of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd (AFS) are deeply saddened by the unexpected death of CEO and National Secretary Richard Stanton. Sources: Timberbiz, The Canberra Times
Mr Stanton died after falling from his pushbike last week in Canberra. He will be remembered as a quiet, dependable and intelligent man who contributed to the forestry industry.
The super fit 49-year-old father of two daughters succumbed to head injuries he sustained in the accident. After falling from his bike he did not regain consciousness.
The accident happened after he had left his cycling mates following a coffee break with them; he was with another rider.
Police said Mr Stanton was not riding recklessly, was wearing a helmet but suffered serious head injuries. Police believe a mechanical problem with his bike may have caused the accident.
Mr Stanton rode with a close-knit Canberra cycling group. In earlier years he had competed in triathlons. He was one of only 15 people to have completed every Sydney Morning Herald half marathon since it began more than 20 years ago.
He is survived by his wife Sonia.
The directors and staff of the AFS said they would remember Mr Stanton 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.
Mr Stanton 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 AFS Board extends its deepest sympathy to his family, as they seek to come to terms with this tragic and unexpected loss.
A celebration of Mr Stanton’s life will be held at the ANU Bruce Hall in Acton on Friday at 4pm, followed by a private burial.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers consider donating to the Brain and Mind Research Institute, http://sydney.edu.au/bmri
There is an online guest book where you can leave a message; the guest book will be available until 11 March 2015.
Vale Richard, you were respected and loved, and will be missed and not forgotten.
