Chris STANBURY Obituary

I first met Chris when I started at TVNZ in the late 1980's. I was a very naive assistant floor manager, straight out of school, and he and Graham Ritchie were merciless in the jokes they played. During one morning in studio three, I was putting up images from around the world and after putting the next one up - of a Sphinx but I didn't know that's what it was called. When the control room buzzed through to ask if we were ready to go. I started to say "yes the picture of the, the ?" I wasn't sure what it was so looked to Chris for the word and he said "Sphincter. Tell them the sphincter is ready". And I did. The howls of laughter from the control room could be heard for miles. Thanks Chris. So many laughs and I also learnt so much.

We grew up with the five Stanbury boys as our neighbours just through the gate in our back fence and have many happy childhood memories of spending endless summer days playing between our two yards, including of us all piling into Mrs Stanbury's little Morris Eight to spend the day at their Nannas place at North Beach. Being the same age as Christopher we went through Primary and Intermediate school together and I always thought myself pretty lucky to have him a my special easy going, funny friend.

Many years ago Chris and I rowed together in a surf boat at North Beach Surf Life Saving Club in Christchurch. He was a pretty good rower and we did OK. I lost contact with Chris but the memories always remained of those fantastic days. RIP Chris and thanks for the memories.

Hi Dobsie
Am so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Chris. Many fond memories of him back in the old QF days & yes always remembered with a cigarette in hand.
Thoughts are with you at this hard time. Toni xx.

Went to the London Olympics in 2012 with Chris as he was handpicked to shoot water polo, when you had time off he was the sort of personality you would gravitate towards, a charming man with a great sense of humour ,I remember Chris having a cigarette at the olympics , he was in the middle of no where , against a plain concrete wall , with a bucket of sand , a fire extinguisher , 4 road cones , surrounded by caution tape and we just killed ourselves laughing , he will be missed but always remembered by those who knew him.

Thoughts to your family today, I remember you on one of my happiest days of my life when I was married and you filmed it and it rained that day. Today one of the saddests times and it rains today in the desert where that doesn't happen much. Tears of saddness because we have lost someone so dear. I know the sun will shine as you travel to the heavens above to welcome you. Hugs to you, love Kirstin and family xxx

Sorry we can't make it to the funeral. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time Karen, Andrew, Nigel and family. We have fond memories of Chris. Love Melanie, Jayne, Hamish and Anne Stanbury

Heard the sad news via Tony Johnson broadcast on Friday nights BOP Steamers game.....

Our thoughts are with you Karen at this sad time ...will raise a glass of cheer with you

Much love Grant & Janice McLean xxx

To Chris's family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on His passing.

I worked with Chris over many years in the television industry starting before the days of TVNZ.

I always enjoyed his company and working with positive attitude towards the job, rain, hail or shine.

We had many good times.

You will always shine. Love you always Kirstin x

Stan will miss your sense of humour and professional attitude to your work as a Camera Operator. You never complained - just got on with the job! You the only Cam Op I know that could be up the Tower at Basin Reserve (Adelaide Rd end) in a howling gale and still managed to have a cigarette - oh, those were the days. We did have fun times on Cricket and Rugby Tours - especially having 'finger exercises' on the Fruit Machines with Geoff Clements. RIP Stan - no more suffering or pain as you were such a battler over the past year. Much love to Karen and Millie woof woof. China