Paying tribute to Richard

17 March 2016 News

Last year we lost a dear friend and colleague Richard Stanton. To celebrate his life and honor his memory, a special ceremony was held on Sunday 13 March to plant a tree dedicated to Richard.

Richard’s wife Sonia (third from right), and his two daughters Emma and Julia, attended the ceremony, along with about 50 of her husband’s closest friends and colleagues and representatives of local government and community groups. Also in the picture is Richard's sister Marion (third from left) with her children Ben, Kate and Alice.

"We lost a great friend and colleague, and his death was a huge loss for the PEFC family. Richard dedicated his life to forests, and it is only right to plant a tree to commemorate him," remarked Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International CEO at the ceremony.

"Richard was optimistic, enthusiastic and thoughtful. You will not be forgotten, Richard. Thank you for your friendship, your colleagueship, and your dedication to our work. You will be sadly missed."

The tree – a spotted gum (Corymbia maculate) – was planted at the National Foresters Grove in Albury, NSW, Australia, joining more than 225 dedicated trees at the Foresters Grove. The memorial grove commemorates people who have made significant contributions to building a sustainable and renewable forest industry in Australia.

Richard was the National Secretary of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS), our National member in Australia. He passed away last January following a tragic cycling accident.

'This tree is dedicated to Richard Roger John Stanton (1965-2015). Forester and senior industry leader with Australian Forestry Standard, Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council, National Association of Forest Industries and State Forests NSW. Remembered for his keen intellect and thoughtful, effective contribution over 25 years of service to national forest policy and international forest certification. Something Beautiful Remains’.