Radio Features

Islamic Soceity, University of Essex
We have known Chris to be a very kind and compassionate man, and greatly appreciate the assistance he had provided us through out the Islamic Conference hosted last year. He was a highly respected individual not only in the eyes of the Islamic Society, and we will always cherish the time we spent with him on his radio show during the conference last year. We express our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Sam Hyd
Chris was a pleasant lad. Met him several times at the University of Essex and also at the studio. Charming and always enthusiastic about his work. We certainly have lost a shining star. Condolences to his family and colleagues.

Kevan Bundell
Chris was Head Boy at Prices Grammar School, Fareham (Hants) in 1970/71. He was - and remains - known to many of us, with both awe and affection, simply as 'The Bard'. He was a poet, a sketch-writer and performer, a comedian, an impresario, and an inspiration. He also seemed to more or less run the school at the time, such was the force of his personality. In the words of one Old Pricean on hearing of his passing : 'And so legend passes into myth' - or is it the other way round ? In any case, he was a great - and hilarious - man/boy.

Stephen Shipley - BBC Religion and Ethics
I met Chris only three or four times - he was a good friend of my sister-in-law - but every time I saw him I was immediately impressed by his passion for radio and his lively, mischievous personality. I was expecting to see him at the Jerusalem Awards ceremony in London - but it was not to be. He will be much missed - my condolences to his family.

Martin Head
Chris was one year ahead of me at school (Price's). Though physicaly disadvantaged he was fantasticly energetic and by force of will did things that daunted his 'fitter' friends. He remains, I think, the most intelligent person that I have ever known. And one of the funniest.He encouraged me enormously. I made a half-hearted attempt to contact him some years ago: it came to naught and now I wish that I'd tried harder. We all think that we're going to live forever, I suppose. I can hardly imagine how much his family must miss him: I send them my love with great respect.

Doreen Pryor
I was deeply sorry to hear of the death of Chris Bard. I spent a holiday in the Holy Land with him and Mary in 1994 and have very happy memories of them both. I also met them at the 2000 Dunmow Flitch Trials. I am sure he will be sadly missed. My condolences to Mary and his daughters.

Canon Chris Ford
My abiding memory will be of a person on a stage at university, foot-tapping, harmonica-playing, laugh-making. He enabled so many people to see the richness and harmony of life. To Mary, Ellen and Sarah continued prayers.

Carole Bentley
It was my privilege to have known and worked with Chris during my time as Secretary to the Bishop of Chelmsford. He was a wonderful example to us all and will be greatly missed by all who knew him throughout the Chelmsford Diocese and far beyond.

Trevor Churchill
I will miss his thoughts and reflections on Sundays - they prompted a chance to reflect on my own life and faith. God Bless.

Carole
Thinking of Chris' family especially today. The sun is shining for you, Chris, as you always shone in on us on Sundaymornings. "Bard's Eye View" always made sense of some hard issues, even for me as a Christian. Truely missed.

David and Jo
We have such wonderful memories of Chris over so many years. He combined high intelligence with a wicked sense of humour, coupled with profound wisdom and a deep compassion for everyone around him.We mourn the loss of such a rare and special talent, but also celebrate the fantastic moments, ideas, laughs and sage advice Chris gave us over the 25 years it has been our privilege to know such a wonderful and kind friend.

Peter & Betty Smallpeice
We knew Chris & Mary through the Association of Inter-Church Families as we like them are an Anglican/Roman Catholic couple. Over the years we have drifted away but always remember Chris' soft approach and deep understanding. We will pray for the family tomorrow.

Jenny
Sunday mornings will not be the same without Chris, I was so saddended to hear the news.Chris, you were an exceptional person and an inspirition to us all, in all you did and all you said.Sincere condolences to your family. God Bless.

Pip, Michael, Oliver, Robin and Rosie
The thing about Chris was, whenever he was helping people, he appeared to be doing it for his own personal pleasure. He is more missed by us than he could possibly have imagined; as a cousin, a friend and an example.

Paul Gibson
Will be sadly missed,his voice so gentle so caring ,what a loss.

Tom and Avril Arundel
We were so sorry to hear about Chris's sudden death. He was a very special man and will be sorely missed. He will, for us, for ever be associated with the Association of Interchurch Families for which he worked so hard and from which we have gained so much. We send our love and prayers to Mary, Ellen and Sarah. God bless you all.

Denise, Phil, Alex & James Moffat
We have recently moved from Epping Green to Cambridgeshire and were shocked to hear the news. Our thoughts are with Chris's family. Our 5 year old Alex's words when I told him were "Not Mr Bard he was such a kind man to me and my friends at school"

Elaine Tribley (former BBC Essex colleague)
Consumed by the confusion of what Christmas should be one year, Chris wrote a wonderful piece for the website which embraced the celebration from all angles and really made a difference to how I felt, thank you Chris x

Nigel Balchin
I was at school with Chris in the late 60's in Fareham Hampshire. I have not seen him since, but have many memories of him. I was saddened to hear of his passing and have been touched by the many tributes that have been paid to him. He was clearly loved by a great many people. My condolences to his family and friends.

Norman Pegrum
In 1981 I had the honour of being Church Warden with the late John Foulds when Chris was installed as Vicar or Epping Upland. We soon realised what an inspiration Chris was to the Church. He was always very supportive of everything we did and was full of fresh ideas. A loveable character, always ready to share a laugh - and a very good friend.

Maureen,Debbie and Andy Harlow
We never meet Chris but he come across as a lovley man with a great sence or humour.He made as larth when he was with Ian or Janet on sunday morning radio he will be missed. He is now doing his work with god in heven god bless you Chris and deepst sympathey to mary and his two daughters.

Alan Sorensen
A man for whom the word "impish" was surely invented. As a fellow radio producer I met Chris once or twice a year at the usual pretentious gatherings we enjoy. Without fail, it was Chris who would ask "that question" - the one that made the luvvy wriggle a bit. But he always did it with that impish smile, and we could all see that he was far smarter than the rest of us. His self-deprecating humour, his determination to seek and to see the fun in everything, his breadth of eclectic interestes and his unfailing warmth of friendship will be sadly, sadly missed. Last time we spoke he mentioned in passing that he was the first vicar in space.... On an early coms. satellite - he'd created the program that beamed a religious message! Just one of his many, many achievements. A trailblazer, in such an unassuming figure. All that greatness, and yet the most "people person" person. The closest thing to a mean act he could do was to leave us bereft of his company. And bereft we are.... Imagine he's reading this, can you not see that bemused, whimsical, impish grin as he works up to a very funny, very witty, rebuff? Thank you God for Chris.

Sally Band
I shall really miss Chris's voice on a Sunday Morning. He was always interesting & amusing.My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Richard Crafter - Epping
I first got to know Chris about 1987, and from January 1988 I have been priviledged to be his Server and Sacristan at All Saints Church, Epping Upland. He had a very deep understanding of human behaviour, and this showed in the sermons he gave, relating every day life to passages in the Bible, and indeed in the weekly article of 'Bards Eye View' which he wrote for the local newspaper, The Guardian. Chris reached out to so many people involved in so many different aspects of life, and he was also so interested in the history and understanding of the many Faiths that surround us today. Every service at which I Served with Chris officiating was different - you never knew what to expect next, which made Serving all the more interesting. His untimely departure will leave a big gap in our lives, but life moves on, and I know his legacy and wise counsel to so many will live on for ever. Memories linger on in the minds of loved ones and those who knew him. Eventually, may those memories be happy ones.

jenny chelmsford
I had been away so have only just heard the sad news of Chris death,I always enjoyed chris and janet on a sunday morning and feel we all have lost a very kind and good person,my thoughts are with Mary and the girls.

Justin
As a friend of his daughter Sarah, I was lucky enough to have enjoyed the warm hospitality of Chris and his family on many occasions. He was an extremely special man, his quick wit always kept people laughing, but he was at heart an unassuming and softly spoken man. I regret I did not get to know him much better, such was his nature he never imposed himself or his opinions, I was he had - he had great wisdom and warmth which we have now been cruelly robbed of. So many people recognised his special qualities and dignity. We miss you Chris. Thoughts are with his family, Mary, Sarah and Ellen

Andy and Helen Williams Lancaster AIF
Mary, Ellen and Sarah. So sorry to hear of the death of Chris. You were all a great support and inspiration to us in times of great stress for whic we are eternally grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Andy, Helen and family

Susan and Barry
Chris was the kind of anchor that every village needs. We have been very fortunate to know him and we will miss him greatly.

Mike Harris
I was really uncertain about posting this contribution in such a public way but I have known Chris for over twenty years and we have lived in the Village and enjoyed life as neighbours and friends.Chris performed our Wedding service twenty years ago last week - Sarah was the first person to call at our door to welcome my daughter when she first moved to the Village - he christened both of my boys and his example led me to become confirmed in the Christian faith later in life.We worked together as Parish Councillors and School Governors - me for a short while - Chris for as long as I can remember. As part or the Epping Green Community Association (EGCA) team we created a new Village Green - a really big garden for all to enjoy! The last time I saw Chris was when he found the time in his busy week to visit me in hospital - I was recovering from a double by pass operation that saved my life - It was such a lovely surprise to see him, but I have had great difficulty in coming to terms with the terrible irony of our last meeting.I was so lucky and had intended to see him in Church to give thanks for my recovery as soon as I was well - but I missed my chance and I am so sorry - but he knows that and I know he will forgive me.It was a privilage to know you Chris and I am but one among so many that will miss you. You will always be in our hearts and prayers.

Chloe Wyncoll
So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Chris, a man with so much to give.We shall miss him on Sundays. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and their daughters. Rest in peace Chris.

Neil Cruickshank
What a great guy and what a big hole he leaves behind in family, friends, church and broadcasting. Every time I met him, he was a blessing. Mary, Sarah and Ellen - a lot of people are praying for you now.

Hugh and Diane Pegrum
We were devastated to hear the news that Chris had died. He was our vicar, baptising both of our daughters, our colleague on many committees, and a wonderful friend. We have shared so many laughs together both at our house and at the Vicarage. We also supplied manure for his precious vegetable garden, I think in greater quantities than Mary wanted! He was such a great leader and always had a way of making the complicated seem simple. We will miss him more than words can say and our thoughts are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah and the rest of the family.

Martin French
Chris was a great help and advisor to me on ERBG. My thoughts are with Mary and the family.

Nigel Allen
Chris came over on his radio programmes as such a warm, caring, sympathetic and understanding person. Everyone of every faith and persuasion seemed to like him. Sunday mornings will not be the same again. My condolences to his family at this sad time.

Alan Fox
I just like to say that I'm very sorry chris bard has died and pass on my sympathy to his family of his passing

Patricia Jones
I have known of Chris all the years I have lived in Epping Green. Just recently I was elected to the Epping Upland Parish Council and had the privilege of attending meetings with him. I was impressed by is genuinely kind spirit and sense of fairness and love he had for our community. I deeply regret the lost opportunity to get to know him better with his sudden and very sad passing. My condolences to his family and all those he touched.

Victor Bull
From Vic BullDirector of Operations Christian Hope InternationalChris will be sorly missed, he is a great friend to Charities running in Essex and a wonderful witness for our Lord.Our only consilation is he is in a better place. We will miss you Chris.

Clare
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Chris Bard. A talented man and a wonderful priest.

Frances and Brian Shard
A true gentleman, peace be with you.

Glynis
I really enjoyed listening to Chris and Janet on Sunday mornings. It made Sundays special, and he will be sadly missed. I was so shocked when I heard the news. The only good thing is that he is now with God.

MOLLY PUDNEY
We cannot understand why Chris has been taken from us especially as we all loved him and his programme each Sunday, and we shall miss him terribly. Our heartfelt sympathy is with Mary and their daughters, and with everyone , like me, who feel the loss of a "dear and valued" friend.

Alan Baker
It was with very great sadness that we learnt about the death of Chris. Whenever we could we listened to Chris and the lovely Janet on Sunday mornings and always looked forward to this. Although we are not religious types we always found him a real joy to listen to, really a lovely man. I generally think that if I would like to go down the pub with a bloke then he is OK, Chris certainly fell into this classification and I would have loved to have had the opportunity to meet him. Our thoughts will be with him tomorrow (Tuesday). Sundays will not seem the same now.

david barclay
my deapest wishes will miss his banter on sunday morning with janet

Mary Wilkin
As an early rising atheist, it took me years to find a radio program that I could listen to on Sunday morning. Then I found Chris's show and was won over by his tolerance,common sense enthusiasm and sense of humor. I who had never met him miss him very much and am so sorry for his family and friends who must be absolutely devastated.

sallychicknazeing
you will greatly missed

Susan McGee
I was shocked and sadded, when I turned the radio on this morning to hear that Chris had suddenly died. I will miss his sense of humor and charm on Sunday morning radio. My thoughts are with his family.

Brenda and Reg Grindrod( Clacton)
We will miss your program and your sense of humour and love of all people, no matter what religion they were they were all the same to you.May you rest in peace

Barbara & Tony
Never had the privilege of speaking or meeting Chris, but enjoyed his sincere and happy attitude towards faith. Never pontificated, preached or spoke down to you. He loved his audience and this was so obvious. We especially liked his attitude towards all faiths and in his own quiet way made everyone think more deeply about theirs. Our thoughts are with Mary and his family. God Bless you Chris.

Doe family
We have been very lucky to have met Chris for many Sundays at Theydon Garnon church. We found him to be a lovely man who made the sermons so entertaining! We shall miss him. Our thoughts to his family at this sad time.

Ann Fishburn
We were deeply upset to learn of the sad and sudden death of Chris. Mary, Ellen and Sarah - please accept, on behalf of the Fishburn and Dunne families in Guildford, our deepest condolences.

claire
Please could you consider having a Chris' slot on a Sunday morning.If you have recordings of his shows,prehaps we could have 5 minutes each week of his wonderful tales, opinions and answers to questions,which I am sure will be relevent to any topical subject.It would be lovelly to be able to listen to his voice,so that it will not be forgotten,as he never will!

Valentine Bugeja
Thank you for having been such an inspiring guide whilst I assisted you with the Sunday Supplement. Your kindness, charisma, and sense of humour will not be forgotten. You are truly missed. Rest in Peace and God bless you.

pat
always a very cheerful man, kept me alive on my way to work on a sunday morning. He will be sadly missed, my thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Brenda
I listened to Chris every Sunday on my way to pick up a friend I was taking to my own church, he was an interesting man so sadly taken far to soon, we will all miss him.My heart goes out to his familyBrenda

joan goodwin
My thoughts are with Chris Bard`s family. He always lit up my Sunday morning, will miss him very much.

Doreen Brown
Chris as a regular listener I know you will be greatly missed by myself and all your other listeners,you brought interest to religion,I listened to the tribute BBC.Essex paid to you and found it so moving.Why do these things happen to someone like Chris who did no harm but so much good in this world,I am a believer and can only think God had work for him far greater than in this world.My thoughts now are with Mary and his 2 daughters.

Julie
Thank You Ian for a wonderful tribute to Chris who made Sunday morning a special place. He will be missed by so many and hearing the school children talk about him was so moving. Sundays will not be the same again.

Karen, Colchester
I was shocked and sad to hear Chris had died. He was so full of life in his program earlier that day. Even though we never met, he seemed like a friend and was so caring. My prayers and condolences to his family, friends and congregation. Also to those at BBC Essex. He will be sadly missed-what a huge presence to try and fill. Rest in Peace Chris, thank you for your friendship, knowledge and terrible jokes.

Sarah Hurwood
I had the extreme good fortune of working with Chris for fifteen years in his capacity as Chair of Governors at Epping Upland C.of E. Primary School. Chris had a passion about what children were entitled to in their education and it is because of him that the school has the ethos and success that it does. He was always hugely supportive and incredibly wise. Chris has been hugely influential in my life both professionally and personally. I am grateful to him for things too numerous to mention, but most of all, I am grateful for his time - given so generously - time when he was always supportive, incredibly kind, very amusing, always forgiving, never judgmental, and endlessly patient. He has made my life much richer and I shall miss him terribly, He is quite simply, irreplaceable.

Janet Nevill
This is the first time I have seen Chris' photo on your website and have pictured him in my mind as someone totally different. I have listened to him on a Sunday morning and he never pushed religion down your throat. He seemed a kind a gentle man and talked much sense. When he spoke of himself in the hippy days, 'Flower Power' and all that, it showed he never put himself on a pedestal and he was just like you or I and not a member of the cloth and had to be someone better.His family and friends must feel very proud that he came into their lives.God bless Chris and I'm sure you will look after your family and keep your eye on them, keeping them safe.

Jim and Heather Taylor
We are so sorry to here of Chris`s death we had the good fortune to be married in 1982 by Chris and have both our sons christened by him.We will always remember the way he made our special days even more memrable with his patience and sence of humour.He WILL be sadly missed

Anton Jarvis (former BBC Essex colleague)
Such sad and shocking news. Chris was such a friendly, warm and funny man. A pleasure to work with. What I most liked about him was his modern and refreshing way of interpreting religious matters. Thinking of Mary and the girls and the sadness at BBC Essex from Sydney, Australia.

Rev Paul and Lorraine Mann
Paul and I always looked forward to hearing what Chris had to say each Sunday morning. Although we never meet Chris what he had to say and the way he lived his life was as a true disciple of Christ. We will truly miss him.

Nora Slack
You will be sadly missed.R.I.P.

Revd Elizabeth Smith
Chris was the main influence and mainstay on my journey to being ordained as priest in Chelmsford Cathedral in 1994. He interviewed me for Radio Essex three times during that year. He gave me immense support and encouragement during difficult times. Chris always made himself 'at home' in every situation, and I know he is at home now with God. My prayers and condolences go to Mary and her daughters at this sad time. I am now a parish priest in the West Midlands, but have very fond memories of my years in Essex.

Gillian Beard
When our father died in 2000 my sister and I were fortunate to have Chris conduct his funeral. Having recently moved to Epping we attended All Saints Church following the funeral as a thank you to Chris who had, unknown to us, asked that we be looked after when we attended on that day. We received such a warm reception. My sister joined the choir almost immediately, followed two years later by myself. Chris changed our lives. He was unique, clever, witty and just irreplaceable.

jenny and peter
will miss your friendly voice sunday morning sunday won t be the same god bless x

Nicholas Pond (Clacton-on-Sea)
I'm still rather numb from the news of Chris' death earlier this week. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah at their sad and sudden loss. I remember well the night of his induction in October 1981, at All Saint's Epping Upland, when I'd been asked to wait outside the church for the arrival of the Bishop (John Trillo). A car pulled up, parked and the occupant got out, for me to advise that he couldn't park there as it was reserved for the Bishop. Yes, it was Chris himself, but no one had told me what he looked like. I must have been forgiven as I went on to become Chris' first server within a year. He saw something in me that I hadn't seen; he encouraged and trained me and I spent many happy years serving the Lord alongside him. It put me in good stead when I moved to Clacton in 1988, where I have been the sacristan at St.Paul's for nearly 20 years. I can't thank Chris enough for what he did for me, in that way he had with people. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Jackie Stock
Chris was such a huge personality he will be sadly missed by so many,my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Suzanne and John Fletcher
Chris was our curate here in Egglescliffe over 25 years ago. Chris, Mary, Ellen and Sarah were our great friends, and their influlence here has not been forgotten. I am leading the intercessions tomorrow at the Orchard Community Centre where Chris was based, and maybe our feelings and his legacy are based in them."This morning we particularly remember and give thanks for Chris BardAnd the gifts he left for us here.The ability to bring joy, happiness and humour into our Christian and wider Community,The ability to love and not to judgeThe ability to put over your message and your story in ways we understand and remember,The ability to make progress, taking people with us, and lead by example,The ability to know and love your creation, and The knowledge that that ability and that responsibility lay within each one of us, and not with somebody else.Help us Lord to follow and build upon his example to us."

Chris Woodward (former BBC Essex)
I was shocked by the passing of Chris. He made me laugh from the moment i met him and one of my first memories is of him doing some magic at the BBC Essex Xmas party and everyone crying with laughter. Chris made religion fun and entertaining to listen to, something maybe there should be more of. His humour made him loved by so many along with his profound knowledge of so many subjects and being able to simplify them. I worked with Chris and Mary on a few Carol Concert recordings and despite those around him pulling there hair out Chris would be as calm as ever. I'm glad i had the pleasure of knowing Chris and i'm sure wherever he is now he's making someone laugh, even if it is with one of his rubbish jokes.

Mary Portway
Chris and Mary brought a breath of fresh air when they arrived in Epping Green with their family in 1981. Parish life at All Saints’ Epping Upland with Chris proved interesting – always working to yesterday’s deadline, but he brought such depth of knowledge which made the outcome not only worthwhile but left you feeling richer and wiser. His intellect, wit and charisma always drew people to Epping Upland. He touched many lives. We shall all miss him with warmth and affection.

Tess, Simon, Katie and David Bullas
Chris was such a wonderful character who only ever thought the best of everyone. He lived life to the full and was devoted to Mary, Ellen and Sarah.He was a wonderful brother-in-law and uncle and we will all miss him so much. The Vicarage was home to every major family occasion; weddings, christenings, special birthdays and many more. Chris would think nothing of cooking a fantastic meal for 15 people and then entertaining us all with his funny stories. We feel very lucky to have had him in our lives. Rest in Peace Chris.

Chris
So sad and shocked to hear the news about Chris Bard - but he obviously impressed the Good Lord so much that he was given early promotion!

Ray Hilton
Shocked and very sad when I learnt of Chris's death. I will miss his wise council and enthusiam for life. My heart fealt thoughts go to his wife and family at the passing of this wonderful man.

Roger and Diana Lowry
We first came across Chris when we were confirmed in his church 25 years ago. Soon after that we got to know him and his family and spent many enjoyable evenings sampling his cooking and hearing his stories. His sermons often made us laugh but they also made us think too. He was always very encouraging and was a great support when Diana felt she was floundering. To many non-churchgoers he represented the human side of the Church of England. He will be greatly missed.

Joy Moon
Chris was truely a gift from God. An exceptional man who changed peoples lives; perhaps without knowing it. I am so grateful to have known him.

sandra herbert ( ex producer Leicester)
I knew Chris as a fellow Religious producer on BBC Local Radio, and as someone who shared an interest in the countryside. With Chris you were always guaranteed a smile,a joke or a perceptive comment. He was such a great guy and brought such fun to our producers get togethers. He will be missed greatly ..my thoughts and prayers go to Mary and the girls.

Peggy Shaw
I was so very to hear of Chris passing away. My thoughts and prayers go to Mary Sarah and Helen.I feel I have lost a great friend.All members of the clergy should be like Chris. Peggy.

Gavin Drake from the Diocese of Lichfield
I am privileged to have known Chris Bard for several years through occasional meetings at church communication conferences. His sharp yet kind wit, his infectious laugh and his general mischievous character meant he was always a big hit - and somebody you never forgot and always looked forward to meeting again. My thoughts are with his wife and family until we meet again in a better place.

Kevin McGuire
As a member of Chris's congregation at Epping Upland and as one of his Churchwardens since May last year, I still cannot believe we have lost our Vicar. The words "Chris" and "dead" just do not belong in the same sentence. There was nothing deathly or life-denying in Chris's approach to religion. For him a belief in God was life-enhancing and his immense enjoyment of this earthly life was evident in the examples he chose to illustrate his sermons: examples drawn from his love of cooking, gardening and family life. How appropriate that the two churches he served as Vicar, Epping Upland and Theydon Garnon, are both dedicated to All Saints: to the ordinary, everyday people who have made up the vast majority of the Church throughout its history, people whose joys and anxieties Chris understood as the result of his own long and happy home life.The final Vicar's Letter Chris wrote for our parish magazine ends with what in retrospect are the most poignant of words:"It's time to start something new, take on a new challenge. It might even be the moment to start a new relationship. And that doesn't need to be with another human being or a pet. You could start a new relationship with God. I'm sure God is ready and willing, if you are."Yes, Chris, God was ready and willing to start a new relationship with you as one of his saints in heaven, and I'm sure the other saints and God are taking great delight in having you in their midst.

Heather Mayer
My family and i were shocked to hear of Chris passing to Heaven on Sundayhe was a wonderful person and i am so glad that i am a member of the Epping Uplands Church. He was so supportive to me in August 2006, when my husband sadly passed away,my prayers go out to Mary, Sarah and Ellen. I hope on the 18th Sept there is a book of rememberance at the Church, this is what Chris told me to do, and it was a wonderful idea. God bless. love heather. Thatch Cottage - Epping.

Revd Cindy Kent of Premier Radio
I worked with Chris many times and have some wonderful memories of a warm, kind, funny and generous man. His humour was infectious and his love for God and spreading the message was clear for all to see. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.xx

Ali Burnett - Norwich
Chris was a man who cut to the chase; a one-off. It was delightful to hear him still doing this at the Churches' Media Conference as recently as June 2007. I am not surprised to hear that, at the time of his death, he was "in harness" on his way to do a radio feature. He made a unique contribution to religious radio in an age when it has become increasingly difficult. He will be much missed. My thoughts, prayers and thanks for lending him to us! go to his family. Asking God to bless you all lots, at a tough time.

David W - Chelmsford
I am not religious, and don't believe in God/s. However, I have always listened to the Sunday morning show with Chris and his co-presenters.I have always thought that he was a man who siad what he thought, but did not try to convert people. He seemed to be a very approachable person, and one who would listen to others.I like many other listeners to BBC Essex will miss Chris on a Sunday morning.My sympathy goes out to his family, and also to those at BBC Essex who must also be feeling the shock of his far too early death.

Jenny and Roger Southend
Oh,Mary Ellen and SarahWhat can we say,our hearts go out to you all at this very sad time, it was such a shock i was just waking when i heard it on the radio,at first i though i was having a dream till Roger came and asked if i had heard the news,It is such a loss to you all and evry one who knew him.God be with you all.

sara varey, BBC Cambs
The Religious producers'annual bunfight at SON&R won't be the same without Chris - always ready with some sharp witticism and a winning smile.

davidkliber
I was sad to hear of the passing of Chris, his infectious fath was inspirational, my condolences to the family who will be devestaed by the loss and commend Chris to a loving father in glory. When my time comes I look forward to seeing him.