Christine Thame
My Sundays will never be the same - Chris set me up for the day before going off to Church. God bless you for all the fantastic work you achieved. My prayers go out to Mary and her daughters.
Stan Osborne (from Epping)
I will miss our morning chats on the treadmill at Epping Sports Centre.
Rev Carla Hampton
I was shocked and saddened when I heard of Chris's sudden death on Monday. As a parish priest in Great Waltham, I am always up early on Sunday mornings and usually listened to Chris, especially when he was giving his usual wise reflections on some issue around at the time. I enjoyed the programme when it was quiet and thoughtful, as it helped me to prepare myself for the services ahead. I shall certainly miss his great wisdom, and the way he was able to understand other faiths, a sure sign of someone who had great strength in his own faith. May he rest in peace.
Richard Law in Romford
So sorry to hear of the death of Chris Bard will be missed by everyone regards to his family.
Janet Gershlick
I just feel so so sad. Chris and I never stopped talking or laughing or discussing on Sunday mornings - and I never stopped learning from him. So full of wisdom and knowledge - with all that kindness and compassion and generosity. For two years on air we argued about the existence of god but I know that now Chris for sure you are by His side. You promised that when the time came you would come and find me ( I was always saying and joking that I was going to be frozen!) and I will hold you to that promise. I will miss you always - you made my life a more spiritual and comforting place and for that - and the two years that we broadcast together I am grateful. God Bless and thank you for being such a special part of my life. My thoughts are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah
Ray Binning
It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the passing of such a good man. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
scot fennell
sorry to hear of the loss of chris scot chelmsford
Di Danbury
I was so sad to hear of the death of Chris i never missed listening on Sundays. He was what a great vicar should be, along with Janet it was a good start to Sunday mornings... BBC ESSEX will have to search hard to find a person to hold peoples attention on faith subjects as Chris did for 3 hours. Thinking of Mary and the girls at this sad time...
Bill & Kathleen Bailey/Clacton
Great sadness at the news you will be greatly missed .Sunday mornings will not be the same. Rest in Peace, Heartfelt condolences to all the family
Mark Grundy
I was shocked to hear this morning of Chris's death. His non stuffy approach to religion has done so much good for the image of all Christians. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers as re with Mary and his daughters at this sad time.
Claire Simpson (nee Hogan)
It is with great sadness that I send our families heartfelt condolences to Mary, Ellen and Sarah, for them to lose Chris so suddenly and unexpectedly is tragic and our thoughts and prayers are with them all. Claire, Mark, Liam and Kirsty Simpson
Rebecca Probyn
Thinking of the Bard family at this sad time x
John Candler
I offer my condolences to Mary, Chris' wife, and to his children. I enjoyed 'Bard's Eye View' every Sunday morning and will sorely miss the contribution Chris made to that programme.
Clare Phillips
Much of my time on the staff of BBC Essex was spent working with Chris, either behind the scenes as a producer and for a little while as a co-presenter. I will remember him as one of the kindest people I have ever worked with and we used to laugh so much too - many happy memories of Chris will remain with me for a very long time and my thoughts are with Mary and the family.
Gill and Dan O'Connor
He was such a caring person and we will miss his lovely voice - our condolences to his family
Gabrielle Grindrod
I worked with Chris on his programme for three years. I can't believe he died so suddenly. He was extremely fun and kind. I remember he always brought in about 50 chocolate eggs to celebrate his birthday! I only saw him a few weeks ago when he popped into BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for an interview - he seemed pleased to find out how I was getting on. That was the sort of person he was, interested in people and caring. My thoughts are with Mary and their two daughters - and to everyone who worked with him at BBC Essex. I hope you're all ok.
Linda Day
Your cheerful & unique voice will be sadly missed. You have helped lift many a gray cloud over the years.Rest in Peace.
lin Carter
I didnt know chris but will miss hearing him on a sunday morning.my thoughts are will his family.
Barbara Carter
I was shocked and very saddened to hear that Chris has died. I will remember him for his work as an excellent producer/presenter of the religious programmes on BBC Essex and for his words of great wisdom in his Bards Eye View Column in the Colchester Essex County Standard. He was very brave, courageous and matter of fact about his health problems and an example to us all. He did not live in the future or the past but enjoyed the present moment, which was so very sensible. He will be very much missed by all who knew him. I send my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mary, Ellen and Sarah, his relatives, parishioners, friends, colleagues and everyone who had the good fortune and pleasure to have known him.
Chris Jarvis
It's really sad to hear that Chris has passed away. I hadn't seem him for years but when I was growing up his house was always a place of warm welcome. I still remember using his attic to record music with our old band! He will be sorely missed.
graham and lesley moore
we loved listening to chris on sunday mornings, and found his topics of conversation very interesting.and we where very shocked to hear of his untimely death.our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
Mrs. Vivien Chapman
I always enjoyed listening to his programme - he always said something that was thought-provoking and always made me laugh - a wonderful combination. Unfortunately, I was unable to listen to the show on Sunday, and sadly it turned out to be his last. He was a very spiritual but at the same time, a very down-to-earth man who will be greatly missed. Love and condolences to his wife and daughters, wider family and friends.
john macer
chris was the only religious presenter i listened to and will miss his sunday shows he will be missed x
Gina Williams
I was so sorry to hear that Chris had passed away. He will be sadly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with is family at this sad time
Sandra Symons
My deepest sympathy to Mary and her family. May God give you comfort at this sad time.
Gary Brown
Having worked with Chris for three years in his capacity as chair of governors at Epping Upland school I always found him to be incredibly supportive of what the school were trying to achieve. He was also a great support to the staff and well loved by the pupils. Thoughts and prayers to Mary and family
john o shoes
found him a man o charm with a hint o humour and truly dedicated to his religious life
Christine in Burnham
Dear Chris We are all going to miss you so much. Rest in peace My sincere condolence to Mary,Adam and Sarah from Christine in Burnham(BBC ESSEX FAN)
Olive & Maurice Turner
We send our sincere condolences - Sunday mornings won't be the same without Chris - we shall miss his friendly voice and gentle humour.
Michael Brown
Chris came across as a true people person. He had faith in God and cared for others. He will be sadly missed.
John Kirby Cross
I was very sorry to have heard that we have lost a nice decent man, he was so easy to listen to. Love to all who knew him.
susan bowden-pickstock
Having known Chris for many years through the BBC local radio network of faith producers I have had the privilege of working closely with him on our horticulture and spirituality project over the last 18 months. During this time he moved from being a warm, funny, capable and insightful work colleague to being a friend as well. We have shared many miles in the car all over Britain interviewing and visiting gardens: times which were filled with good humour and laughter, and endless plans and projects to bring people together in gardens. The ireland visit on Sunday was to be one of these journeys and as ever Chris was bubbling with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoying the prospect of getting to grips with a new garden, new people, and new possibilities. He died very quickly, passing instantly and happily from one part of life to the next and for that I am grateful. We were a great working team and I am gutted to lose such a work partner, but my thoughts and prayers and love go to Mary, Ellen and Sarah for whom I'm sure Chris was simply irreplaceable.
janet - maldon
chris had a natural talent, so easy to understand and listen to, i will miss his friendly voice on a sunday morning.
Jean Turner
So sorry to hear about the death of Chris, he was always so happy and natural to listen to on a Sunday, will miss him .
Martin Heath, Religious Producer BBC Radio Northam
Very sorry to hear the news. Chris was a valued colleague who was very committed to faith broadcasting and brought passion, insight and humour to the "family" of religious producers. He will be greatly missed.
Julie Phipps
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Chris's death and pass my deepest sympathies to Mary and his daughters. I first met Chris last September when he came To Capel to discuss the colleges exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show. He had this idea, along with Susan Bowden-Pickstock of a multi-faith garden to show how closely different faiths were linked and to bring people together through horticulture. I had the honour of putting his ideas onto paper to create the Growing Together in Faith Garden. We worked closely together throwing ideas around and his enthusiasm for the project was never ending. On the morning of the medals at Chelsea Chris met me at the gate and we walked in together to see if we had been awarded a medal. Chris in his journalist role had a microphone right under my nose asking me how do you feel and until that moment I had been fine and then I went to pieces! To our absolute delight we had got a Silver-Gilt and we were both beaming and over the moon. With sponsorship and Chris's support we have been lucky to rebuild the garden at Capel. Work is in progress at the moment for the opening on the 22nd September and what myself and others have to come to terms with is that Chris sadly will not be here to see it. This hard to take in but now makes the garden even more special and we are hoping to dedicate it to his memory. God Bless you Chris.
Sandra, Braintree
I had the good fortune of working for Chris and Mary many years ago in Epping Upland. I was saddened to hear of his death, and my thoughts are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah. Chris will be greatly missed by all.
Martin O'Brien , religious affairs producer, BBC Radio Ulster
I am very saddened to hear about Chris's untimely death. It is particularly poignant he should have died suddenly on a project in Ireland which he had discussed with me just before I went on annual leave. He was a lovely, thoughtful and learned man who made a positive and distinctive contribution in every sphere he was involved in. I got to know him over the years at our regular meetings of BBC religious affairs producers and he never failed to ask me about the latest twist in the Northern Ireland peace process and express the hope that things would work out fine. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children and friends at BBC Essex, BBC Religion & Ethics, his parish and elsewhere. Chris will be deeply missed. He left his little part of the world a more enlightened place.
Paul & Mary
We will miss you Chris, our condolences to all the family.
Chris & Nora Dunne (Mary's Parents)
Chris was our son-in-law, but much more than that, he was our friend, mentor, taxi driver to the airport, computer engineer when the P.C. froze, and above all, our horticultural advisor in all gardening matters.His great love, after his family, was the Vicarage garden. We spent many happy hours together, digging, weeding, planting, preparing for the Open Gardens Day each year. He achieved his pinnacle of fame this year when he won a Silver Gilt at the Chelsea Flower Show. How we all basked in his reflected glory! He is now advising St.Peter the best way to prune the roses in Heaven Our love and prayers are for Mary, Ellen & Sarah.
deb lord
listening to the faith programme on sundays helped fill the gap whilst i have been unable to get to church. chris will be sadly missed by all who knew him. love to mary, his daughters and all his work colleagues + their families.
Chris, Julie, Rachel and Bridget Dean
Chris Bard was our vicar - he baptised, confirmed and married generations of our family and we are proud to say that he was also a dear friend. We always knew how lucky we were to have him but never expected him to be taken from us so soon. He touched the lives of so many people, of all ages and beliefs but more than that he made a positive difference to the way we lead them. Chris was always there for us through good times and bad. We thank his family for sharing him with us and our heart felt prayers are with them now at this devastating time. We will always remember his wit and wisdom and the way he could make the most complicated and sometimes painful things easier to accept and understand. Thank you Chris.
Elizabeth Lickiss BBC SCR
Chris was a kind and compassionate man with a unique sense of humour. He had the knack of saying the right thing at the right time - caring and sincere. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Chris and David Rooke
Having worked with Chris for many years we are absolutely stunned by his sudden death. We have lost a very special friend. Our love and prayers are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah.
Terry of Benfleet
Listening to him on Sundays helped me to renew my faith, A sad loss to Essex Broadcasting.
Tess Hogan
Heaven is now richer
Daniel Spiller
I knew Chris through his daughter. Together with his family we shared some of the best time’s life can bring, singing, dancing, talking and telling jokes, So much laughter. In a world full of challenges, for me and for many I saw around him, Chris was always there to make sense of every situation through his humour, wisdom, caring and patience. In his company you always felt safe. He was one of the good guys. I will miss him so much… thank you Chris bard for the life you gave and the life that lives and thrives in me.
Ian Pearce BBC 3CR
I echo what Joe said. Chris had a wicked sense of humour which he used to great effect. As local radio faith producers we are are a fairly close knit group. Chris will be sorely missed. God bless.
steve
I never met you but you provided a fun an inspirational look into the church whenever I heard you on the radio. God bless you!
Rev. Michael & Barb Slater
We live in Stagecoach, Nevada (USA). The Bard family have been dear, dear friends for many years -- we even babysat their two daughters many years ago. Chris and Barb worked together at the Diocese of Chelmsford as Communications Officers and Chris was Michael's spiritual director for several years before Michael's ordination. Mary, Chris and we were dear friends and we are stunned to hear the news. Mary & Chris, like us, were an InterChurch couple and when we lived in England we worshipped at the same two parishes. They introduced us to InterChurch families and because of their love and support have been able to develop a ministry to InterChurch and Interfaith families here in the US (Barb's home). We have recently moved to Nevada to open a Retreat Center for InterChurch and Interfaith couples, families and groups. Chris will now be our Patron. It was something he would have loved to have been involved with. TAMBO (That All May Be One) will be dedicated to his memory and we know he will continue to support us.... just in a new way.Our love and prayers are for Mary, Ellen, Sarah and all of their family. We love you and, in this case, wish we weren't so far away.With great love, Barb & Michael+
Bob from Bury St. Edmunds
We lived in Colchester in the 90s and listened to Chris & Mary on Radio Essex.We have fond memories of them on the radio.
Alan Pinnell & Rev Tina Pinnell, Braintree
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Chris’s death, and our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the two girls at this time. Our contacts with Chris, through his work at BBC Essex and on inter-church committees, led us to appreciate his strong faith and his keen sense of humour. He will be greatly missed.
A Listener
Chris will be sadly missed, humorous but with deep faith, he will be sadly missed by many. Condolences to his family. Sunday mornings will not be the same without him. Rest in Peace.
Annie and Anthony
We just want to simply say how sad and shocked we were that Chris should be taken from us so soon. His life on this earth may have been short but he will be forever remembered. May God stay forever close to his family and let them feel his presence.
Tracey and John
We are not religious, however we always listened on a Sunday morning to hear Chris. We enjoyed listening to someone with a practical approach to religion and his kind voice and words every Sunday morning. We have recently moved to Suffolk and continued to listen on the net... We had listened to Chris on BBC Essex for about 10 years, whilst eating cereal and reading the newspapers, and we felt we knew him. This loss is a great shame, obviously he was required elsewhere?
Brian Sach
Very sorry to hear Chris has passed away, he will be very sadly missed by all BBC Radio Listeners, and Sundays will not be the same without Chris, My Sincere condolences to Mary and daughters..God bless you. Brian.
Gordon & Janette Rainbird
We remember Chris as a warm, caring and humourous man. He married us in Epping Upland Church in 2000. The world is a poorer place without him, but a better place for him having been here.
richard
deepest sympathy to chris's family. Sunday morning on BBC/ESSEX will not be the same.
Dallas Willcox
I have never met Chris but, via the airways, he was a friend. I enjoyed listening to his broadcasts - he will certainly be missed. My thoughts are with his wife, Mary, and daughters; what a terrible shock for them.
Debra, David and Lottie Field
Although we last met Chris (and Mary and the two girls) 8 or even 9 years ago, we have often talked about him since, particularly after the birth of our daughter. Witty and warm, a very nice man. Chris was a larger than life character who will be sorely missed.
Chris and David Rooke
We are so very sad to hear of the death of Chris. Having worked closely with him for many years, we feel we have lost a very good friend. Our love and prayers are with Mary, Ellen and Sarah at this very sad time.
Mrs Rita Roth
Very sad to hear of the untimely passing of the Rev Chris Bard. Even though I am a practising Jewish lady I still enjoyed listening to his kindly words and wit, especially with Janet Gershlick. Sincere condolences to his wife, family and colleagues - a good man taken far too soon.
ML
I never met Chris, but like many I benefited from his wise worlds, I smiled at his dialogue, and have no doubt he now rests in peace.
Mary Nunn (Lawford Essex)
I was shocked to hear of Chris's death. I shall miss his vibrant voice, humour and sincerity. Heaven's gain is our loss. Sundays are never going to be the same. Sincere Condolences to his Family & Friends. God Bless. Mary x
steve elliott
i will miss him on sunday mornings. i feel like i have lost a close friend.my heart goes out to his wife and family.god bless
Graham Game
Condolences to all of Chris's colleagues, friends & family. He was a good honest man & he will be missed by many.
Tony Smart
Very sad news. No doubt he has gone to a place where the richness of his life here, will carry on. Condolences to all his family
Kevin from Rayleigh
Having had the pleasure of meeting Chris on several occasions, it seems unbelievable that he is no longer with us. His great strength was his understanding and ability to convey the workings of so many different religions. This coupled with his humour and ability to see the funny side of religion means he we be sorely missed. My condolences of course to mary and the family.
Linda farrelly
My Sunday mornings driving to work will not be the same without Chris. My sincere condolences to Chris's family.
Martin & Diana Piper
We have always enjoyed listening to Chris on Sunday mornings and are saddened by this tragic loss.He was a wonderful communicator. We had talked about visiting his church to hear him take a service but this can never happen now. He will be greatly missed. Love and best wishes to his wife and family.
Jane Mower of Clacton
Whenever I listened to Chris, I felt wanted, loved and closer to my faith. He was a great man who will be greatly missed x
rita from rayleigh
will miss you 0n sundays.
lyn
i am very sad to hear of the death of Chris Bard.We always enjoyed listening to him on sunday mornings, you will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family
Jackie and Bob Isted
Our deepest sympathy to Mary and his family. jackie met Mary and Chris when they were speakers at Terling Group Mothers Union apprx 20 years ago. Our Sunday mornings will not be the same again, when we have our first cup of tea and listened to Chris, he will be sadly missed by us.
Maureen Wade
He will be greatly missed by many people. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him or speaking to him, but I feel I know him. My thoughts are with his wife and family, please tell them that they may feel alone, but that many people are with them in spirit, and that they will feel his presence in their quiet times.
vera
When I first tuned in on a Sunday morning and realised it was a religious programme I thought I would be bored (I am a believer but not a church-goer) but how wrong I was! Chris was always very entertaining along with the religious part of the programme, which I also enjoyed. When I say I feel as sad at hearing the sad news as I was when I heard that Diana had died I need say no more about the impact Chris had on me, and his many listeners, I am sure. A great loss.
Jackie from Clacton
It was a big shock to hear the news of Chris's passing. I always listened to him as I was getting ready for church each Sunday. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family. God bless you.
Helen
I could not believe what i had heard, he was such a lovely warm man to listen to, I shall miss his sunday morning broadcasts.My condolences to his family
katrina
so very sad to hear about chris on the radio this afternoon, my thoughts & prayers are with his wife & children, what a shock, i will miss hearing him on a sunday morning with janet, i used to laugh at the way janet teased him, god bless chris sleep well,
Louise Mansfield
It is because of Chris that I got into drama college and persued a career in the media as a Floor Manager. He gave normal school students like me their first insight into the media by letting them work on his Sunday Supplement show and offered training in his own spare time. This news came with great sadness, please pass on my deepest sympathy to his wife Mary and his 2 daughters.
Carol Jonathan Emma and Ben Dickinson
Chris was my brother-in-law and I have never met a more decent person, thoroughly unjudgmental and just a lovely man. I will miss the lovely meals we went out for and the lovely times we had. Thank you, Chris for being such a great guy - I know you're looking down on us. We will miss you so much. Lots of Love
David and Ruby Jenkins
The airwaves will be a sadder place without the sound of Chris, May he rest in peace.
Jenny Dunne
Chris Bard is my uncle. I always looked forward to our annual family get-togethers at his house. He was such a nice man, funny and witty. He was also the dictionary of jokes and could always make a room of gloomy people laugh out loud. It was shocking to hear about his death, the day after we left the country. Nobody ever wants to hear about anyone's death, but like Ellen said, he would be happy he was going some place better after such a wonderful life. I haevn't spoken to them yet, but big hugs to Auntie Mary, Ellen and Sarah Bard. I'll miss you, Uncle Chris.
geoffrey connor
Chris was our valued colleague in the Church of England, Epping District Team Ministry. We shall miss him greatly - his ready wit, infectious humour and incisive theological mind. He was always challenging and a great stimulus to us. He will be especially missed by the people of Epping Upland & Theydon Garnon parishes where he ministered and showed his great love for humanity in a particular way as he touched their hearts with God.
Margaret & Ted Brown ( Brentwood)
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to Mary and their 2 daughters. Chris was a person who you just had to listen to and he always sounded sincere in his messages to us all.We will miss him on Sunday mornings.May he now rest in peace with his lord.
jacqui
i always listened on a sunday to his show he will be sadly missed my thoughts go to his family.
Kim Townsend - BBC Radio Shropshire
I met Chris for the first time in June this year at the Churches Media Conference. I am in my first year of work in the media and he left a big impression on me as a much more experienced journalist. His work in faith broadcasting, in the church, and with horticulture was a real credit to him. Even though I have only met him that once, he was a huge inspiration to me.
Kim and Brian Carpenter
We were married by Chris 25 years ago next month. He came to Epping Green only a few months before. My parents, Jean and Ernest Kendrick regularly worship at Epping Upland church and he christened my children Philip and Jennifer. A great figure-head in the village. Chris, Mary and the girls have become an institution.He will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him.
dorothy calthorpe
will be sadly missed just liked to listen to his voice and he brought hope to me when i felt down.he was such a happy going man best wishes to his wife and family
Helen Casey (former BBC Essex Receptionist)
Chris was one of the good guys. He was a lovely colleague whose dry wit and lovely smile brightened up many an afternoon for me. Deepest sympathy to Mary and her daughters. May their hearts be warmed by the knowledge that Chris was loved by so many people.
Sally Dawes
So sorry to hear the news of Chris's untimely death. A practising Catholic myself, I found his gentle style of presenting was inclusive to those of all faiths and none. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues - he will be sadly missed but we can be assured he is now resting safely in the arms of our Lord.
maureen
my heart goes out to you, it takes a long time to try and come to terms. chris bard was the only god person that i would listen too. May your god go with you and keep you safe
Tim Parker, BBC Freelance reporter
I met Chris a couple of times and within minutes of talking to him, felt like I was chatting with an old friend. What a kind and friendly person he was; interested and interesting. And a great sense of humour. He will be missed.
Fred and Pauline Bussell
We were really very shocked and distressed to hear the sad news about Chris. We enjoyed so much his weekly column in the local Guardian, and always listened on a Sunday morning. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family. A great loss to us all.
