Australian Forestry Standard CEO passes away after cycling accident

2 February 2015 News

It is with deep regret and sadness that we learned of the tragic death of our friend and colleague, Richard Stanton, who died on Saturday following a cycling accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s wife and their two children.

The Board of AFS issued a special bulletin today:

The Directors of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd are deeply saddened to inform you of the unexpected death of their CEO and National Secretary, Richard Stanton.

Richard was severely injured in an early morning cycling accident on Thursday in Canberra and died on Saturday without gaining consciousness.

We will remember Richard 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.

Richard 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 Board extends our deepest sympathy to Richard's family, as they seek to come to terms with this tragic and unexpected loss.

The Board members and AFS staff are already working together to keep AFS operational. We will convey the arrangements for Richard's funeral once these have been finalised.

Vale Richard, you were respected and loved, and will be missed and not forgotten.