The first thing I think of when I remember Chris is his face literally lighting up when he smiled. He had an infectious laugh and always seemed really happy and cheerful. He was all his friends' "go to" in times of plumbing emergencies and work. He even drove all the way up to York to fit out a new kitchen and bathroom for my Mum and Dad in the early 1990's as Dad didn't want to take a chance on hiring a more local plumber. Of course Chris said "no problem" and worked very long days to get it done. On Boxing Day walks in the grounds of Leeds Castle he used to do a traditional "leap" over a fence. I have no idea how this started but every year as a child I remember watching and cheering him on. He also used to appear on stage with the Kingswardians and my favourite memory was when he was Brenn Gun in Treasure Island. He was so funny. All he wanted from Long John Silver was "a little bit of cheese". Pretty sure he didn't keep to the script but had the audience and cast in absolute fits of giggles. Really sorry I can't be there for Chris' memorial service on Tuesday but I will be thinking of him and I'm sure everyone will have lots of lovely memories of him to share.

Every day out with Chris was an absolute joy. He touched my heart and soul in a way no one else has, his cheeky smile and laugh brightened any dull day. So many stories!! When he got washed down with final effluent by a guy at a sewage works (due to a dodgy tummy!). Dropping his trousers at Yalding slipway when doing the TICI run to show me his injury to his "little man" after getting hit while wearing his box playing cricket. Using the foot pump on our inflatable boat while we were in the middle of the Medway, as we had a slow puncture and the boat was sinking. Driving under the height barrier at Teston in "Large Marge" when I had said, "Chris its too low...we won't make it" well Chris had other ideas, and for the rest of the day we had the roof mounted light bar hanging down the side of the van, with bits of it flying off as we drove. Chris was the most wonderful, kind and loving man and he will stay with us in our heart eternally, the brightest star in the sky!

What a great and wonderful man Chris was. I loved working with him back in our sampling days at the EA. His infectious laugh and sense of humour was just wonderful. There were so many funny times spent with Chris out in the field. We were both height restricted and many a time parked the land rover up again fences so we could climb over (no H&S in those days). And our Sea Survival training course where I got in the survival craft and got 'stuck' by my life jacket and started panicking. Chris was quick to save me and he was a vision in his budgie smugglers plus his green EA t-shirt which had shrunk in the chlorine swimming pool and was more of a cropped top. I've never laughed so much and still chuckle out loud everytime I think of him rescuing me. I will remember him with fond. Sleep tight Chris x