1947-2023
It was a huge loss to hear of the passing of Brian Stafford-Bush from the The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation in 2023. EMR has had the support of the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation for over a decade. Thanks to Brian and Paddy Stafford-Bush we have been able to expose thousands of families in Auckland to the underwater world. Their support has allowed us to bring representatives from Rakiura to Kaitaia for the Annual Poor Knights Competition Trip since 2015.
An excerpt from the eulogy said by Samara Nicholas at Brian's funeral, "I am honoured to share some words about Brian today. I thought I would start with my first meeting with Paddy and Brian over 9 years ago. Myself and my dear friend, the late Dr Roger Grace headed to their little bach at Matheson Bay.
We shared some laughs and stories of the marine environment and were able to chat about Experiencing Marine Reserves, a programme dedicated to hands-on experiences in the ocean, engaging schools and communities in marine conservation.
Not long into our meeting we were eating melted cheese and drinking bubbles - this was the ideal scenario and the beginning to a long and successful relationship! I have been looking at images of Brian over the last few days on our trips and he is smiling in every photo!"
Tributes from participants
"Our daughter deeply treasures her memories of her trip to the Poor Knights and they continue to trigger her interest in ecology and the marine world. She had the privilege of meeting Brian. We were struck by how he combined a very approachable and personable style with a deep commitment to making a difference. We feel very privileged to be among the numerous whanau who have benefitted from his vision and drive"
"I'm a 9-year-old Dunedin boy and I was on the trip this year. I was extremely nervous because had never snorkelled in the open water before and never been surrounded by schools of fish. I was lucky enough to be buddied up with Brian on the trip and he helped keep me calm in the water. He helped my confidence grow to a point where I could enter Shark Fin Cave and experience the light entering a cave and making the all fish sparkle. Thank you Brian for the once-in-a-lifetime experience"
"I had a lovely chat to Brian and Paddy at Schnappa Rock after the boat trip this year. They had so much passion and enthusiasm and you could really see the delight they took in providing such amazing opportunities to so many children (and the adults that come with them!). I'll never forget the moment my son Ollie looked up from snorkelling and said "this is the best experience of my life so far". For a child who has often been wary and anxious about new experiences, this was so special to hear him say this. This would not have been possible without the support of the Bobby Stafford-Bush trust and we will always be grateful that we got to be part of such an incredible opportunity"
"I’ll never forget this experience. How great was it to share it with my mum!? This perfect day will inspire my art works in times to come"
"The support the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation has shown is underwritten by action and deeds of such value that they will remain with those children lucky enough to experience them for a lifetime. The opportunities and experiences afforded to those children (and parents) by the caring and selfless acts of Brian and the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation are completely priceless and give us all hope for a truly brighter, more sustainable, and more enlightened future. As a representative of the Trust Board, one of us was lucky enough to attend the dinner at Schnapper Rock following the trip to the Poor Knights (2023). The looks on the faces of the children, parents and caregivers betrayed nothing other than gratitude, wonder and respect for what Brian and the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation have done for them. Brian was a gift, and The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust are truly grateful to have shared in the celebrations he brought with him"
Finally, word from one of our trustees, "We were shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Brian. It made for sombre and reflective moments at last night’s trust board meeting when Samara gave us this news. It was particularly difficult for Samara to deliver the news. What Brian and Paddy have done for the trust cannot really be put into words. The support you have both shown is underwritten by your actions and deeds of such value that they will remain with those children lucky enough to experience them for a lifetime.
The opportunities and experiences afforded to those children (and parents) by the caring and selfless acts of Brian and the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation are completely priceless and give us all hope for a truly brighter, more sustainable, and more enlightened future. As a representative of the Trust Board, one of us was lucky enough to attend the dinner at Schnapper Rock following the trip to the Poor Knights.
The looks on the faces of the children, parents and caregivers betrayed nothing other than gratitude, wonder and respect for what Brian, yourself and the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation have done for them. Brian was a gift, and The Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust are truly grateful to have shared in the celebrations he brought with him."
Brian was a kind and generous man and will be missed by so many. We offer our deepest condolences to Paddy, Sam, Mia and family, doing so with gratitude and fondness. Kia kaha kia maia kia manawanui.
Moe mai rā Brian, you will be missed xx 💙
If you have any stories or photos you would like to share of Brian, please send these to lorna@mountains.sea.org.nz
Written by Samara Nicholas - edited by Lorna Doogan.
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