An unabashed fan of rural life, Chris trod an unconventional path to wool and beef cattle production in Australia's New England region, via an extensive defence career during which his service spanned five countries. 

Chris was born in the United Kingdom and spent much of his childhood and young adulthood cultivating a love of the countryside at Stratfield Saye in Hampshire.  As a young man, he joined the Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) as a musician. 

He subsequently saw active service during the Cyprus Emergency in the second half of the 1950s, and was a member of one of the first patrols after the London-Zurich Peace Agreement - unarmed as required by that agreement - in a very volatile situation. 

In 1963, he joined the Australian Army and migrated to Australia.  Assigned to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, he saw active service in Vietnam with 3 Cavalry Regiment.  After extensive operations and rehabilitation to recover from significant combat injuries sustained there, Chris continued to serve in a number of positions, including as founding adjutant of the Second Cavalry Regiment.  

In private life, Chris was a successful grazier at his Ben Lomond property, breeding Merinos and Angus, and continuing his life-long love of the country.  For several years, he served on the NSW Farmers' Association Executive Council and a number of its committees.  

He became an avid fan of the Australian Stock Horse and was seemingly never happier than on horseback at home in the Australian bush or with his family.  He is survived by his much-loved wife of 45 years, Patricia, and son Mark.  

A funeral service will be held at 2.00pm on Thursday 9 February at The Armidale School, followed at a date to be set by a memorial service and interment of ashes at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stratfield Saye, Hampshire.