Farewell Chris, and fair sailing to your next destination. I consider it an honor to have known and sailed with you. You are one of the greats: so solid, so professional, so fearless, so gentle, so kind. The world is a vastly better place for your having been a part of it.

Chris it was too soon for you to join David as a green legend, blue hero and peaceful warrior, but the world is a much better place for you. Safer, cleaner and happier. I treasure the memories and your legacy. Fair and warm winds. My thoughts are with your family now. Duncan

I am speechless. Chris was the first person to land a chipping hammer on the solid rusty hull of the first Rainbow Warrior back in the docks in London. Till the end he looked after Vega and made sure that the star of the 1972 voyage to Moruroa kept shining at her mooring in Port Albert, Australia. You be always in my heart Chris. We will make sure the flame keeps burning

Chris was born on 27th December 1952 which means he was only 55 and would have turned 56 later on this year. He was both fearless and tender, the mark of a true warrior. Some of us are journeying to his tangi (funeral) and will take all your love with us. There would not have been a Rainbow Warrior if Chris had not walked into our lives. I loved the guy.

Rest In Peace Chris. It was a pleasure to know you. Condolences to the Robbos and extended.

I am so, so sad to hear about Chris' death.

Chris was truly a Gentle Warrior that fought quietly, but steadily thoughout the years for a better world. His death is a great loss to the world and the environmental movement. I will miss him very much.

Michael G. Nielsen
Copenhagen, Denmark

A true warrior for peace, humanity and the environment. Chris was a man we could depend on. His quiet strength, dignity and moral courage were much appreciated and an example of what we can be. As fellow travelers on this planet Chris, you'll always be in our hearts, and so, never far away. Sail on mate.

Chris, the whole of the man, which includes the great blue sea in his soul and the even greater love and laughter of his friends, always made me feel at home in this port which was the colour of greenpeace in the south of the Pacific for me. What a gift to carry all these memories of you engrained in my skin. You made the world feel a much much better place. I feel lucky for every second of that. See you at sea

Such sad news! I had the privilege and pleasure to sail with Chris for a week on the Vega protesting against military war games. He truly was a warrior of the sea and I was always happy to hear his tales of adventure...
May you be peaceful wherever you are Chris.

I am profoundly saddened by Chris' death.

I have been thinking of Chris many times this summer (summer is ending now in our part of the world) because it was exactly thirty years ago that the first voyage of the Rainbow Warrior took place.

All of us who were part of it in the summer of 1978 remember that without Chris things would have been very-very different. Quite possibly (I should say most probably) without Chris the Rainbow Warrior would not have taken off. And even if it had taken off, I don't think we'd gone very far without Chris.

I am truly privileged to have a lot of great memories of Chris.

The expression "stepping lightly on the Earth" had not been coined at the time. But whenever I read or hear it, it makes me think of Chris quietly walking with his bare feet (he'd almost never wear shoes whatever the weather).

What was most remarkable was that he'd never complain about anything (unlike most of us). A true gentleman, who stepped lightly on the Earth, but very strongly in our lives.

Few people can impress,inspire and make you feel a mate but Chris was such a person..one who you would always enjoy seeing again..unique and loveable.Wow.

What a sad news. I never had the opportunity to see Chris "in action" during one of his many voyages on the Greenpeace ships. But I remember having great chats and listening to his stories while he was on Elba island, working hard on the Vega, taking care of it.
Although I recall him being a soft-spoken man, I could feel his strong passion for sailing and his commitment to Greenpeace's principals.

A very special person is gone. Fair winds Chris.

Chris, people like you don't die... they rest in everybody's heart and their energy fuels us to do more and better.

I met you on the Rainbow Warrior back in 1994...and never forgot the great time we had together.

Take care, sail to the stars, Chris!

@

Deeply saddened by this news.
Chris was a one of a kind, a role model for the world. He had a great spirit around him which reflected onto many. He had incredible strength and determination, yet was the most kind and gentle person you'd ever meet. Always very thoughtful of others.

The ultimate image of a sailor but with passion for other things in life as well.
We will always remember him picking olives on the farm in Italy, playing with his Guzzi on the patio, and many inspiring conversations. He had a great love for women too!

His life finished too soon, but compared to most people Chris lived the life of two in his time.
Fantastic man, we will never forget him!
He will be greatly missed in this world, a huge loss for all.

Chris is one of the most amazing souls I have ever met, full of laughter, and generous in sharing his many talents with others. He was always such great company to be with, his vision and enlightened thoughts put the world in a different perspective.
Thank you Chris, for making this world a better place wherever you sailed, wherever you walked. A true warrior, gentle, peaceful, compassionate; living his life with honesty and integrity in action.. Chris, you will be remembered fondly and missed by many. It has been an honor to share life with you, fair winds on your new voyage.

I was lucky enough to sail across Bass Strait with Chris four months ago - I circumnavigated Tasmania with him on Fand 12 years ago and asked him to shepherd our group on kayaks as we island hopped across from Wilsons Prom in May. I always felt completely safe in Chris's company on boats, and we all put our lives in his hands on that trip. Chris was as always, quiet, confident, optimistic, knowledgeable, completely at ease, comfortable and at one with himself on the ocean. I will miss his sense of humour, his quiet laugh and his cooking, his porridge he made for us each day as we took off on our 8 hour paddles. He was one of those rare rock solid 100% dependable people who I drew enormous inspiration from - I felt proud just to be able to claim him as a friend. Go well my friend- we all follow you on your final journey eventually, you were "ripped off" a few years but you didn't waste any of the years you had, you were one of those undefeated people in life, a unique character and great man, huge spirit, we love you and miss you and feel for your family.

I was in awe of Chris Robinson when he first came down to see `Redbill` during her GPA Tour in Australia 1990 and I was fortunate to sail with him again much later during the Atlantic Frontier. He was a Hippy and a Hero and never lost that status in my eyes. I think he even had mice growing in that ridiculously huge beard...

Farewell Chris, farewell......

I was lucky enough to sail across Bass Strait with Chris four months ago - I circumnavigated Tasmania with him on Fand 12 years ago and asked him to shepherd our group on kayaks as we island hopped across from Wilsons Prom in May. I always felt completely safe in Chris's company on boats, and we all put our lives in his hands on that trip. Chris was as always, quiet, confident, optimistic, knowledgeable, completely at ease, comfortable and at one with himself on the ocean. I will miss his sense of humour, his quiet laugh and his cooking, his porridge he made for us each day as we took off on our 8 hour paddles. He was one of those rare rock solid 100% dependable people who I drew enormous inspiration from - I felt proud just to be able to claim him as a friend. Go well my friend- we all follow you on your final journey eventually, you were "ripped off" a few years but you didn't waste any of the years you had, you were one of those undefeated people in life, a unique character and great man, huge spirit, we love you and miss you and feel for your family.

Hey mate, I just have to say what an honour it is knowing you and what a pleasure it was working with you in those early years - Iceland, El Ferol, Mururroa - It would not have been as much fun without you.

Its very sad and a great loss to us all that Chris has passed on. I worked with Chris on a few occasions, and he was a very inspiring guy.

He worked hard for the planet and for us all.

Farewell the body of Mr Robinson, but your spirit lives on.

I met Chris only a few times, but I knew from David and others his role in the history of Greenpeace. I was very saddened by the recent news but greatly moved to read the generous praises on this site. I too will miss Chris and wish his family and friends well. Sidney

Inspirational is the word to describe Chris. It was only one ship tour I sailed with Chris, but he left a huge impression.He`s just what a rainbow warrior should be like,strong and committed yet humble and radiant. Seems like the best are taken from us too early..

Go well chris.

Christopher Robinson, nicked name Iron man.---

Early 1978. Chris was one of the first militant to step on the deck of the rusty « Sir William Hardy », that was to become the legendary Rainbow Warrior. With a few others, Chris was the soul of this boat and an truly extraordinary person.---

His dedication to on going campaigns to protect the oceans knew no limits. His endless energy to make things happened knew no limits and his seamanship attitude that made you feel safe as soon as he stepped on board was simply supra natural.---

He was a world class inflatable driver and could go on forever without sleeping in an action. The toughest of us is gone yesterday but not before inspiring a full generation.---

He did not care much for the press, and prefered doing things his modest way rather than talking to a microphone. That explains why we do not have more pictures of him: the press had a hard time trying to catch up with him.---

A cracking joke among us was that it would only take ten guys like Chris to shut down the whole world nuclear industry.---

All this sounds great, but there is even more to the boy. Chris was a true non violent man and an adorable human being: Always caring for the others around him, always ready to replace someone sea sick, and always much fun to work and live with on a boat.---

To have sailed half the world with him on so many campaigns is one of my life's greatest privilege.---

Bye my friend.---

Pierre Gleizes o/b Rainbow Warrior II, September 17, 2008

I have tears in my eyes as I type this, and am flashing memories of Chris through my mind. The gentle softly-spoken friend walking around Auckland, the smiling party person, the lover of life. The decisive skipper on Vega in the Auckland Peace Squadron protests and the sail from Auckland to Sydney to carry on protesting there. His visits to the Wooden Boat Workshop and the combined sail with Friendship over summer. Cruel irony that he had to go so young in the manner he did. A massive achiever wanting little recognition. A green Greenpeace hero needing greater recognition.

Chris -- missing you, was only sitting in the Friends of the Earth Cafe with you having lunch a couple of months back, manning the helm sailing with u across bass strait and driving around in your ute (very cool). Was hoping to have many more fun times. I feel like I have a few years on me - but when you started out campaigning it was before I was even conceived. Amazing stuff --- well wishes and strength to your family who I found to be lovely people -- Live on :) Matt

I shared a cabin with Chris in 1979 on the warrior's Iceland campaign. I have always been grateful for his gentle encouragement and enthusiasm at that time. I'm a landlubber and have carried on my activism ashore since then, but it was always so very reassuring that Chris was out there somewhere. Caring for our planet.
Sorely missed.

God rest the salty dog!

You were the one who first took me sailing, you were the one who told me to face my fear of the sea, and you were the one who introduced me to some very special people who to this day are dear friends....thank you, sail free Chris

In February 1978 in the freezing English winter Chris Robinson and I moved onto the rusting William Hardy in the east India docks of London. With his chipping hammer and needle gun, Chris led the transformation into the Rainbow Warrior. His gentle charm, easy going style and quiet strength would form the backbone of the Rainbow Warrior campaigns to protect great whales, seals, the oceans from radioactive waste dumping, nuclear weapons testing and much more. When all seemed lost on a campaign and we couldn't locate a target vessel Chris disappeared up the crow's nest and 8 hours later would spot the elusive sign of the Hvalur 9 whaling ship in Iceland, or a Canadian sealing ship off the frigid coast of Newfoundland, or the dark hulk of the Gem dumping radioactive waste.

Behind Chris' humour and smiling eyes was a man of steely strength. You knew you could trust your life in his hands without a second thought and his magical personality provided a quiet and discreet leadership to all that we strived to do.

Chris was not just a good friend, reliable colleague and dedicated environmentalist; he was like an angel of spiritual power. When he believed in you, it seemed anything was possible and it was his belief in Greenpeace's work that made so many of the great campaign successes a reality.

That quiet strength and smiling face infused into the soul what goodness and greatness is all about. He never sought credit or acclamation. Getting the campaign completed with all hands safe is what he did.

No words can express the power and impact of his personality and soulful generousity of spirit.

I am honoured that Chris was my friend. We are so fortunate to have had Chris in our lives, to have sailed with him, raised a glass with him and been a part of his world.

Allan Thornton

ciao Chris,
I never had enough time to spend with you, hearing your stories and learning from your unpretentious but steady convictions and experiences.
Thank you for the time and the passion we spent together on the Vega, making maintenances and (little) waves in the Italian seas.
When I see a rainbow on my sky, the people peacefully warrioring in its colours are growing, unfortunately, but probably that's a good way to be together for ever.
Many others and me, we will miss you, here.

Christopher, you were always and remain one of the people I have admired most in this world. Strong, courageous, honest and yet gentle and kind with a fundamentally good heart. Not many people on this planet you can honestly say that about. I have a number of entertaining stories about our time together, but this is not the time. Be at peace, my friend.

well Chris, we have never met and i'm not sure you can read this. but anyway, i am sitting now in the office room in what was for a second home, or maybe the first, the Rainbow Warrior, and i hear from the mess room the voices of those who knew you and see now videos and photos of you, and tell beautiful stories about you. we all feel you now on the ship, and we will keep on going, with love and peace.

damn it Chris, you died. Too soon for the rest of us - we weren't ready to call it a day. Just last week I was sailing in the Coral Sea and talking about a conversation we had a year or so ago. It is terribly sad that you are no longer in that conversation - I weep.

Chris was inspirational: full of integrity, humble, staunch, funny and a great seaman - you can't ask for much more in a life. Except for more of it!

Pace, Chris. You are special.

Fair winds Chris on your next journey - you were a true warrior and an inspiration - you always had that twinkle in your eye and that gentle laugh - you will be missed. Peace

Its too far for me to travel and pay my respects. So it happens here. I didnt remember you when we first met in 1978, but you remembered me. I was only 4.
Then you took me sailing in Waiheke the next time we met and I was 10.
Then you turned up in Sydney 10 years later whilst I was there and played your didge in the heart of the ship and told me stories of my dad and early days whilst the party carried on above.

Fair winds mate.

And I hope someone reads all these words out from those who have had the honour of meeting you.

Just to say I'm sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I know too though, that God's Love is much stronger than ours, ...and ours is no less than forever. Now he will always be sailing with you...

All those years ago in Stratford,London, when Chris walked into my life, when the Sir William Hardy was lying in the docks waiting for him, he moved on land as if he was part of the ocean. He knew the ocean intimately from his days as a champion surfer and I remember sitting in his room - ever the aesthete he only had a sleeping bag on the floor - trying to broach the subject of this old boat we were going to take to Iceland to save whales, and would he join us, would he drive a Zodiac in front of the whaling boats to prevent them from killing the whales.

Chris thought long and hard before replying. He had just returned from Iceland and was unaware of their whaling activities. He wanted details.
I remember producing a poem by D H Lawrence entitled "Whales Weep Not" and reading it to him. I can't be sure that sealed his fate, but he was deeply moved by that poem. The rest is history.

Around the same time, I found another poem by the same poet which, for me, epitomises Chris.

This is for you, Chris.

"For the Heroes Are Dipped In Scarlet"

Before Plato told the great lie of ideals
men slimly went like fishes, and didn't care.

They had long hair, like Samson,
and clean as arrows they sped at the mark
when the bow-cord twanged.

They knew it was no use knowing
their own nothingness:
for they were not nothing.

So now they come back! Hark!
Hark! the low and shattering laughter of bearded men
with the slim waists of warriors, and the long feet
of moon-lit dancers.

Oh, and their faces scarlet, like the dolphin's blood!
Lo! the loveliest is red all over, rippling vermilion
as he ripples upwards!
laughing in his black beard!

They are dancing! they return, as they went, dancing!
For the thing that is done without the glowing as of god, vermilion,
were best not done at all.
How glistening red they are!

My condolences to Chris' family and friends, on this very sad day. I remember so well his gentleness, strength, and passion; I valued his work so much; and I feel honored and fortunate to have known him. Fond farewell, my friend.

A great kauri has fallen. Chris, if, in my imagination, I had to put a man next to the tiller of a yacht, then you were that man. I enjoyed your company, and I honour your life. Peace of the running wave, mate.

It was a privilege to have met you, Chris. Your calm know-how and happiness were obvious - a true inspiration and admired by so many in working damn hard to fight the good fight.

May The Rainbow be with you always Chris, what a sad day! You will always be remembered.

Bugger Chris I was looking forward to meeting up with you somewhere on our yachts. You will always be with me, as my trusted first mate.

I am proud to call you friend and even prouder that you called me friend.

Kia Kaha

Haere ra

Rest In Peace Chris.
It was a great pleasure to know the lovely person you were.
It's not only Greenpeace that is gonna miss the very special person you were but Mother Earth that you gently walked & sailed on. You were one of those who inspired me. Your Courage & kindness shall never be forgotten.
My Condolences to all your family.

CHRIS ROBINSON

Last night the whole crew of the Rainbow Warrior gathered on the bridge to remember and celebrate the life of Chris.
It was very fitting, as one crew member put it that, "we are poised between the bell and the sunset." It was ironic that only hours before this, the ships bell had been polished for the first time for a very long time, possibly the first time since Chris had done it and probably in a bored moment in the face of a storm! It was a very poignant moment considering that Chris had sailed many times on this ship during many of Greenpeace's defining moments. His spirit was keenly felt.

Afterwards some of the crew, those who knew him and some who didn't, gathered in the mess and swapped stories and drank a toast to Chris' life. By the way Chris we are very low on beer and are rationed at the moment, from that boat that you are now sailing on beyond the horizon, arrange for some supplies to be dropped on us!

There are many new crew members on this trip most of whom had never heard of Chris. But one thing for sure they know of him now and Chris would have been quietly proud to know that the benchmark he set for commitment, passion, and his legacy of strength of purpose lives on in the enthusiasm of the new young crew members.

This is a very sad time for you all but be assured that the memory and spirit of Chris will live on with this ship and all those he sailed on.

Fair winds Dear Chris,

The crew of the Rainbow Warrior

viva chris....heroes for all humanity and mother earth

Chris was a rare gift gracing this planet.
Eloquence of presence.
Solid and ethereal.
Gentle and true.
My heart is full. Words come staggering.

Dearest Chris. Hugs, Love, and Unlimited Devotion, Martha

Time spent with Chris and the Warrior crew in 79 was the inspiration for all my years with GP .... Thanks Chris , brother , family.

It is with great sadness I acknowledge the passing of Chris.He is yet another Good man taken too soon and will be missed terribly by my father , my son ,who was proud to know him and of who he was to him , and myself as I have Always been proud just to have known him and been part of his family tree.

Dear Chris, you have been a true rainbow warrior and I am glad I had the honour to meet you already 22 years ago and then again at the RW/Antartic folks reunion in 2005 on Waiheke.
Your inspiration will be carried on within Greenpeace and beyond. We should look out for the next rainbow - it might be you sailing with him...
Irmi Mussack

Farewell Chris. It was an honour and a pleasure to sail with you. Those first days on the Warrior are always in my mind. you were an example and an inspiration.
Fare well.

top man. brother. sadly missed

Chris once built me a beautiful bench to place in a forest we had saved from being logged.
I often sit on that bench that he crafted with his hands and think of him and the many trips we did over the years on Vega or Fand to his beloved islands in the Bass Strait.
I think of his love of the sea and the environment,of his furious indignation at life's injustices and environmental atrocities.Of his actions and courage to try and change these things.

Of the whisky we drank once the anchor was down.
And now I will sit there on Chris's bench in the cool ,damp forest and wonder why this special man was cheated of so many years of his life that he hadn't finished living.
And I will thank him silently for trusting to take me on board the Vega 26 years ago.
I will take comfort in knowing that now his spirit will be flying with the albatross across oceans,leaping with the dolphins and glittering in the phosphorous that sparkles at night in the wake of a yacht...

Goodbye,Chris my friend.

So shocked to hear the news today, Chris so fit so healthy now breathing air no more on this planet you cared for.
I first met Chris onboard Fand in Tasmania, not doing GP work bu heading off into Bass Straight to do work on the marine reserve campaign in Tasmania, Chris helped out on this over many years, and i sailed many trips with Chris and Fand around Tasmanian waters.
Demasted in Storm Bay (Tas) no sleep for six days delivering Fand To Port Albert and stuck in a gale in Basss Straight, so much I have learned so much from Chris on sailing a yatch , you always felt safe with Chris ,totally anflappable on the sea.
I was looking forward to seeing Chris as he was sailing Vega down to my party in November and for him to run his learned eye over the steel yatch that im building. Over many conversations on my vessel I listened closely to his advice he once said "remember Stuart you dont need all those fancy gadgets to go sailing", sound advice from a man who sailed the seven seas in a basic and humble way.
My thoughts to his Mother and Father, Majoire and Fred, your not meant to bury your children, im sorry, Chris will be sadly missed, Stuart Lennox.

Working for 25 years with Mark Robinson has necessarily brought us in contact with Chris, his brothers Lee and Ross and his parents Fred and Marjorie. Chris always seemed to bring a sense of balance to our lives - he had plenty of room in his heart for us. We'll miss him and his tales of exploits to places we only dream about. Our deepest sympathy to Marjorie, Fred, Mark, Lee and Ross and all their families.

Rest In Peace my special cousin. It was an honor having you in my life and I will cherish all the times we shared...
I'll always think of you on our birthday...
I'll make a special spot for the didgeridoo :)
lots of love...
Melody

Heard the didgeridoo. It was played by an inspiring gentle giant.
Fair Winds Chris!

Chris,
My dear brother/friend, ol'sailing mate and comrade in non-violent arms...

The double Rainbow over Waiheke Island this afternoon took be way back to 1978.
I first met you then on the "RW" and soon after again on your first visit to the "Fri" in Falmouth... or was it up the creek in Gweek?
We raved, drank & smoked the night(s) away and then got up early every morning clean up the mess & work, work, work all day(s) to get the ol "Fri" ready for Sea again.
Then we met again, a few years later in the 80's in Auckland/NZ, when you took me and my 6 year old daughter Sekita-Ra + Elaine Shaw and other GPNZers on to the Waitamata harbour o/b "Vega" to oppose the last US nuclear warship entering NZ waters.
Yes, we won and they never returned again.
You took soon afterwards "Vega" to Oneroa beach, came to my house, drank all my booze, smoked all my stash & staggered back to "Vega" late at night... You where always your own man & always wanted to sleep in your bunk on "Vega"
Then there was 1985 when the bombs went off on our ship
-the "RW"- at Marsden Wharf, followed by an even stronger commitment by you to go on to Mururoa that year and again later on.
Then there where the amazing times we shared with so many others during the Antarctic campaign-expedition years. You where always there to lead by example. Always inspirational and commited to the core. You where the ultimate activist first and the best ever bosun i sailed with on the big ships!
The last time we met and shared both legal and illegal substances was again here on the isle, during the reunion 3 years ago.....
I/we'll miss you Chris-man!
You where larger then life!

You finally really sailing that Rainbow in the Sky Chris & go beyond!

Farewell brother

so, Big Fella
where does all the time go?...
can't add much to pierre, tony, allan
i'm up North, Shetland. it's good and cold, grey and clean and the clear north atlantic brine stirs the kelp. seals and fulmars,puffins,other auks, gannets and skua.
don't have to talk a lot up here.and you knew that, were that.
integrity, honour,, humility.

the lonely sea and the sky

and maybe a little glass of rum when the watch is over..

it's getting lonely down here, so long big fella, take it easy

love longjon

Hey Chris,

You were on my first GP trip, "the trip from hell", 92 Whaling campaign on The Pig.

When I was feeling overwhelmed or scared by the strangeness of it all or wondered what the hell I was doing there it was solid blokes like you that helped it all make sense.

Thanks for taking me under your wing mate.

A pleasure to sail with you,

Dave Caister

Was it the cool walk, or might I say the 'Chris swagger' that epitomized the character for me. To me Chris was individual, independent, determined and just down right cool.It was such a pleasure to have known Chris & to have sailed with him on Vega to Moruroa, and later to Antarctica. When I think of Chris, I think of so many good Greenpeace times, and the many good Greenpeace people I met along the way.
Chris, I'll see you in the tide. xx Grace O'Sullivan

I have known Chris since 1982, sailed with across the Tasman with him on the Vega in 1985. I chartered both the Fand and the Vega for various projects in Bass Strait (his home turf).

Chris was seldom comfortable bring the public face of campaigns (he did it only when he had too). He was quite shy. A modest hero that is now something very rare to find in the present era.

In the last four years he could be often found down at the Port Albert waterfront with his famous vessel. Few of the locals would have been aware that he was the regions most know global citizen and what history was tied up down at the port.

His mother Marjorie has been a volunteer at the Port Albert maritime museum; perhaps Greenpeace could put together a fitting tribute to the great sailor of the town in conjunction with the local maritime museum.

Christian Bell

A principled man I met only briefly. He gave the younger acvitists he worked with not just knowledge or guidance but that spirit that is the green movement's true force.

My name is Brenna Gotje, daughter of Susi Newborn and Martini Gotje and Chris was my god father.
I send my warmest love to you.

"KO TE ATA, KO TE AHUA HOKI O NGA TAONGA I RIRO I A RATOU. KO TE HEI, KO NGA WHAKAKAI I MAHUE"[maori proverb]

"Twas only the shadow, the reflection of treasure that they took.
The image, the substance was left behind.
No matter what, no one can take from you your image, your substance.
These are always your, no matter what"

PEACE BE WITH YOU XXXXX

What sad news. Chris was one of the most wonderful men I've had the honour of knowing.

I first met Chris when I was around 12 yrs old. He was a regular "lodger" at our Grey Lynn home for years to come.

My first memory of Chris was when he tried to convince me to eat boiled taro. "Its good stuff - makes you strong". Well I tried it but haven't touched the stuff since.

Chris was someone I looked up to and always looked forward to catching up with. Although I was a bratty teenager for many years he never made me feel unwelcome or silly - quite the opposite. He had such a gentle nature.

He gave me a rather memorable 16th birthday present that we shared along with my mother, (Carol) and a german scientist named Renata. A bottle of champagne and a matchbox full of pot! That was a fun evening.

Chris put up with me on a 2 week voyage from Auckland to Sydney in 1993 in which I was supposed to learn how to sail. It was one of the roughest trips across apparently. He scared me half to death hopping around on deck with no life guard or safety gear in the middle of this huge ocean in the middle of the night. But it was like he was part of the boat really.

I'm so grateful for the wonderful memories he has given me as I'm sure we all are. What a beautiful man.
He is sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to Chris' family.
Love you always Chris, Shelley.

I wasn't real close to Chris like some of you or we would have kept in touch over the years ,
But I knew him well enough that this sure hurts a bit.
he always had a really good book to loan me.
he shared my affinity for hiding out on the poop deck or the mercury room on the black pig .watching the big waves go by(he got a few stitches in his head one day when the waves got a bit to big for poop deck veiwing)
We talked about motorcycles, he told me about Henks BMW that had come to N.Z. from Florida on the warriors final trip, I hid it in the mercury room and took it out when we reached key west , I still have it today
We would talk about boat repairs , he taught me some fiberglass techniques that come in handy still today
About our love hate relationship with greenpeace , I still have it
and of course about women....
and ironically I remember talking to him at depth about Felix van chin when he died in the action at fremantle,
W.A.
Felix didn't make it to the digital age ,and a google search for him a moment ago revealed nothing.
Sure Chris he would sail into the test zone or whatever everyone knows him for that , but he could take that same humble caring giving attitude down to the basic every day activities,
coming back from Antarctica with a burned and bummed out crew, Chris started taking over a lot of the mundane jobs ,
observing him constantly cleaning the coffee and breadboard area (the gnarlyest place on the ship) I ask why he didn't put that job on a rotating list so everyone could have a crack at it
his reply "At this point I just want the crew to be happy and get along, so I have adopted this area this is my area to keep clean so everyone don't look at the mess and feel down"
I laughed today when I saw Jon castle had posted as I was writing this. I last saw Jon in Miami nearly 10 years ago on the warrior , he had just did a great job of cleaning up the breadboard area and watched intently as someone totally anihilated the area in about 80 seconds and walked away,
I'm not sure but I don't think Chris Robinson believed in such a thing as heroes , I don't even think he liked the idea of having a hierarchy on the ship,
but Him having had time at the end of his life to reflect on it in its entirety
I hope he at least realized that he was absolutely an extraordinary person! in many ways the kind of person all the major philosophies and religions try to develop, and he lead such an extraordinary life!
I hate to think how narrow my mind would be if I hadn't spent a decade sailing around with all you wonderfully extraordinary people (and just a few wankers)
fair winds Chris I hope GOD willing to see you at the Last way point.
Ted Hood
,

Dear all,

Chris' funeral will be Monday 22 Sept at 11am in Yarram, Victoria, just a few kilometers from Port Albert.

For those who can be there, please carry our love and best wishes to his family.

I am keeping a candle burning for you christopher, goodbye you big gorgeous honorable man, glad i knew you. love purdy

Chris, we were Capricorn, Antipodean mates back in '78 and have sustained much fondness over three decades.

I have a photo of you swabbing the RW deck, with an impressive twirl in a well-squeezed mop. You knew how to do things right.

I remember you snaking over the foredeck, to lift anchor... that first time the Warrior made a run from the Spanish Armada. You knew how to keep a low profile.

I remember your appreciation of a wicked Rainbow Cake - with a well-laced chocolate swirl. You knew the pleasures of indulgence.

I remember you driving the Zodiac that appeared first over the horizon to surprise The Gem in the act of dumping. Salty sea dog on a mission.

I remember us, with Jon, escaping in an inflatable from a media junket in Jersey...27 miles to Guernsey and a wild broncho return trip via the Isle of Sark. The thrill of taking off.

I remember your dedication to leaving the Warrior spick and span for her final scuttling in the Cavalli Islands. Right to the last weekend, still a dab hand at making job lists for beloved boats.

You went so far as a guardian of the natural world. Thank you for following Vega as your guiding star.

Rest in peace,
Hilari

Sad day to all, not only Greenpeace folks and people who knew Chris.

Sad that I had not had the chance to meet with him again these last years. He was the man, one of the "old" Greenpeace guys who inspired me!

After the great job, McTaggart, Henk and Chris had done in Moruroa in 1995, we sailed together in 1996 on the RW in Chili.
I was then back as 2nd Engineer and he was the ultra kind bosun, who would be pushing the crew to get their work done in a friendly way, but IF the work wasn't done, he would simply do it himself and always with his famous smile.
BUT I must say that I also had to suffer from Chris, as there was no other place for him to play with his Didgeridoo in peace, at times I would have to choose between the noise of the engines or the noise of his didgeridoo in our Engine Control Room, where he would be sitting and playing for hours.

A great soul has left us. Sad to know that this great man isn't around any longer!
All the best Chris...
Manuel

Captain, my captain....

You taught me the essence of being good crew - since there cannot be two skippers onboard - while we were sitting on dech with a machete preparing for lunch, i.e. cutting away the inch-thick mold from the very biodynamic bread we had stocked för the 1998-99
sail on the VEGA; Auckland-Easter Island - Galapagos - Panama - Jamaica - Mexico. You never ordered "fall off a bit" or "a bit closer to the wind". In the middle of the night, on the 40:s South with a rope on the tiller to hold her in a fresh wind and a big swell stretching from horizon to horison, shipping water at the speed of 100 strokes per watch on the Whale Gusher: you could pop your pirate´s head up through that little hatch above the skipper´´s bunk and say softly : "- Steer 92 degrees!"

You had a good compass in that bald head of yours.May it steer you still.
Lennart Forshufvud

A truly genuine soul, determined, wise yet with a gentle humilty I can only ever dream of having. An inspiration to so many, and a great loss to all. Safe journey Chris.

Siobhan Pestano xx

"What is dying?"

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon, and someone says, "she is gone".

Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her...

The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her, and just at the moment when someone says "she is gone", there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, "there she comes!"...

and that is dying.

The death of an activist is like a stone cast into the stillness of a quiet pool;
the concentric ripples of despair sweep out in all directions,
affecting many, many people.

I'm completely stunned by the news of Chris' death. I'm with Pierre Gleizes at the moment on the RW and whilst we have shed a few tears mostly we have laughed over our collective stories of that extraordinary person Chris Robinson. Chris was a very unique person, as others have so eloquently expressed far better than I possibly could, so I will only add I think they broke the mould when he was born. Chris, I look forward to that drink with you (and no doubt by then plenty of other ex GP reprobates) in the great bar in the sky.

Goodbye mate. You were the one friendly face in '95 when i arrived on a trip from hell at moruroa on the yacht Caramba. You smiled and saved us, refusing to get involved in Greenpeace politics. If you hadn't been there for us then i may not have been her today. I will always remember you for that and the amusing way your gave me the Vega to sail for a day on my own when I really didn't know what I was doing! Later we actually sailed together in Scotland with JC, Siobhan, Robbie K,The Doc Ian and Logie on the MV. It was then I learnt you could dance! With the local girls in awe of you in Greenock as you ripped up the dance floor.
With so many good people leaving us, that bar in the sky is getting crowded way to early. Hans, McGhee, Watty, Jens, Hamid...
May you have a good malt waiting for you Chris.

Sail into the sunset Chris.
We will carry on your fight.
For you it came easy as breathing.
For the rest of us we dream of ever reaching it.
A vagabond -- not, the whole ocean was your home.
When I learned of your death the grey skies of Holland threatened rain.
When I stood outside and went through my memories of you -- one by one like small treasures
The clouds opened up and bright sunshine shone down and 2 flocks of birds trumpeting their joy flew from nowhere to somewhere. And I stopped crying and smiled at you.

You leave us in debt. Though it would never occur to you what a giant gift you were giving us just by being you.

Natural as breathing.

You made the world a better place -- not only by being Greenpeace, by doing actions.
The people you touched (just read what everyone else wrote here) have become better, cleaner, stronger because of you.

We will carry on your fight. And we will do it better, because we met you.

There are only 3 people that I have met in my life that I see as embodying the very spirit of Greenpeace -- the combination of peace and fight, of gentleness and righteousness, of selflessness and sense of indivdual's strength.

Now there are only 2 still treading the earth and sailing the waves.

But like a wave that breaks on a beach and runs back to join the sea that gave it birth -- you are going back to the Whole,
Enriching it with your essence, as you have enriched us.

No nukes! Save the Planet! Save the Oceans! Peace and love!

I raise a glass of rum to your memory mate.

I am so sad to hear about Chris' death,
To me Chris was a true hero and I had known and admired his actions, strength and courage through the GP history books.
No, I didn't sail with Chris, but I had the chance to meet him in brief onboard the Black Pig back in 1998, where I had the real pleasure of having a long conversation with him.
Only then I saw that Chris was also a gentle Warrior, a shy and sweet person, full of humility. A modest hero. This was a nice surprise for me.
I always carry with me his spirit.
It is very sad to know that Chris isn't among us anymore. Or is he?

Chris had the most amazing levels of endurance and probably the ultimate sailing physique, with that long body and short legs, I do not think I ever saw him trip or stumble on a vessel of any description. His legs welded him to the deck like grappling hooks.
On that trip I did across the Tasman (a Tasman trip almost always guaranteed to be rough) one of the Vega’s shrouds started to shred with the characteristic pinging that galvanized wire gives as its commences to break (strand by strand). Quickly the vessel was thrown on to another tack and Chris was winched up in the bosons’ chair armed with couple of shifting spanners and some spare galvanized wire to fix to the departing shroud.
It was hard enough just to keep hold of the spreaders let alone make the repair. On the way up in the chair the saltwater boils that he had for sometime been nursing on his backside burst but he did not blink while setting about making good the repair.
I would like to here more stories about Chris so that we can set them down paper (as well as digitally) as a good archive for future use.
If you can email them to;

marine@keypoint.com.au

I would appreciate it, as well as just keeping adding to the blog I would appreciate it.
Christian Bell

Hi Chris, Your support and confidence in taking our group across Bass Strait in sea kayaks was amazing. You calmly sat there steering while the sea gained more and more energy. I couldn't look behind because all you could see was massive walls of waves that you couldn't see over and had us surrounded. Thank you for the porridge each morning - you made porridge more attractive than ever. I will miss you, and I know that you will be with us on our next sea kayak adventure across Bass Strait. Ka kite ano.

Fair winds and following seas, Chris.

Hello Chris - Vega will be shinning brighter in the night sky. You are in my thoughts, with fond memories and love.

To bagman robinson,christopher taught me the art of surfing on the icelandic seas whether it be with 5ohp or 350 hp through the swells and waves of 6oft plus.I survived.He taught me the word of stay,a word he used for his favorite farm dog.A word he instilled into me when holding a position on various nuclear dump ships at sea.He had no prejudice to creed, colour or race.He lent me money, didn't ask for it back by the way,he lent me the infamous HOLDEN in new-zealand where Nathalie and myself had the time and space to relax together.Chris(bagman)gave me the opportunity to take charge of his beloved Vega in the Pacific just after the RW was sunk.On a lighter note,he was the first person to take me on a bicycle in the front basket(total trust)to a Amsterdam coffee shop.The deal was I'll pedal back!I hit one railway line wrongly we both ended up in the grass, he picked me up and said,"I will be the one driving from now on". Nathalie and myself in times of environmental anxiety and turmoil appreciated his (humanness)My whole family respects what he did and achieved for the entire planet.Chris RIP

blessing and peace with you chris, ride that ole mightly wave my friend..love and laughter always be with you ay, xgrant

Chris and I had a passionnate love affair for a year, when I was 19 and he was 27.
It was in 1980, and we were both fully committed with Greenpeace to saving the whales,
fighting the nuclear industry, defending the oceans, the earth, life. I still am and
Chris was until his death.

I remember driving a van to Brest, Britanny, to bring him some fuel after he escaped
from Galicia with the RI28, Greenpeace then most valuable inflatable, and drove it for
24 hours non stop, so he could continue untill England. I remember walking
20 kilometers a day with him to check out Spanish whaling factories and I remember to
this day the smell of dead whales and eucalyptus trees in the air, the owner wanting
to beat him up and how our non-violence saved him.

I remember other extraordinary moments that I will not share and keep all for myself!

I haven't spoken to Chris since 25 years but I hope
that he died as a fulfilled man. He lived fully, he saved some whales, if not the whales,
he fucked the bastards, he made a difference, and more that other friends already said
here. He loved a lot and was loved a lot.

It would be lying to say I will miss him, as I did not expect to ever see him again.
On the contrary, his sudden departure is a beautifull opportunity for
many of us old timers and Greenpeace pionneers to get back together, to remember how
much we are a unique and extraordinary family, to celebrate the love and passion that
drove Chris's life and ours,to reconnect with our initial driving force and most
importantly today to remember Chris and his very unique energy.

These last few days I have spend hours reading my diary of those years, and exchanging
with common friends. Chris has never been so alive.

Candles are lit, friends are gathering, crying, laughing and reminiscing all over the
world these days.

You will never be forgotten.

Peace and Love

Katia Kanas

Well Chris
a rather drastic way to end our long on-going drunken rambles about your love life or lack of it. You didn't change from the time I first saw you in the Auckland office in 1980 (looking for a boat) till the last time which was the reunion at Waiheke. We always just seemed to pick up where we left off. I have some absolutely wonderful memories to treasure - you trying to teach me the basics of sailing on Waitemata Harbour, that nutty action we did in New Plymouth against 245-T, some great dinners at Surrey Cres, Xmas 1985, - so many. I can't believe that another one of the good guys has gone. Sail on mate.

goodbye mate... i will miss you..

Hi,

Could you please change the spelling of the word "phosphorous" in the post..

Posted by: Sandy Scheltema | September 18, 2008 1:22 PM

to "phosphorescence"

thanks

Sandy

Everyone has already said it far more eloquently than I can. I am proud to have known him and the world is most definitely a more impoverished place without him. I have just posted some photos of him from 1985 and 1987 on facebook if anyone is collecting them altogether.

I can't believe it, Chris was the finest man I ever had the privilege of being arrested with, generous to a fault, principled to the bone and a wicked sense of humour that was always there. There is a gap that will never be filled in the world.My tears flow.

I'm grateful to have had the chance to get to know Chris, he has left the world a better place and been a huge inspiration to so many people. I hope, wherever he is now, that he has found his peace - love and missing thoughts...

I remember a happy time with Chris in Freemantle in the early 90's -- working and playing hard. The spark is gone from his eyes but not from our hearts.

A poet once wrote ;
there are two kind of men;
the ones that love and build
and the ones that hate and destroy .
Chris will always be remembered for his love for our planet and for all he left us from his journey thru life.

For Chris - we met briefly back when I was working in the London office, but you will always be remembered - bye bye Baggie:

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
(Tennyson)

join in profound sorrow to Mr. Chris Robinson (knight of the Greenpeace), 1952 - 2008.
big man doesn't look at everythings are small..but see as from the greatness of him self.

thank you.

I have just returned from Chris' funeral on Monday at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yarram, just a few kilometres away from Port Albert, a small fishing township of 250 people where Chris lived in an old terraced cottage that has belonged to his family for a generation or two. By wonderful coincidence, Rien Daniel and I stayed in the other side of the cottage, in a b&b and so we were able to visit Chris' home and hang out in his garden, toasting him with some rum and lemons from his lemon tree. His brother Mark showed us around Chris' home, filled with memorablia and 40 didges! Mark has many similar mannerisms to Chris and the same gentleness as does his other brother Leigh.

Chris passed away in the living room of his house, in front of the fire. He slept on a lovely old carpet because of his bad back and we heard he had been chain-sawing just the day before he died. A Buddhist monk visited Chris on the Monday. Chris had reached a high level in his study of Tai Chi and meditated every day for an hour. A lone jandal marked the entrance to his driveway where his beloved ute was parked.

The ceremony was dignified and humble, like the man himself and there was a slide show of Chris' life. After the service, Chris was taken to the crematorium in an old black Pontiac and we joined the family for refreshments in the Holy Trinity Hall where people were able to speak about Chris' life. There was a table with some of his prized possessions and a few press cuttings. I was able to speak and make the link to how Chris' life changed direction when we met in London. I was told there will be a dvd of the service available from the Gippsland Funeral Services. Chris' ashes will be scattered in a favourite spot somewhere out at sea.

Later, a few of us were able to spend time on Vega by the Port Albert wharf, telling stories amid much laughter.

I was immensely touched by the support and love his family showed us and how grateful they were that we had made the trip to farewell Chris. They spoke of their genuine amazement at the amount of messages posted on the blog and the pastor, who delivered the Eulogy during the service, read out a few.

Chris was known as Christopher by his family or Christi by his nieces and nephews who also considered him a father and a mentor. As a tribute to their Uncle, they jumped into the cold sea water next to Vega, and were a delight to hang out with in the local pub where they told us stories of how Chris advised them in all matters romantic!

I am still coming to terms with Chris' passing. It is all I have thought about since I heard the news 10 days' ago. I am so grateful to the friends who contributed to my trip to Port Albert. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Chris is greatly missed by those who had the chance to know him. I never met him, but I feel the loss of a great man through the words and affection of his friends. Love and light.

I WANNA BE LIKE YOU MAN,
1952-2008

REST IN PEACE

Farewell Chris

Your news was a great shock – your passing is a loss to the planet and to us all. You were always out there and always will be, in the wind, the sea, in my head, heart and beyond. My family think of you often - your Tahitian canoe paddle sits in our lounge waiting for you to collect.

It was a pleasure and an inspiration to have you as a friend. When we first met 30 years ago you introduced me to Guinness and the Rainbow Warrior - there are many stories to tell. A mighty and wonderful tree has fallen.

Best wishes to your family - and greetings to other old comrades, friends and colleagues.

Michael Taylor

A WORTHY LIFE FOR A WORTHY CAUSE ,i am sure his lifes purpose and mission is well done,may many follow the noble cause to protect our world.

The world has lost a hero. May God be with your family in this trying time.

And so it is over, yet just started as we realise how much losing a man such as Chris is.
The incredible experience I was privileged to have sailing on the Rubicon with Chris for 5 1/2 months as we sailed around England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, the outer Islands. People came and went but it was the 2 of us sailing this great boat. The memories of a man totally at ease with his world and who instilled the wonder of the sea under sail to me. The storm that nearly finished us, the delights of swimming with a dolphin, the fun of catching sick seal pups without getting bitten. The shared awe of moments at sea and then on land as we visited the islands. His pursuit of his ancestors and the women. Van Morrison at full blast on the stormy times and only putting on socks as a concession to cold feet - no shoes on our boat!!
It is my privilege to have had that and other journeys with Chris, thanks Baggy.
Slan agus go neiri on bothar leat.
Love Jeanne

How I wish I had known you better and longer.
How lucky I was to meet you.
deeply suddened by this news. rest in peace....
Yoko

Chris was a good friend for around half of my life(or close to it). I will always think of Chris at the till of the Vega or diving into the waters outside the 12mile limit at Mororua '95 when 3 humpback whales appeared off the bough and saying "quick take the tiller as he threw off his t-shirt and jumped in the water with them".

We had the funeral for Chris in his home town in rural Victoria last Monday. It was moving to see all of his family there - his brothers, parents, and many nieces and nephews that cared so much about him. The funeral had many 'Chris' touches such as a pontiac as the car to drive away the coffin, Australian native flowers (he was a great tree planter)abound throughout the ceremony and sailors songs as the hymns sung. We had a wake in the church hall next to the church after the service and many of us spoke about the amazing person Chris Robinson has been to all of us.

Suzi N, Rien, and Daniel Mares joined us from Aotearoa (NZ), GPAP ED Steve Shallhorn and Emily Johnston also attended on behalf of GP as well as a couple of older GPers from Oz Doug Nichol, Sandy Scheltema, and Christian Bell. After the ceremony we went to the nearby Port Albert, where Chris lived within a few minutes of the Vega and Fan moorings. We then toasted his full and inspiring life on his boats much as he would wish we had.

His ashes are to be scattered at a later date in his beloved home harbor.
He lives on in spirit,
Michelle

thank you, chris.
thank you.

i did not know him,
this is the first time i do hear of him,
but from what i see
he was cared by many
proving he must have had
a good soul,
therefore the world is now in loss of one more,
and, will be long until it is honoured by another

R.I.P.

and Thank u

Thank you for the years of dedication and commitment spent to ensure a healthy future of our planet Chris. It is a loss to those that know and love you, and a giant loss to GreenPeace and the world. You must have enjoyed spending your life on the high seas. You found the real treasure, our oceans. Rest in Peace.

If we would have known that all are dreams of a green earth was so difficult we could all have joined Chris!

What a responsability we have left to the next generation, if they realize the size of the challenge ahead before it's too late for them also!

Bon voyage Chris!

I’ m very sorry to hear about Crhist death, memories from him are coming back.... I keep them for the evening where we’ll all gather to talk about him. Surelly a litle bit of him is stil amongs us. Laura Mitrani

I’m very sorry to hear about Chris death, memories from him are coming back.... I keep them in my heart. Surely a litle bit of Chris is still among us. Laura Mitrani

Good bye, Chris. It was a pleasure and an honor to sail with you, talk to you, work with you and learn from you, in New zealand and Antarctica in 1986 and 1987, in Moruroa in 1995. If there are a few people who represent the core, the essence of the Greenpeace many of us still admire, you are no doubt on of them. Your will always be remembered. Xavier

Thank you for everything you have done for us, the earth and us.

Sending peace and blessings to you, family, friends.

One project that Chris always wanted to tackle was on rehabilitating Hogan Island (part of the Hogan Group) in Bass Strait, not far as the gull flies (in relative terms) from where he lived at Port Albert.

Chris was a master tree planter (on his family’s former dairy property) and was very keen to put these skills to use on Hogan Island.

The island has plenty of wildlife (mostly seabirds). While the island is very close to Victoria, it is however a Tasmanian island.

The island certainly has a few problems with weeds and some erosion issues that need addressing.

The island is 232 hectares in size (unallocated crown land) and has grazing licence issued. It is our understanding that the licence holder is interested in potentially in selling their existing licence rights. The island has been recommended for a change of land classification to become a Conservation Area. However grazing is still a permitted use within this classification that the Tasmanian Government still allows.

Brendan Condon spoke to me at the funeral to see if there were other interested individuals or organizations who might be interested in acquiring the grazing licence rights for conservation purposes. I have has some experience of this sort of initiative for other islands in Bass Strait. Sounds like a great potential tribute for Christopher.

I would like to hear from others if they might wish to be involved in such a project.

You can contact me at this email address

marine@keypoint.com.au

or write to me at GPO Box 567, Hobart, 2001, Tasmania, Australia

Christian Bell

My thought and prayers go to ‘Christopher’s’ family and ‘Chris’s’ friends. I did not know Chris personally but I knew of him through his activities with Greenpeace. From the beautiful tributes on this page it is clear Chris made a deep impact, not only to his family and friends but to the world. I am extremely touched but saddened that he was so young.

I am reminded of a quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Chris certainly was in service to our world and all living things in it, and the world is a better place because of him.

May he speedily attain a beneficial rebirth. May rainbows always remind us of this beautiful man.

Namaste,

Sonam

Oh Chris, I will remember you: teaching me the ways of the sea; dancing round the campfire on the beach; sailing Fand from Port Albert; walking barefoot across the land you planted with so many trees; playing digeridoo in my bath.
Much loved, never forgotten,
Helen x

Captain ,

We will never forgot you and your jobs for our world ! I hope you are in the heaven and resting with some nice person like you ...

Fairwell !!!! Thank you for fighting for us and the world we live in! IF I do even a fraction of what you do I will be a success for the enviornment... hopefully we can all add the change you have!!!
Cheers!!!

I didn't know you well Chris, but I remember you as of great heart, great courage, and great humour. You, Elaine - lives that made a difference, people it was a privilege to know. We'll remember you.
"A red libation to your good memory, friend.
There's work yet for the living".
Arohanui.
SJ

Hi Chris, fair wind.

You've been my first GP Captain on Vega. In 1993. It a big loss. I have no words...

Such a shock.... I'm so glad I caught up with you briefly at home last year.

I feel privileged to have sailed with you on behalf of the Earth.

Your life may have been cut short but you cetainly gave every minute 60 seconds worth of living my friend.

Bon Voyage Shipmate

Garry Dukes

Chris was a good bloke and tried to help me become one.
A lot of us could say that.
And he could be a lot of fun too.
Best wishes to all his friends. Rex

And how many people told you Chris that the motorbikes were going to kill you?

Save traveling to the next adventure...

it brings tears to my eyes when i hear about the great loss of an incredible earth warrior but also at the same time inspires and educate myself to follow and continue the incredible legacy and courage of this legendary activits to save plant earth all its nature and creatures

Rest in peace Chris! I did not know you personnally, but i have read about you and your thousands of rescue missions worldwide. I find it so sad to see such a great man and an asset to the world leave too soon, at such a young age! I did not know you Chris, but your actions and deeds spoke in your behalf through time and space. May heaven be what you always wished it to be! Because if your not there, then no one else will! Thank you for setting such a great example and for being a TRUE HERO!

All of what's been said and more Chris. Your essence full of intrigue and quiet assurance. They don't come more interesting or inspiring than you.I am so sad to hear of our great loss. Yours was a life well lived, an example to aspire to. Deep condolences to your family and loved ones.

To one who stood
and carried the weight on his shoulders

Until

Oh bugger,
I havent shed a tear he wouldnt have wanted that, he was the man who took the anger out me and put it to the sea.
I met the beloved Fand when she was still a pup and sailed with her to Port Albert town the place of Chris's birth.
At sea i found the freedom I had lost to the all consuming anger of youth a true rebel without a cause. My skipper trusted me when no body else could with his life, limb and taught me how to walk, or swim, on the ocean blue.
His love of the earth and all its power, devine, let me see the bigger picture and define my place amongst its glory, the place we live will never die for we are mere spirits within.
From the bowsprit of the Fand, our goddess of the sea, i held on to my wayward soul with white knuckles and sinew strained, pulling down a headsail to the rythym of the sea holding onto dear life while from the helm my skipper grinned.
At 24 i walked ashore, a man not a youth, swaying the way only sailors can after weeks upon the blue. I owe my life to this hairy man with salt upon this breath the servant of Poseidon trident in hand ready to stand before the servants of the reaper without a weapon in his hand.
The creatures of the water sensed this spirits presence and came from fa and wide to welcome him ashore. Dolphins and whales sang to him the songs of their hearts I watched him dive over board to hug their slipery selves never fearing for his safety for he was dropping into to his aquatic form to greet the family. And now alas he has returned to their loving arms I shall not miss him nor grieve too much for that was not his way but i shall take my place in the space to his right and invoke his power, his patience and might knowing that I have sailed with one so true and humble whose heart was for the earth and every living tissue within burn'd for all mankind to stop this fooloshness.
So my friend I honour you, your life and love for this planet and call on Tangaroa to welcome you and send you back again.

i do not know this man, but im sure it was a privelege to have know him. all of your comments have touched me deeply. peace and love kim

Obituary for Christopher Robiness. Publish in The Age (Melbourne) and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Christopher Robinson Remembered

Christopher Robinson was associated with the campaigns that made Greenpeace a globally recognized environmental voice. A quiet man, an exceptional navigator, and inspiring sailing Captain, Christopher put his life on the line, and inspired many others to join him.

In 1977 Christopher was the first to put hammer and chisel to the rust of the Sir William Hardy, a North Sea trawler that would become famous as the first Rainbow Warrior. He spent months in the West India Docks of London preparing the campaign ship before becoming a member of its first crew. Fittingly, he was in Auckland on July 10 1985, when two mines planted by the French Secret Service ripped thru the ship’s hull, killing the ship’s photographer, Fernando Pereira, a close friend of Christopher. Christopher was among those who completed the journey to the French nuclear weapons test site at Moruroa that the Rainbow Warrior was not able to.

It was neither his first nor last protest at the infamous South Pacific test site. In 1995 he joined David McTaggart and Henk Haazan aboard the 13 meter ketch Vega, playing a cat and mouse game to delay the French military from detonating a nuclear weapons with the French military in a campaign that brought world-wide condemnation of Jacques Chirac’s ill-advised resumption of nuclear blasts. All three were eventually arrested, the Vega seized once again, and the French government embarrassed further.

Earlier as one of the first crew of the Rainbow Warrior, Christopher had put his efforts in the global fight to save the world’s whale populations from extinction. Christopher maneuvered small zodiac boats close in to whales, blocking the harpoon gunner’s shot countless times. In one incident the Greenpeace vessel Cedarlea was anchored in UK waters, a kilometer off Brighton as the International Whaling Commission deliberated on the future of the whales. He had somehow been left behind when the last zodiac returned to the ship. Christopher slept on the beach and surprised the early morning watch when at first light, he clambered over the gunwale, dripping wet. 'You lot left me ashore' he said, with no malice or bitterness, ' it was a bit cold so I swam to get warm'

In December 1982 was arrested along with Dr. Bob Brown, current leader of the Greens in the Senate, during the protests against the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania where old huon pine forests were threatened.

In 1984 Christopher captained Vega for Greenpeace as it circum-navigated Australia in a series of protests against uranium mining and nuclear weapons. He led a blockade of uranium exports in the port of Darwin. In Fremantle he skippered Vega in a protest against an American nuclear submarine.

A year earlier, working with the 52 boats of the New Zealand Peace Squadron, Christopher was able to do what Prime Minister David Lange could not; force the U.S.S. Phoenix, an American attack submarine to come to a full stop as it tried to enter Auckland harbour. These were the early days of New Zealand’s ban on nuclear powered vessels. The public, and indeed international uproar was so loud, the United States has not sent a nuclear powered vessel into Kiwi waters since.

In 1991 participated in the dismantling of the Greenpeace base in Antarctica, travelling aboard the Greenpeace. He spent six weeks on the ice in cramped conditions. Fellow crewman Ted Hood, made the comment, “I noticed Christopher, one of the most experienced and respected crewmembers taking over the menial jobs. He was continually cleaning up the area where people made coffee and cut bread, always an aggravating mess. I asked Christopher about his constant cleaning. His response; This is my area, I have adopted it, I just want the crew to be happy and get along.”

Christopher’s last campaign with Vega and Greenpeace was in in 2005 when he once again skippered Vega, this time to protest Talisman Sabre, American/Australian war games off the Queensland coast involving nuclear powered warships.

Christopher was a true actioneer, a man whose actions spoke louder than his words.

Christopher Bruce Robinson was born at Saint Elmo’s Hospital on the 27th of December 1952 in Yarram, Victoria. The second of four brothers, he spent his childhood years at Port Albert attending Port Albert Primary and Yarram High School. The family moved to Melbourne where he enrolled at Melbourne Boys High School, completing his Matriculation in 1970. He was an active member of the School Cadets, rifle shooting and football teams. Playing football unfortunately resulted in a back injury requiring surgery. This injury was to plague him for the rest of his life and impacted on him ceasing work with Brighton City Council as a Town Planner after three years.

Christopher was a native tree planter for many years. He had a special interest in caring for the native flora and fauna around Port Albert and the Old Port. He had a deep respect for the Kurnai/Gurnai indigenous peoples and culture and developed close contact with the elders of the area.

Along the way, Christopher took an Age reporter to Deal Island to cover the discovery of a WW II bomber crash site.

Christopher lost his battle with cancer and died in his brother’s arms September 17. He is survived by parents Marjorie and Fred, and brothers Mark, Leigh and Ross.

Thank you Chris.....safe voyage

never knew the man...but i promise his ideas will be carried on..it may not be public...but it continues..Hopefully we all meet on the otherside to talk about it.

I don't know Chris, but he died the exact same day as my dad... my dad was 54 Chris was 55 nobody should die that young. My dad loved nature and i hiked a lot and went on many canoe rides with him. He taught me about care for the earth, I think it seems fitting to use the pension ill be receiving as his young daughter to support Greenpeace. I haven't received my first check yet but I'll definitely be spending some of the money towards Greenpeace.

If there ever was a man to leave an impression, Chris is one. A few times we have sailed, a few times our paths crossed, yet the warmth of his heart and the kindness lingers way beyond. Rest in Peace and all my thoughts are with you. Tim.

I owe my life to Chris, I wouldn't be here if he hadn't been there when was needed. I wouldn't have known all of the amazing people at Greenpeace, nor had my daughter, nor lived my life. Thank you, Chris, and fair wind

Feel so shocked when i read this two weeks ago, i think it was the saddest day in my life. We sail together crossing the Atlantic in the 95... Can´t believe you're gone man. The best captain and sailor I've ever meet. I thought then then the only thing that I could do is to do the Atlantic again. So I'm back in the sea, in the way to Gibraltar, up to you Chris, up to you. Thanks Chris, you are still the best, and i'm sure you will be with me on the way.

Thanks to Henk Haazen and Brendan Condon for sending along this
memorial book which Chris' niece Prue and other members of the family put together. It's a beautiful thing, and includes many of the posts here.

To have a copy of the book printed email Louise at Copy Captain at South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on the following contact details: Email contact - printing[AT-SIGN-HERE]copycaptain.com.au

Option 1. - 17 A3 Pages printed double sided on 300gsm recycled paper and wire bound @ $58.80 inc. gst.

Option 2. - 17 A3 Pages printed double sided on 300gsm, matt cellosheen and wire bound @ $81.30 inc.gst.

Those prices are Australian Dollars, and postage will be extra.

Un Grande Amico, abbiamo passato un periodo insieme in Italia TOUR VEGA all'isola d'Elba , non lo dimenticherò mai.

So sad to hear of the loss of a true environmental hero.

I sailed with Chris 'Skip' Robinson during the Greenpeace UK's Rubicon tour of 1988, which sought to protect the UK's disappearing dolphin and porpoise populations.

My first campaign 'tour of duty' and one I'll never forget, thanks in great part to Chris.

Today we have specially protected populations of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth of Scotland and Cardigan Bay, Wales.

For this, and the fact he didn't drown me, I'm forever grateful.

Proud to have known you Skip, if only for a short while, and thanks for all the amazing things you did to make the world a better place.

Rest in peace.

Andy Ottaway