The obituary notice of Christopher HASKINS

Our thoughts are with Gilda and the family. Phil & Judith

I knew Chris well as a colleague then friend for over 30 years. It is difficult to capture on paper his extensive range of interests and qualities - his infectious sense of humour; his iconoclastic tendencies, ever willing to try a new idea and ditch the old; his great passions, whether for family, rugby, cricket, the EU, Yorkshire, books, farming or the food industry. Especially I’d add his respect for others, whoever they were: hence his support for those less privileged than himself, working with the Social Exclusion Unit, race charities like Runnymede and international charities including Oxfam and MSF.
He was happiest, though, when walking his Quarryside fields on a Sunday morning with his dogs, then back for Sunday lunch with his beloved wife Gilda and the children. He was a farmer at heart, like his father. He was much loved and will be much missed.
We grieve his passing - Phil and Judith Ward

I owe Chris so much. He encouraged and supported me throughout my career at Northern Foods. Charismatic,highly intelligent and well read Chris could hold his own in any situation with a disarming charm whether the recipient was a Tory Cabinet Minister or a Director of a major customer.
Life with Chris was never dull, sometimes unpredictable, deliciously indiscrete but almost always fun.
An amazing man, an outstanding leader free of pomposity who also made time to make great contributions to the Open University and socially minded ThinkTanks
I will miss him enormously.
Michael Morgan

In memory of Chris Haskins a great friend and colleague for nearly 60 years

In memory of Chris Haskins a great friend and colleague for nearly 60 years

In memory of a brilliant witty humble and thoroughly decent man in whose company -Northern Foods - I had the privilege of being a part of for the greater part of my career .

Best wishes from the Campion family

A man of warmth, wit and kindness. You will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Chris

A man of warmth, wit and kindness. You will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Chris

Chris will remembered with warmth and affection by all who came across him during his rich and varied life. We met during the 1990s when I was the Political Editor of the Financial Times and Chris was combining a successful career in business with engagement in politics. I remember him as sharp, funny, and kind. He understood - more clearly I think than the Blair government - how building. successful economy and a fairer society can go hand in hand. Sadly, I lost touch with Chris in more recent years. But the fond memories stay with me. Rest in Peace. Philip Stephens