In Memoriam: Christopher Oliver

It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of our long standing member, Chris Oliver, on 16th December 2025. He became membership secretary in 2002 and the general secretary in 2003. He excelled in this role with his gentlemanly manner and good nature, steering the Society through some choppy waters. He was a key player in the 2010 Stampex where he organised the 100 frame exhibition on the Village Green to celebrate the centenary of the Union of South Africa and even got Lord Selborne’s grandson to attend and open the show. His organisational skills were great and as well as the above he organised a Society trip to the National Library.

            How he had time to spare for his own collection is difficult to fathom. This included a complete collection of RSA booklets which he exhibited whilst being heavily involved in other philatelic institutions. He was president of the Kingston & District PS, Secretary & programme organiser for the West London PS and chairman of Middlesex Philatelic Federation twice! Firstly in 1999 and then from 2003 to 2014 when he chaired their Diamond Jubilee Stamp Day in 2010. He joined the council of the National PS in 2004 and became their representative to the ABPS and president from 2013-2017 organising many leaflets on various aspects of our hobby as well as seminars, workshops and displays. The major features of all this activity was his skill and diplomacy and the huge range of contacts he had including through the Royal.

            In 2015 he was worthy winner of the prestigious Congress Medal. His wife, Susan, had been a pervious winner and they were only the second husband & wife to both be winners.

            So it’s with great sadness we say goodbye to a man of high calibre. He was meticulous in managing detail. He was experienced and selfless but, more importantly, he was a very nice gentle man, kind and liked by everyone. Several members have attributed their membership of the SACS to him and our sympathies extend to his lovely wife, Susan, who is unfortunately poorly at the moment but who we all know from her frequent attendances with Chris at our meetings and conferences.

Chris being awarded the 1-2-3 cup at Letchworth in August 2025.