CANBERRA small business has lost a tireless champion with the passing of Chris Peters AM, last year’s Canberra Citizen of the Year. He was 63.

Chris Peters.

He suffered a setback to his existing condition, which resulted in complications from which he was not able to recover, the Chamber says in a media statement of condolence.

“Chris will be missed for his quick wit and smile, his generosity of spirit, his innate diplomacy and negotiating skills as well as his unerring perception and understanding of the nature of business and its often complex relationship with Government in the ACT,” the statement says.

“Chris’ family have requested privacy in their time of grief and have also requested that donations be made in his memory to pancreatic cancer research in lieu of flowers.”

He was chairman of the Corporate Directors’ Association of Australia and was on the board of three statutory authorities (and deputy chairman of one), several public companies, a number of community organisations and several private companies.

It is anticipated that a memorial service will be organised in due course.

Donations to can be made to the Australasian Gastrointestinal Trials Group, through gicancer.org.au/.