
CHRIS SUGDEN-SMITH

CHRIS SUGDEN-SMITH
Pictures













Words
Feel free to share a few words... a story, memory, or song that reminds you of Chris.
January 25, 2025
I haven’t seen Chris for many many years, since we worked together on Young Mums Mansion, a big constructed documentary series for BBC3 which needed not just the very best cameramen but also incredibly thoughtful sensitive human beings who could look out for and after so many single mothers. Chris was very much one of those. He was a gentle kind conscientious philosopher whose beautiful camerawork lifted documentaries to a very special level. When you introduce a camera, you change the world and I always think you must leave it better than you found it. Whenever I worked with Chris that is exactly what he did. He leaves the world a far better place and it’s been a privilege and pleasure to work with and know this incredibly special man.
Thank you always Chris Rich Mckerrow.
Thank you always Chris Rich Mckerrow.
January 25, 2025
We are happy to have been neighbours of Chris's in Oak Villas for more than 10 years. He was an interesting, kind, thoughtful man who we will miss very much. Many long conversations were had about all sorts of things, from that week's Desert Island Disks, to a film that he was recommending. He was keen to help our oldest two with their photography - lending them books and equipment, and wanting to know how they were getting on. He was often out and about and we will miss seeing him outside, tinkering with his car, chatting with any passing neighbours. Much love to Lucy & family xx
January 24, 2025
Grandad Chris, we are forever grateful for the gift of having you in our lives. Thank you for treating us with such love and kindness. You’ll always be our Grandad, and we’ll always be your family.
Your unwavering support and the pride you took in us will stay with us forever. To you, no achievement, no matter how small, was ever overlooked. When we think of you, it’s only the happiest memories that come to mind, and we promise to share those with Kit and Joni as they grow.
You were always there, present in the moments that mattered most —whether it was reading us stories at family gatherings, blackberry picking outside your home or helping me with renovations, with your endless DIY wisdom. It brings me peace knowing a part of you is always with me in my home. We never had to doubt that you’d show up for us, because you always did.
I am so happy my son Kai got to meet the incredible man you are.
Love you forever Morgan and Phoebe❤️
Your unwavering support and the pride you took in us will stay with us forever. To you, no achievement, no matter how small, was ever overlooked. When we think of you, it’s only the happiest memories that come to mind, and we promise to share those with Kit and Joni as they grow.
You were always there, present in the moments that mattered most —whether it was reading us stories at family gatherings, blackberry picking outside your home or helping me with renovations, with your endless DIY wisdom. It brings me peace knowing a part of you is always with me in my home. We never had to doubt that you’d show up for us, because you always did.
I am so happy my son Kai got to meet the incredible man you are.
Love you forever Morgan and Phoebe❤️
January 24, 2025
Chris was the kind of person that you wanted to know because he made sense, even when everything and everyone else didn’t. He never judged anyone, he liked everyone and always had time to talk. The most interesting person ever. He’s what I call “a proper lad”. I miss you. Rest easy Chris.

January 24, 2025
We got to know Chris when Lucy & Johnny were moving into
Harold Street.
We would be there enjoying, helping out
with jobs that were to do.
Chris was a kind, gentle and thoughtful man.
He will be sadly missed.
R.I.P Chris .
Maureen & John Nash
Harold Street.
We would be there enjoying, helping out
with jobs that were to do.
Chris was a kind, gentle and thoughtful man.
He will be sadly missed.
R.I.P Chris .
Maureen & John Nash
January 24, 2025
Sending heartfelt condolences to Chris' family, very sorry for your loss.
January 23, 2025
Chris came into his own when we moved into our family home, 58 Norwood Rd. The overalls were on and the noises that came from the cellar were sometimes puzzling, but we would just look at each other and turn the volume up on the TV. Over time we came to realise that parts of the house had moved to the cellar. One evening we discovered some floorboards were missing in the hall followed by the bottom three stair treads. Luckily none of the children went missing!
I have fond memories of the many get togethers over the years in the various stages of home renovation, particularly a packed kitchen and summers out in the garden. The children and grandchildren are always saying, ‘do you remember when?’
Thank you Chris,
Love Janet
I have fond memories of the many get togethers over the years in the various stages of home renovation, particularly a packed kitchen and summers out in the garden. The children and grandchildren are always saying, ‘do you remember when?’
Thank you Chris,
Love Janet
January 23, 2025
Chris was my next door flatmate and best friend when we were in Manchester.
I remember Chris spending years on rebuilding to perfection his MG TD during that time. All of his spare time working at a local garage, even while being a lecturer with animation.
As a camera man, he and I went to the BBC studios on Oxford Street one evening, when that night some of his work was transmitted, and he was terribly disappointed about the way it looked, under exposed, dreadful, and he was devastated that he might have got the exposure badly wrong.
He and the technician there, run the footage on a playback machine, and it looked like perfect exposures even for very difficult atmospheric filming conditions. When questioned, the technician said that when transmitting the film, all the display metres had to be set exactly as required, irrespectful of the film conditions, (The technical law according to the BBC had to be adhered to).
Chris as a consummate professional was content that he himself got it right, as he always did.
Chris was a very multitalented and likeable person, and a great friend to have. It is my great pleasure to have known him. He will be fondly remembered, such a sad loss of talent and a good human.
Much love, RIP.
I remember Chris spending years on rebuilding to perfection his MG TD during that time. All of his spare time working at a local garage, even while being a lecturer with animation.
As a camera man, he and I went to the BBC studios on Oxford Street one evening, when that night some of his work was transmitted, and he was terribly disappointed about the way it looked, under exposed, dreadful, and he was devastated that he might have got the exposure badly wrong.
He and the technician there, run the footage on a playback machine, and it looked like perfect exposures even for very difficult atmospheric filming conditions. When questioned, the technician said that when transmitting the film, all the display metres had to be set exactly as required, irrespectful of the film conditions, (The technical law according to the BBC had to be adhered to).
Chris as a consummate professional was content that he himself got it right, as he always did.
Chris was a very multitalented and likeable person, and a great friend to have. It is my great pleasure to have known him. He will be fondly remembered, such a sad loss of talent and a good human.
Much love, RIP.
January 23, 2025
Chris was a great friend and colleague. He was a kind, generous and gentle person and loved to share newly discovered books, films and TV documentaries. As a cameraman he had that ‘special eye’ always getting something amazing.
Sometimes he could be infuriatingly slow, but it was always worth the wait!
He was a perfectionist, and this carried over into all aspects of his life.
We will miss him.
Jan & John
Sometimes he could be infuriatingly slow, but it was always worth the wait!
He was a perfectionist, and this carried over into all aspects of his life.
We will miss him.
Jan & John
January 21, 2025
As a sound recordist, now retired, I found that there were generally two types of cameramen/women I worked with. The type who were 'keep out of my way,' are were almost unaware of my presence,' or the type who worked as a team and we helped each other to get the filming done. Chris was definitely the latter. He was always a pleasure to be with whether working or not. He has sent me beautiful hand drawn and written birthday cards. (My writing is more suited to a doctor's). We also had long 'phone calls on the pros and cons of the Citroen 2CV and the state of the television industry.
We were so sad to hear the news that he had died. Julia, my wife, and I shall miss him greatly.
We were so sad to hear the news that he had died. Julia, my wife, and I shall miss him greatly.
January 19, 2025
Chris was a lovely presence on Oakville Road. Always happy and keen to chat. He loved the community feel of the Pen and living a simplistic life. I was privileged to see inside his beautiful home which from the inside was VERY different! We exchanged Christmas cards for many years after I moved not far up the road away from no.5 , his were always interesting and beautiful as was his handwriting. I wish the family all the best at this sad time, I will remember him very fondly.
January 19, 2025
Chris was our neighbour for the last 25 years ( admittedly he did not always live @ no 2 , but it was always on his mind in regard to the "project " of finishing it). He shared many tales with us, sometimes food and raised a glass when sharing our news about expected children. We have lots of memories but one of our most special ones as a family was his birthday and Christmas cards. Sometimes the cards were his own photos, sometimes not, but always carefully chosen. He then would scribe in his beautiful handwriting with thoughtful well placed highlighting. They were a joy to receive and a gift in themselves. In his own words "Cheers, folks, all the best ". I know you will be looking down on us with that grin...
January 17, 2025
Chris was a great listener and amid the noise and haste he was a real gem of a man. I loved having him in the family. I loved Chris and will miss him and I remember when my dad died he said “the film ran out “.
He was usually behind the camera so I’ve only a couple of amateur family snaps.
Your film will run on Chris
He was usually behind the camera so I’ve only a couple of amateur family snaps.
Your film will run on Chris


January 17, 2025
I’d met Chris amongst a group of growth groupies in Hebden Bridge. I warmed to him straight away. Such a lovely gentle man. He asked me to come see and advise him on this little rundown cottage he’d just bought. It needed a huge amount doing to it. He was stubbornly determined to do it himself and in his own way.
He’d seen a couple of houses I’d done and wanted to pick my brains. I was happy to share my time and experience with him. A few weeks later he came to my house and gave me a gift. It was the most delightful book about this American writer that had built a writing cabin in the woods near his home. Chris had done some filming with this guy at some point in the past. The thing I do remember most about the book was Chris’s handwriting of the sweetest message inside the cover… It was so beautifully done in ink.
He was so gracious in his words of thanks for my time spent at his cottage.
If there are angels on earth then I think Chris was one of them.
He’d seen a couple of houses I’d done and wanted to pick my brains. I was happy to share my time and experience with him. A few weeks later he came to my house and gave me a gift. It was the most delightful book about this American writer that had built a writing cabin in the woods near his home. Chris had done some filming with this guy at some point in the past. The thing I do remember most about the book was Chris’s handwriting of the sweetest message inside the cover… It was so beautifully done in ink.
He was so gracious in his words of thanks for my time spent at his cottage.
If there are angels on earth then I think Chris was one of them.
January 16, 2025
All the photos posted by me were taken by the unit assistant Jason on “Young Mums Mansion” produced by Love Productions & headed by Richard McKerrow.
Chris was always last to leave the filming, he was so so professional checking & documenting every sequence he had shot thru the days.
But Chris was not Just a professional, he was a Wonderful Human Being & I’m so proud to say I not only worked alongside him but we became very close friends.
I will miss him.
Chris was always last to leave the filming, he was so so professional checking & documenting every sequence he had shot thru the days.
But Chris was not Just a professional, he was a Wonderful Human Being & I’m so proud to say I not only worked alongside him but we became very close friends.
I will miss him.
Gathering
Please join us to remember our wonderful Dad, Chris, and celebrate his life.
We will gather in Natural Endings' Hall in Todmorden. Starting at 2pm until 4pm (with the last hour or so intended for chats over a brew).
From 4pm - 7pm we have a space in the Golden Lion pub over the road with some light refreshments (Thai buffet), and we'd love for anyone who wants to come to carry on with us there.
Please come as you are, there's no dress code... if in doubt just wear your favourite things :-)
Please RSVP below so we have an idea of numbers, and if you plan to come along to the pub please drop Lucy a quick message on 07771 514 256 to say 'yes to pub'. Thanks so much.
Bring along memories and stories, and any pictures you have would also be amazing - and feel free to add anything to the wall below (no pressure). If there's any music that reminds you of Chris please let us know below and we'll add it to the brewtime playlist.
With love and thanks,
Lucy, Beckie and Barnaby
For any questions please give Lucy a shout on 07771 514 256.
TRAVEL
The Hall is right next to Todmorden train station, and anyone coming from Hebden might want to consider train over car given the main road closure. For anyone coming by car, there's limited parking at the Hall and Rise Lane only allows 1hr, but there is free parking on side streets or low cost carparks nearby.
We will gather in Natural Endings' Hall in Todmorden. Starting at 2pm until 4pm (with the last hour or so intended for chats over a brew).
From 4pm - 7pm we have a space in the Golden Lion pub over the road with some light refreshments (Thai buffet), and we'd love for anyone who wants to come to carry on with us there.
Please come as you are, there's no dress code... if in doubt just wear your favourite things :-)
Please RSVP below so we have an idea of numbers, and if you plan to come along to the pub please drop Lucy a quick message on 07771 514 256 to say 'yes to pub'. Thanks so much.
Bring along memories and stories, and any pictures you have would also be amazing - and feel free to add anything to the wall below (no pressure). If there's any music that reminds you of Chris please let us know below and we'll add it to the brewtime playlist.
With love and thanks,
Lucy, Beckie and Barnaby
For any questions please give Lucy a shout on 07771 514 256.
TRAVEL
The Hall is right next to Todmorden train station, and anyone coming from Hebden might want to consider train over car given the main road closure. For anyone coming by car, there's limited parking at the Hall and Rise Lane only allows 1hr, but there is free parking on side streets or low cost carparks nearby.
Location
Natural Endings
Former Mail Sorting Depot
Rise Lane
Todmorden
OL14 7AA
Former Mail Sorting Depot
Rise Lane
Todmorden
OL14 7AA
Date/time
Saturday 25th January 2025
2pm start at the Hall
2pm start at the Hall
RSVP