Tragedy ends family's shared business dream

When Blenheim honeymooner Rebecca Crawley was killed in Fiji, it ended her dream to work in the American corporate world on a special project.

It was special because it involved an innovation her father, Mark, has filed patents on, and she would have worked alongside him with globally recognised brands such as McDonald's, Disney and Universal Studios.

It was a dream her new husband, Hayden Stockwell, shared, and the plan was to move to North America to make it a reality.

The dream was shattered when the couple, married just six days, were snorkelling at a Fijian resort and a boat ran into Rebecca, killing her.

That was four weeks ago, and friends and family have struggled to come to terms with her death, holding on to the memory of a vivacious young woman. A photograph published in newspapers and on website Forever26 dedicated to her memory shows her at her wedding laughing and reaching out. She is talking to a child not seen in the photo, but it shows her happiness and excitement.

"Rebecca lit up any room anywhere. Her laughter and her energy would utterly fill that room," Mark said.

That is the Rebecca most people knew, but there was another _ a "switched-on" businesswoman, as Hayden describes her. She had completed a Bachelor of Commerce in international marketing and management at Canterbury University.

Businessman and Canterbury University marketing lecturer Bob Peffers said from the United States that she was creative and had a strong business focus.

"It's a combination I have seen only rarely in students, especially in New Zealand. She had the potential to take a real leadership role," he said. "Of the students that I see coming out of higher education, she had the highest potential to move straight up the ladder."

In two gap years during her university time she had worked with her father at Coca-Cola in Atlanta and with Bacardi Martini in Britain.

"She was young _ she was 21, 22 _ but she blew everybody away everywhere she went," said Mark.

Harry Epstein, innovation vice- president for Havi Global Solutions in the US, a major supplier of products and services to McDonald's, said: "Rebecca had a lot of good energy. She had a lot of passion for the business and the concept and what her role was going to be. She was going to be a great part of the team."

Mark, who describes himself as an over-qualified Cantabrian, has three university degrees in engineering and works in innovative design. The inventor-entrepreneur has several patents and loves a challenge.

Four years ago he was set one when he was at the Paysanne restaurant in Blenheim with his three children. Daughter Nichola was waitressing, but had the night off, and introduced him to the other waitresses.

"They asked me if I could invent a drinking straw to stop it floating up and trying to fall out of a carbonated drink. It was all a lot of fun and everybody laughed about it," he said.

It got him thinking, and that bit of fun has led to something more serious.

Later, Mark, who was then based in Britain, flew home via Asia to attend his daughter's graduation in Christchurch. At a business meeting in Seoul, a South Korean businessman made a comment about a problem with making a special novelty straw.

"That night in my hotel room thinking about how to solve that problem led to me coming up with this new process," he said. "The process allows us to take an existing tube-based product, such as a pen, drinking straw or toothpaste tube, and at very high speed and with minimal cost we can three-dimensionally reform it into an item of high promotional value.

"For example, we can turn a drinking straw into a children's toy."

The invention has led to patents being filed internationally. "It is now tied up with McDonald's Corporation and will ultimately be tied up with virtually every brand, particularly Disney, Universal Studios, the alcohol brands, Hasbro and Mattel _ absolutely everybody."

Harry Epstein, who is on the McDonald's innovation committee, said the technology Mark had invented could be used in a lot of marketing and toy applications. "It's just a matter of imagination and coming up with ideas that meet needs," he said.

The dream was for Rebecca and Hayden to join Mark at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada, where he is now based.

Rebecca was to work with her father in progressing a business plan for the innovation.
"Her job in the first year would have been to work with a mutual friend who is a former Coca-Cola corporate executive to complete the marketing plans that are required to present the products we can derive out of our processes to all major brands," said Mark.

Hayden, a builder, said it was his wife's dream. "No matter what, that was going to be the plan." They had hoped to go next year, depending on finance being secured for the business.

"She loved her dad," said Mark. "We had an amazing bond. She loved what I did and she was my greatest supporter. Rebecca's dream was to run the corporation, but she had to start out as a vice-president."

Now he will have to do it without her.

With permission of the Press.

In Memory of Rebecca, Forever to be 26

A fund called Forever 26, in memory of Blenheim honeymooner Rebecca Crawley killed while snorkeling in Fiji, has been started to improve safety in the island resorts - and to make accountable those who caused her death.

Rebecca, who would have turned 27 yesterday, was snorkeling with her husband of just six days, Hayden Stockwell, at the island of Matamanoa on November 30 when she was struck by a boat's propeller.

Rebecca's father, Mark Crawley, said the fund was in her memory so the family could take something positive out of what had happened.

"We hope that somehow in her death there is as much if not more meaning than there was in her life.

"The fund would be applied to water safety to stop this ever happening again.

"We understand that you can never make anything 100 per cent safe, but if we can stop one other family going through what we have in losing Rebecca -- it's not enough but is at least something which gives some meaning."

Part of the fund would also be used to "make accountable those who through their negligence have caused such a senseless death".

Donations to the fund can be made through a tribute website, FOREVER26.com, or a National Bank account.

Within New Zealand, the Account details are:

National Bank, Blenheim Branch
Account Name, FOREVER 26
Account 06 - 0601 - 0211815 - 30

Internationally, the Account details are:

The National Bank of New Zealand, Blenheim Branch
40 - 42 Market Street, Blenheim
SWIFT Code ANZBNZ22
Account Name, FOREVER 26
Account 06 - 0601 - 0211815 - 30
Sort Code (if Required separately) 06 - 0601

The family is waiting for the outcome of a Fiji police inquiry into the death, and in New Zealand Christchurch-based Coroner Sue Johnson has started an inquiry.

The coroner said she was not satisfied that all the circumstances would be inquired into in Fiji. "If necessary I will ask somebody from the New Zealand police to go to Fiji ... it's something I would do if I felt I needed to get information."

The coroner has been able to open an inquiry because Rebecca's body was returned to New Zealand.

Wth permission of the Press.

Bubbles for Becky - 24th December 2007

On the 24th December 1980, in Christchurch Woman’s Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed gift that was Rebecca Louise Crawley was born.

Right from the first seconds of her life Rebecca was not one to “follow the crowd”. She decided to come into this world face-up rather than face-down, which meant a difficult forceps delivery for both Heather and Rebecca. She came into the world her way, and that is the way she lived her life.

Just a few minutes after her arrival, and as her mother recovered from the pain of her birth (a very small amount of which I shared with Heather as she had squashed my left hand so hard during Rebecca’s birth that the ring indentations in my two fingers adjacent to my ring-finger remained for hours), I got to hold my first-born little girl in my arms. And as I stared into her beautiful blue eyes in those first moments of her life, I was lost forever in the enchantment that was Rebecca.

I also apologised to her for “bringing her into such a cruel world ruled by Robert Muldoon”!

Today it is 24th December 2007, the day Rebecca would be turning 27 years old.

From that first moment of her life when I was caught in the enchanting spell that was Rebecca Louise Crawley, a spell that also enchanted her mother Heather, her siblings and then her husband Hayden Stockwell, along with countless family, friends, acquaintances and business associates all around the world, Rebecca touched the hearts and lives of all of those she met.

In fact one lady who was also staying on Matamanoa Resort Island, the night before negligence led to her death, was deeply touched by Rebecca purely because of the way Rebecca smiled at her as they passed.

So today, less than a month after she was so cruelly taken from us, to all who ever had the amazing good fortune to know Rebecca and even to those whose lives were touched by her even if you never met her in person, please find a glass of Bubbly at sometime today and raise a toast to Rebecca.

Happy Birthday Rebecca.

Bubbles for Becky, forever to be 26.

Fiji death inquiry welcomed

The family of honeymooner Rebecca Crawley has welcomed the opening of a New Zealand inquiry into her death in Fiji.

Christchurch-based Coroner Sue Johnson has opened the inquiry. An inquest will be held in Blenheim.

The 26-year-old Blenheim woman, who had been married just six days, was snorkelling with husband Hayden Stockwell off the island of Matamanoa on November 30 when a boat propeller hit her. She was flown to hospital but died.

Her father, Mark Crawley, said yesterday the family supported the New Zealand inquiry.

The coroner has appealed for information from anyone who was in the resort area at the time of the death.

With permission of the Press.

Photos of Becky

Were you a Witness? Are you aware any similar incidents in the Fijian Islands?

The family of Rebecca fully supports the efforts of both the Fijian Police as well as the New Zealand Coroner, and this end, we would be grateful for anyone who might have witnessed Rebecca's death on the 30th November 2007 at Matamanoa to come forward.

As the family tries to come to terms with Rebecca's death, we would also be grateful to make contact ourselves with witnesses who have already made a Statement with the police.

In the days since her death, we have been made aware of a number of similar incidents in the Fijian Islands over the past few years and contact relative to any similar incident is also of significant importance to the family.

If you feel you can help as a witness or know of any previous incident, whether or not it resulted in a tragic death, we would be most sincerely grateful if you could please contact Mark Crawley, Becky's Dad, at mark@forever26.com.

Tributes flow for killed honeymooner

Family and friends yesterday farewelled Rebecca Stockwell who was killed while on her honeymoon last week.

Two bright red high-heeled shoes adorned the coffin of a women described as an inspiration, a breath of fresh air and someone who lit up every room she walked into.

Rebecca Stockwell (nee Crawley), 26, was farewelled at a large gathering called "Forever 26" held in Blenheim's Church of Nativity yesterday.

Rebecca was killed during her honeymoon on the island of Matamanoa in Fiji last Friday, after she was hit by a boat while she was snorkelling.

Yesterday, family and friends packed the church, all wearing an item of pink clothing or other pink adornment as a mark of respect for her. Friends and Rebecca's sisters described her as loyal, a leader who enjoyed adventures and a woman who loved buying new shoes.

Funeral officiator Terry Terril said that just two weeks ago he presided over Rebecca and Hayden's wedding.

Hayden Stockwell spoke with the arms of Rebecca's parents around him. "You're my best friend. You are the centre of my world. You will always be in my thoughts, my dreams and especially my heart. I will always cherish every moment that we had together," he said.

Rebecca's mother, Heather Richards, said her first-born had a habit of springing surprises on the family. "You pulled us all along with your beautiful energy." "It's the little things that I'm going to miss the most," she said. "I don't know how anyone could feel such overwhelming sadness. (But) I know that you left this earth the happiest you've ever been in your life, with Hayden at your side."

Rebecca's father Mark Crawley said his eldest daughter - "the light of my life" - was taken from him in an act of negligence. He believed she was with those who loved her. "This does not mean that I even have the slightest comprehension why my little girl was taken from me," he added.

Six of Rebecca's school friends, all wearing pink flowers in their hair, remembered a laughing, talkative and loyal friend.

Hayden's sister, a close friend of Rebecca, said her brother had been the happiest he'd even been with his fiance and wife. "For that I will always be grateful," she said.

A former flatmate and colleague described Rebecca as "a shining star, an inspiration".

A Canterbury University professor also addressed the service, saying Rebecca managed to ask him a question he couldn't answer on her first day at lectures."She was creative and full of energy. She had a mind like a steel trap."

Hayden's father Neville Stockwell said everyone couldn't help but love Rebecca. "Bec, you made me very, very proud when you said `I do' to Hayden just a couple of weeks ago.

"What a lady."

Rebecca was buried at Fairhall Cemetery.

With permission of the Press.

Notice of Service

STOCKWELL, REBECCA LOUISE (nee CRAWLEY); Hayden, Heather, Mark, Rachael, Denise, Tracey and Deanne would like to inform everyone that we are bringing Bec home from Fiji. We would like to invite all who knew and loved Bec to FOREVER26, a Celebration of her life to be held at the Anglican Church of Nativity in Blenheim on Tuesday 11th of December at 1:00 pm. The Celebration will then continue at a venue to be advised during the service. Out of respect for our Bec, it is suggested that everyone who wishes to do so should wear a touch of pink.

This website allows all to read and share memories of Bec. All are welcome to both read as well as add their own memories and photograph’s.

Family Notice

Loved so much by her husband Hayden, and their mates Daisy and Henry. Treasured eldest daughter of Heather Richards and Mark Crawley and step-daughter of Prue Crawley and Tim Gardiner. Adored big sister of Nicky, Rach, Tim and Nicholas and special friend of Kyle. Adored also by her grandparents Ron and Margaret Mills; Rewa and the late Alan Crawley. Special niece of Lionel and Suzie; Grant and Greta; Vivienne and John; Sharon and Stuart; and loved by her cousins. Loved daughter-in-law of Denise and Neville Stockwell, and sister-in-law of Ray and Bev; Tracey and Scott; De and Dylan; and favourite “Becks” of Ty; grand-daughter of Nana; and step daughter-in-law of George King and Sue de Garnham.

You will always be “Forever 26” in our hearts.

Hayden's Notice

To my darling wife Boodles, so tragically taken from me on our honeymoon. What we had was so short, but nothing or nobody has ever in my life made me as happy as you have. Your infectious laugh and smile and your glowing eyes will be in my heart forever. You are my rock, my soulmate and my best friend. Until we meet again, my love is yours forever.

Your Honey, Hayden

Deanne Notice

My Dear Friend Bec. I have never in my time met such an amazing girl with such a passion for life. Your sparkle and your grace will forever be imprinted in my heart. We have so many great memories that will never be forgotten. What a Lady!

Goodbye my friend. Love always. De ☺

Blenheim honeymooner killed by boat in Fiji

Rebecca Stockwell, nee Crawley, and her husband of six days Hayden Stockwell were snorkelling when she was hit by a passing aluminium boat on Friday. Rebecca, 26, known to family and friends as Becky, married Hayden on Saturday November 24. The couple flew to the island of Matamanoa, Fiji on Thursday. The Fiji Times has reported she was airlifted to Lautoka Hospital after the accident and pronounced dead on arrival.

Becky's friends and family say the only comfort they have at this traumatic time was that Becky's last few days were the happiest of her life and she had caught up with her loved ones either in person or by phone as they congratulated her on her wedding. A close school friend Jane Bamfield, whose family hosted Becky's wedding reception, said Becky "went out on top".

"She couldn't have been on more of a high time in her life. (It was the) best time of her life." Becky's parents, Heather Richards and Mark Crawley, her sister Rachael Richards and members of Hayden's family have flown to Fiji to be with Hayden and to bring Becky home. Becky was the eldest of five children. Her other sister Nicky and brothers Tim and Nicholas have remained in New Zealand and are being supported by family and friends.
Becky attended Marlborough Girls' College and went on to Canterbury University to study a Bachelor of Commerce then headed overseas to the United Kingdom and various other locations for two years before returning to Blenheim for work. For the past year she worked at Mark Stevenson First National Real Estate in residential sales. Becky's immediate family have requested that their privacy to be respected at this time, but asked Becky's school friends Jane Bamfield and Michelle Cassidy to talk about her. The women said their friend was loyal, happy, strong and "a real social butterfly".



"Her laugh was infectious. She would laugh and you would laugh at her laugh. (She was) one of the most bubbly people you would have ever met," Jane said. It was not uncommon for Becky to be photographed with her mouth mid-flight, she said. Jane said Becky and Hayden were engaged on Marlborough Anniversary Day last year. They had been together about two years but had been friends for many more.

She said Becky looked "absolutely gorgeous" for the wedding at Hayden's sister's house in Blenheim and was the life of the party at the reception that was held in Jane's family's orchard. She got everyone up dancing and looked like she was having the time of her life. She said it was like Hayden and Becky had been together for years. "She was happier with Hayden than we have ever seen her … They were so in love."

An animal lover, Becky and Hayden enjoyed walking her black labrador Henry and her corgi cross Daisy, Michelle said. "They were her babies," Michelle said recalling a time two car loads of friends went to Onamalutu with a packed lunch and when they got there, there was a sign saying "no dogs" so Becky made them all pack up and go somewhere else because the dogs could not stay with them.

Becky was an organiser among their friends, always getting people together to play sport or at school, be involved in theatre. Jane said friends would continue Becky's tradition of hosting a "Bubbles with Becky" evening on her Christmas Eve birthday, by getting together for "Bubbles for Becky."