Tributes paid to "larger than life" John 'CJ' Burley

Friday 01 December 2023

A businessman and philanthropist who made Guernsey his home has died, leaving those who knew him with many fond memories of his work, charitable nature, stories and sense of style.

The news that Charles John Burley - known as John or 'CJ' - had died broke yesterday, when people linked with the Freemasons, Guernsey Cricket and the Lord's Taverners were among the first organisations to pay tribute to him.

His work had brought him to the island originally and he was a director of many companies including notably the Le Riches and Landes du Marches groups.

While living in the island over the course of many decades he also became involved in many aspects of island life outside of the boardroom. 

One of his interests involved the Masons, with the St Martin's Lodge telling its members "with great regret...(on) the passing of Companion. C.J Burley, who died peacefully on Tuesday night."

Mr Burley had been "exalted into Doyle’s Chapter of Fellowship in November 2000" and was appointed as a Steward of the Chapter in 2006 before he was appointed Provincial Grand Tyler in 2015.

The message continued: "Companion Burley was well known in Masonic circles and will be sorely missed by his companions, friends and associates".

Pictured: The tributes to John 'CJ' Burley have come from people whom he know from many different walks of life.

As a philanthropist, Mr Burley was a supporter of many charities - including those linked with his sporting interests of horse racing, and cricket. 

Former Chairman of the Lord's Taverner's in Guernsey, Toni Clayton said that Mr Burley was "an active member for many years", almost from when the Guernsey region was founded around 40 years ago. Among his many commitments to the Taverner's he had been compere for the charity's hugely popular Sark and then Herm cricket weekends.

"His tone and manner and extreme knowledge was the high light of so many wonderful weekends, like wise he was a key member of our Grand National weekends where his horse auctions before the races was pure magic to be part of.

"What he didn’t know about cricket or horse racing and good wine you could put on the back of a stamp.

"He was a very larger then life man in all senses of the word, an absolute pleasure to have known and to sit with at a function. He was a true gentleman.

"He could tell a story that would keep you riveted for hours, he helped raise so much money for the Guernsey region and he personally donated so much to the region. Like so many Chairmen of the Guernsey region, when I was Chair he was a tremendous help and support and would always be willing to muck in and help.

"He will be so very much missed and very fondly remembered not only for his very colourful attire but for just being 'Burley' as we liked to call him. Rest in peace, John."

Mr Clayton added: "I will miss him, we had some very long laughs together when I was Chairman. He was a truly lovely man."

Mr Burley's love of both cricket and racing led him to many friendships during his lifetime.

His involvement in horse racing even put him in contact with royalty on many occasions. 

Speaking to ITV Channel after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year, he said that his own horses never matched up with those belonging to Her Majesty over the race course.

David Piesing of the Guernsey Cricket Board recalled Mr Burley's encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport, as well as horse racing and wine.

He also remembered Mr Burley's colourful sense of style in his tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter). 

Among Mr Burley's many local business interests was commercial radio station Island FM which was launched by Kevin Stewart in 1992.

He asked Mr Burley to be Chair of the board, a role he occupied until his death. 

Mr Stewart said: "When I started Island FM I remember going to see John at his house and he more or less agreed on the spot.

"He was always very supportive of the station and the staff and his stories were the stuff of legend. He was one of a kind and will be hugely missed from island life."

Former Station Director Martyn Parr said it was "very sad news indeed" when he learnt of Mr Burley's death.

"I was fortunate to know and work with John for three wonderful years at Island FM. He was always there to offer help and support to me and the radio station. I'll never forget the Board meetings - never a dull moment! RIP to a great man."

Mr Parr's successor as Station Director, Mike Huston, echoed those words saying the news was "very, very sad indeed".

"John was a phenomenal character. He was a charming man, larger than life and was very supportive to me at Island FM both with the good stuff and most importantly when there were challenges.

"A very very sad day, a colourful and indeed glorious innings from the good man. God bless you, John."

Former staff members Richard Harding, Roisin Gauson and Carolyn Le Maitre paid their respects on social media too.

Mr Burley's death was confirmed through a notice in Friday's Guernsey Press - to which he was a regular writer.

It confirmed he had died on 29 November 2023 aged 78, at his home in Guernsey, just weeks before his next birthday. 

He was described as a "much loved brother, uncle, great uncle, godfather and friend to so many."

A private cremation is planned with memorial services "celebrating his wonderful life" due to be held in Guernsey and London next year.