It is with great regret that we must announce that our father, Kevin Stanton, has passed away at the age of 61. Dad was a New Zealand boy, born in Mount Maunganui in 1955, but has lived in Australia since he moved here with the band Mi-Sex in1978.

He rose to popular consciousness in the late 70’s as part of Mi-Sex, where he was the writer and co-writer of most of their songs, as well as being the guitarist (and sometimes singer, though he always claimed he was no singer). They were known for songs like People (1980), But You Don’t Care (1979), and most prominently Computer Games (1979). Since then, he has been a songwriter and producer in Australia and in England. He worked with Fred Hollows and Bart Willoughby, among others, and was passionate about supporting indigenous musicians. He was anticipating getting back into songwriting up until his death.

Growing up with our parents meant growing up with music; at seven, Georgia’s favourite song was Graffiti Crimes. Dad’s passion for music was infectious, and the love we remember from our early childhood is the same love he still held in his final days.

We would like to say thank you to all of the doctors and nurses who made his late years bearable, and thank you most of all to our stepmother Aleta for caring and loving our father up until his death. Although he suffered for a long time near the end of his life, he never lost his good humour for long. He was optimistic and inspired, and we will always remember him planning his next project. Dad may be gone, but he won’t ever be forgotten.

Condolences to all who knew him,

Georgia Marie Stanton and Mikaeli Ann-Mona Stanton

AMNPLIFY – BA