Fare thee well Steve.

[dizzojay]

You may remember Mr D and I ventured up to Hull back in November for the 'living wake' of our good friend Steve.

Steve has been battling cancer for 13 years.  He received a terminal diagnosis giving him 6 - 9 months in 2006, and decided early on in his journey that 'belligerence' would be the watchword of his battle.  Well, that belligerence, together with the support of fabulous doctors and medics, gave him an extra 13 years of life.  It wasn't easy life, living without a stomach, half a liver and many other internals that you wouldn't even think about, but he lived to see his son marry and produce a grandaughter whom Steve doted on, and who, in turn, doted on him.

Steve's battle ended yesterday.  He passed away with his family around him, just as he wanted.  It was a fitting end to a battle that had been fought entirely on his terms - even to the very end.

Steve was an all round good bloke; a devoted family man, a loyal friend.  He was a passionate advocate for fairness, in the workplace and in life in general, and in that respect was as opinionated as hell.  He was a cricketer and a genius wordsmith.  He was witty, brilliant and as mad as a trumpet.

He'll leave a big Steve-shaped hole in a lot of peoples' lives.

Fare thee well Steve.
Rest in peace.




Better times - at the Guildford Festival of Cricket, July 2000.


Meeting up with Steve at his living wake in November 2018

Comments

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Ah very sad to hear this; though as you say, every year was a bonus. I'm glad he got to enjoy his wake and that you got to say goodbye. He sounds like an awesome bloke.

[jdl71.livejournal.com]

So sorry for your loss.

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

I'm sad to hear of the passing of your friend, but it sounds like he made the most of every minute he had.

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm thinking of you and Mr D, and all of Steve's family and friends. I'm pleased he got the chance to see his son marry and to have a granddaughter to dote on. I love your tribute to him "He was witty, brilliant and as mad as a trumpet." and I'm sure in the future you'll remember him with a smile. *hugs*

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

I am sorry for your loss.

[kiramaru7.livejournal.com]

I'm sooo sorry for your loss. *huggles*

[jennytork.livejournal.com]

Blessings on his family and on yours, Dizzo.

(edited cause I got the name wrong.)

[stir-of-echoes.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry for the loss of a good friend. I'm so glad he got to see his grandchild and out live his prognosis. He sounded like a awesome guy. Much love to you all.

[angelus2hot]

I am so very sorry for your loss. *hugs*

[be-my-precious.livejournal.com]

RIP. He sounds amazing.

[deceptivemirror.livejournal.com]

I grieve with you, but celebrate his life as well.

[supernutjapan.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss hon. Beautiful memorial for him.

[katleept.livejournal.com]

So sorry for your loss, my dear! ***HUGS*** But at least he's free, out of pain at last, and in a far better place. You'll see and party with him again one day.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

He was a one of life's true characters. The world is just a little bit poorer without him.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

He certainly did. he was a very special guy x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

He was a fantastic man. Later on, after all the art shows have finished and when I've got a few minutes to think, I'll share some of his writing - it truly deserves to be shared!
x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

His family have been though so much; they deserve some peace as much as he does.
Thank you for your kind wishes x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you
He really was one of life's true characters. A loss to the world, and to those who loved him xx

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

He was, he really was.
Thank you x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you - it was a life worth celebrating.
x

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you, he truly was one of life's characters.

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Thank you. he deserves some peace after fighting so hard.
Heaven will certainly be a livelier place now :D

[jj1564.livejournal.com]

That would be a lovely thing to do in his memory. *hugs*

[kiramaru7.livejournal.com]

You're welcoem. *huggles*

[metallidean-grl.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear of your friends passing. It seems as though he lived a good life, though. What more can we all ask for. May he rest in peace.

[stir-of-echoes.livejournal.com]

I am truly sorry.