In memory of Steven

Steven is an old friend of ours that we haven't seen for a year or so. I had invited him to OH's birthday party but he was really sorry he couldn't come as he had plans to be away with friends that weekend. Unfortuantely, his plans didn't come off.

Steven had lung cancer and last Thursday he was taken into the Princess Alice Hospice for care. He rallied and on Friday evening was found to be sitting up in bed drinking his customary G&T and a glass of red wine with his dinner. During the night he fell unconscious and remained unconscious until he passed away at 4.30 this morning.

Steven was, well, unique! Camp as they come and self-confessed "queen", he would have us in fits at his comments about any good-looking men that walked into the pub and his ascerbic put-downs, said in a way that only a gay old queen can say, and get away with! He always drank bitter, which had to be in a glass with a handle, and his G&T before dinner. He loved steam trains and he once took me on an outing to Winchester on one. We had a complete hoot...travelling first class with smoked salmon for breakfast and full silver-service dinner on the way home. I don't think I have ever spent a day laughing so much. Oh and his books! How he loved to go to book fairs and tell us about his first edition finds.

He always wanted to move to the country and we'd all spend hours in the pub poring over house details with him but he never went. I think perhaps he would have missed his friends and cronies too much.

Thank you for the memories you have left us with, memories filled with fun, and sometimes tears, and for everything you did for us. Without your cunning intervention, Gerry and I would possibly have never got together.

We love you Steven and you take a piece of our hearts with you. Sleep well my friend.