I met Steve for the first time when we were both 12 years of age.

We had both just started secondary school at Oxted and were on the same school bus.

At that time, we did not know each other to speak to but that changed a few months later. Whilst I was playing tennis at Dormansland Steve, who was walking up the park, came up to the court fencing, we got into a brief conversation and I suggested if he was interested, he should come and play. I am not sure the boy I was already playing with was very happy but a quick trip back home and 20 minutes later Steve was on court with racket in hand.

From that point on we never looked back, and a lifelong friendship endured.

During our teens we spent countless hours together playing tennis and playing in matches. Steve had a good serve, a very good forehand, was quick around the court and tenacious. Had he continued to play beyond his early 20’s he would have undoubtedly become a very good player.

I spent so much time round his house with Bob, Doreen, and Ian. I felt very much part of that family.

Steve even came on holiday with my family one year when we went to the Lake District. It was on the trip up I learnt about makes of cars and models from him as we played a game of identifying passing cars.

On the coach to and from school we would regularly play cards, usually German whist.

As we got into our late teens, we would be catching the train to Oxted Friday & Saturday nights meeting up with our other school mates at the George or Old Bell pub.

I recall on one of those occasions, it was getting late and we needed to catch the last train back to Dormansland. Steve had not finished his drink, was engaged in conversation, and did not seem too bothered about missing the train. In the end with time running out I decided I needed to go and ran all the way to Oxted station. I looked back now again to see if Steve was on my heels, but he was nowhere in sight. I only just made it, the train about to pull out. I was therefore amazed when I got off at Dormansland, another carriage door opened, and out stepped Steve, cool as a cucumber. How did he do that! He never told me, although I am not sure he knew either.

Steve was quick witted and had a very dry sense of humour, that along with his very likeable personality made him very popular not only within our group but with everyone in our year.

He was also quite popular with the girls, even more so in his early 20’s (and beyond). Obviously, I could not see it, but someone told me once, it was his “big brown cow eyes” that were so appealing!

Secondary school came to an end and Steve went to London Poly studying Business/Estate Management.

He enjoyed his 3 years there and I would go up and visit on the occasional weekend. In fact, for a few years after secondary school, the small select group of friends including Mark and Adrian all stayed in touch and we regularly met up.

It was toward the end of his studies Steve got a part-time job working behind the bar at the Plough.

It was here of course he met Andree. He quickly became totally besotted with her. Initially the relationship was very much up and down, on and off perhaps due to Steve being overly keen. I can remember several occasions when it appeared it was “off” trying to console him. Nevertheless, he persevered and got the girl! They were made for each other and she was definitely very good for him.

Andree, lovely, intelligent, funny, caring and one of the most engaging people I had ever met. When they finally got together, I did not lose a friend I gained a new one.

They moved to Kemp town, Jack was born and after 3-4 years they moved to Handcross. It was not too long after, Kemba completed the family.

I visited regularly. Steve had started to take an interest in gardening growing his own vegetables. So much so that quite often when I turned up, Steve would be nowhere to be seen. I would say to Andree “Where’s Steve?”. The reply “bottom of the garden”. It became something of standing joke.

Christmas eve at Handcross, I was always invited for the traditional roast ham, parsley sauce. Steve was a good cook and spent a lot of time preparing this dish. A lot of good times with him, Andree, and the children. How the time has flown by!

Over the years we have spent so much time together, enjoying each other’s company, listening to music, debating, having a laugh.

Steve loved his music. A friend and I introduced Steve to “contemporary” music; for his 16th birthday we bought him his 1st 2 albums ELP: “Pictures at an Exhibition” and Mike Oldfield: Tubular Bells. Over the years he acquired a far-ranging taste from Led Zeppelin to Frank Sinatra.

And we cannot forget Steve’s unique dancing style. Feet barely moving, only the knees, hips with the arms flailing around. I think it must have been an economic measure, conserving his energy. More worrying was, at the time, we all thought it cool, and some of us copied him!

It was interesting reading some of the other observations on Steve, particularly the ones I had forgotten, “Marks” car crash. Yes, Steve really did stay cool under pressure, you would think Mark had just parked the car rather than crashed it!

Steve and I would often recall the past and jog each other’s memory over people we had known, places we had been and inevitably recalling and laughing about some of those funnier moments. I will miss those conversations.

Steve was extremely proud of Jack & Kemba. After Andree died, he did a phenomenal job, wholeheartedly devoting most of his time, with help from Mavis, to supporting them so they could achieve their potential not only academically but as individuals. The results are clear to. see. Once they had left the nest, whenever we spoke, Steve would always mention them, how they were doing, what they were up to.

They are a great credit to him and Andree.

Steve you have been my best friend for 49 years. That will not change I will never have a better one.

I know I still have all those good memories, but I like many others, will sorely miss you mate.