Civil Engineer, adventurer, traveller, and pillar and hero to wife Marjorie of 50 years, his 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, to his WWII aircrew, to the communities in Nigeria and Fiji where he built roads, bridges and stadiums during the 50’s and 60’s, to the people of the UK for delivering projects including the Newcastle Metro and M25 during the 70’s and 80’s and to the children and families in Lebanon for his work with RedR building refugee camps during their hours of need in the 80’s following his retirement. A true gentleman and unsung hero to be remembered and admired for a life lived to the full, much loved and who will be sorely missed.

The above is a copy of the official death notice published in The Times on Saturday 23 January 2021

Dad

You were the best dad in the world – guided us through childhood, got us the best education we could ask for (with you and mum sacrificing so much), and setting us on a path right and true with a fundamental ethos of always doing the right thing . You’ve never asked for much in return but always been there for us when we fell or needed anything – always quick to offer help and advise. I am so proud of you and all of your own achievements through your life time . I just wish I’d thanked you more for what you’ve done for me and told you how much I loved you more often – also a big thank you for not lumbering me with that old family name Weatherspoon – Blimey, Tobias was bad enough

Still can’t quite believe you’ve gone (I thought you were indistructible and would go on forever) – Will forever miss you dad, and you will always be in my heart and memory – Sleep easy – at 98 your you deserve the rest

Your loving son, Toby

Remembering a lovely man who my Jimmy and I were so very fond of. A gentleman whose company we both always enjoyed. I will miss you Steve. God bless.

Love Chrissie x

Hi Grandpa,
I love you & miss you so much already.
I will always be in awe of the things that you achieved in your life. At 98, you really did live life to the full.
I hope you’ve now found peace, wherever you are.
I will always think of you & try my hardest to be as heroic & strong as you were.
thank you for the memories (and the £40!).
with all the love in my heart, I say my final goodbye.
rest easy grandpa,

Hermione

My condolances to all he left behind. Im writing to pay tribute to a man i only met once. To this day it was one of the most inspirational conversations i have ever had. I thank you for giving me the confidance to change the way i lived my life and raise my young family. After learning from you that traveling the world and home educating your kids might actually be better than the norm. You were a pleasure to listen to, and i feel honoured to have met you. Thank Sir your words will stay with me forever. And i will make sure your story will be passed on to my own kids. Thank you again for all the amazing projects you completed, you made a differance to so many people all over the world. There is not many people, that even know someone they can honestly say that about. Rest in peace.

Karl Mullen

My Dear Friend Steve,
My heart is heavy as I write this..
It has been a privilege to have been your friend for the past 20 years…
In our time spent together you were an inspiration, an educator having listened to your life experiences during WWII and your time whilst working abroad.
I will miss you dearly Steve.. Our weekly meet ups, our chats and of course, putting the world to rights.
Your favourite lunch was a good old British fish and chips with a wee cup of tea and of course, apple pie & custard… The waitress used to salute us with “the usual” which inadvertently prompted a smile and a nod from both of us! ..
The past couple of years were physically tough for you..
Rest well my Friend, a Gentleman to the end at your wonderous age of 98.
I’m sorry I’m not in person for your last ‘Hurrah’ but I shall raise a glass of a good Scottish Malt in your honour & memory. Slainte Mhath.
Love & God Bless
Your Friend Mary.

Mary McGuire

Dad,

I don’t think you realise how much you affected my life and who I am. My interest in travel and adventurous character is clearly yours – thanks. I can never be the hero that you are but rejoice in your adventures and amazing life.

Photos of you are rare and trying to find a photo without a moustache is like finding hens teeth. But like you I succeed in what I do. Enjoy.

All my love
Your son Peter

Dear Grandpa,

You and Gran Gran made me believe that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. Your humour, warmth and kindness will stay with me always.

Love forever,

Toni
xxx

You are sorely missed grandpa. Though we live in Australia your influence has always been present and will continue to be cherished. The Grandpa who was there to read a bedtime story, seriously compete in pass the parcel and give that extra hug or scolding without any prompts! Your remained an adventurer and sustained your visits across the globe to share your grandsons weddings and hold your great grandchildren close. We know you are now with our other absent family members – no doubt pouring robust GTs and whiskies and putting the world to right! Good night grandpa. You’ve earned your peace. x

Valda

Grandpa

We have such fond memories of you that we will always cherish. From making us baked beans on toast when we were kids, to sailing around Turkey with you only a few years ago. Turkey was the most amazing trip. We played cards on the back of the boat, had to turn the boat around at least twice to fish your hat out of the water and took plenty of photos as you napped on the back of the boat – a trait that Dad has definitely inherited! We will miss your visits to Australia and the long dinners we would have in Dad’s apartment where we drank wine and discussed the world.

Your success in life and your ambition to travel has inspired us all to lead the lives we do today. You are an amazing Grandpa and we will all miss you dearly.

All of our love
Olivia, Richard, Tamsin and Harry
xxxx