Please share your memories, photos, and stories of Steve.
Had the pleasure and privilege to teach Steven and his beautiful sisters at Jimboomba school. A great family and mum Hilary was so supportive. Steven enjoyed all the sports we did, he had a great smile & cheeky laugh. He had a crack at all the challenges he participated in and had fun. I was so saddened by the news of his passing.
RIP Steven, you are missed by everyone who knew you!!👍❤️💔
Paul Ball
Watto, today we said goodbye officially at your service. Was an honour speaking today mate.
Even though we have known each other for 15 or 16 years, I learnt some interesting stuff I didn't know about you today, especially your Kiwi Heritage, no wonder you're such a top bloke lol. It was really nice meeting a lot of your family and friends today, what a great bunch of people.
I'm going to miss our humorous banter, long talks on the phone. I'm also going to miss the live updates from Lake Leslie or Lake Somerset. We both had a common love of the lakes pulling things on strings, yours was fish, mine was my two girls on a wakeboard. The closest we ever got to being there at the same time was when I was pulling out with the caravan and you were pulling in with the boat once at Leslie, but I still didn't get to catch up with you.
I'm "on the Iron" tonight mate sitting in the loop at Eudlo on Train 8CP1, struggling a little with random dust in the cab 🥲thinking about you, but I will be ok, as the "Green" lights are glowing.
Miss ya brother
Wayne Coombes
I’ll miss ya Steve, I could never fathom a bloke leaving a brewery with a broken carton a week allowance to join the railway. We were fresh and I soon realised your passion for the rails far exceeded mine. We exchanged fishing stories over the last 17 years and I’ve never tasted Red claw until you caught them on my home turf and served them up to a Michelin star standard. I’d wish for one more crew change with ya mate but instead I’ll wish for clear skies and tight lines Watto.
Jonathan Lill
Steve I will miss our talks at the fence so much you were a very dear neighbour and friend I keep looking up to see if I can see you out there in the yard making it look perfect as you took so much pride in all the wonderful things you did you will always remain in my thoughts Good bye Steve Sandy
Sandy Spence
Well mate it's been 2 weeks since you left us and for me it's been a horrible sad time losing you has been very hard to deal with. I can't be there to see you off old mate but rest assurred i will be in spirit. Goodbye driver you will green lights all the way and we will meet again soon enough. Love you brother RIP.
Bruce Baker
Steve, a great friend to my wife Amanda and I. We met Steve whilst living at Pimpama around 14 years ago. I remember walking past his and Bec's home one day and observed how amazing his yard, gardens and landscaping presented. So much so I introduced myself and questioned if he did landscaping for work. I remember that first handshake and smile, such a genuine person. After some time I remember telling Amanda how I met Steve and I needed to convince him to help landscape our backyard for our family. In true Steve style he arrives, boots, shovels, gloves, wheelbarrow and ute at the ready. Full instructions with what was required to complete the task (which I was totally unprepared for). Many months later he had our backyard level, retained and looking like his (sorry Bec I know I stole him from you for many months). We've been good friends ever since. Both having daughters of similar age we were fortunate to have our families spend endless days and nights together socialising. I'll never forget the endless phone calls, bbq's and sitting around the fire talking about everything and anything. That kind, caring, loving personality and laugh. Someone that will live in our hearts and thoughts forever. Our world certainly is a better place having had Steve in it. I hope you're casting a line, fishing and watching over your family mate.
David Freeman
Steve, a great friend to my wife Amanda and I. We met Steve whilst living at Pimpama around 14 years ago. I remember walking past his and Bec's home one day and observed how amazing his yard, gardens and landscaping presented. So much so I introduced myself and questioned if he did landscaping for work. I remember that first handshake and smile, such a genuine person. After some time I remember telling Amanda how I met Steve and I needed to convince him to help landscape our backyard for our family. In true Steve style he arrives, boots, shovels, gloves, wheelbarrow and ute at the ready. Full instructions with what was required to complete the task (which I was totally unprepared for). Many months later he had our backyard level, retained and looking like his (sorry Bec I know I stole him from you for many months). We've been good friends ever since. Both having daughters of similar age we were fortunate to have our families spend endless days and nights together socialising. I'll never forget the endless phone calls, bbq's and sitting around the fire talking about everything and anything. That kind, caring, loving personality and laugh. Someone that will live in our hearts and thoughts forever. Our world certainly is a better place having had Steve in it. I hope you're casting a line, fishing and watching over your family mate.
David Freeman
When I met Steven, as my niece Rebecca’s partner, I was surprised that he knew the tiny town where I live. But of course he did, as the rail line runs right through it. From then on, whenever I caught up with him and Becc, Gemma and Nina, he would tell me of the changes he had observed from high up in the cab as he passed through, noticing details and seemingly keeping an eye on things.
I don’t notice every train that passes through town and they rarely wake me at night but in the years since meeting Steven, when they have, I have wondered if he might be the driver sounding the warning as the level crossing draws near.
Just last night I was caught off-guard when I found myself wondering if it might be him driving that locomotive. I shed some tears when I realised it could not be him. It will be for some time, I hope, that memories of Steven will come to us all.
Paula Reynolds
Rita and I are numb with shock and sadness. After selling our much loved home at Yatala to Steve and Becc, then getting to know and appreciate Steve for his human qualities, I told myself and then Rita, that if I had been able to choose a son , I would have chose Steve.
We kept in touch and exchanged visits, and fishing activities, including one accidental meeting at Somerset Dam when he and Gemma appeared out of the mist while we were enjoying a roadside cuppa. Mate, your light will shine brightly for a long time!
norton (jack)jones
Hey Buddy. Shocked and saddened by your departure. Vividly remember going through Trainee School back in 2008 together and knew you would be a longterm mate from the first times we met. Have some fond memories of times we caught up outside work in Rocky and Brisbane, was always a tough gig for socialising. Will always remember your smile and that big laugh. You were never shy to speak your mind and always put people first. We shared alot of values and hobbies in common. You always had time for a chat when we crossed paths, and it was always interesting to talk to you. Rest easy Watto.
Adrian Perry
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of “Watto”. Having known him for a long period of time but losing touch with him since I left Pacific National in Brisbane, it was awesome to run into him in Maryborugh in September last year. We had a great catch up chat about work and family. We are very saddened by this loss and he will be remembered for his friendship and commitment to his family Becc, Gemma and Nina.
Barry Lawrence
First met Steve in high school. We shared so many good times together over the years. Our lives ran uncannily parallel from careers to property to the style of vehicles we drove. Steve was a person who I could speak to unfiltered about any subject and nothing was off limits. I’m proud to call you my mate. I’m going to miss you so much. Until we meet again. Driver out.
Grant Forge
Steve was a great friend and neighbour at Yatala over many years. We worked and drank together in his beautiful property and he helped me with the hard tasks at my place many times - such a skilled and hard-working person. Steve was a super loving dad and family man - I've added some photos of Steve with the kids on Halloween at my place, of one of the fish he caught and of the massive train he powered through Pomona Station in a show for us. Steve, thank you for being you. We will miss you.
Phil Rowan
I met and got to know Steve in Rockhampton both of us had moved to work on rail. I learned we grew up wanting to become drivers and were living the dream (or sometimes nightmare).
We kept in touch over the years as we moved from job to job meeting our partners and starting families.
He was a professional in everything he did, always up for a laugh. I'm proud to have known him and to call him a mate.
So farewell for now and safe travels driver it'll be a clear run from here.
Clint Hardefeldt
I was very shocked and sadden by Stevens passing I loved having a yarn with him about trains and life at the Kimba in Maryborough when we had more time to talk usually it was when Watto had come back from his favourite shop Bunnings Rest easy Watto
Myles McLachlan
I'll always be grateful for Steve's unwavering support and guidance during my time at Pacific National. His reassurance, friendship and kindness were invaluable, and his presence made our workplace a better place.
Thank you for all the laughs and may you rest in peace.
Vannessa Mckenzie
Steve “Watto” was a huge passionate man for Train driving. Knowing Watto for the last 3 years while working for Pacific National, he has been a mentor, an ear to chat to at all times of day and a great friend outside of work. To him being an amazing dad to his 2 girls and a good partner to Becc. He will be sorely missed forever by all. Rest easy Watto, you’ll always be in my thoughts. Time to ride the Steel highway forever.
Zoe Jackson
Steve, your passing has shocked and saddened me more than you can ever imagine, you should have reached out to me mate, losing you has left a massive hole in my heart, you were my brother, i love you and i will miss you always.
Bruce Baker
We were deeply saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. Our girls attended school together, and it was always clear what a kind and involved father he was. He had a genuine warmth that made conversations easy, my husband and I always enjoyed our chats with him. Steve’s kindness and down-to-earth nature made him someone you naturally felt comfortable around. He was always so thoughtful and generous, he even offered to take my son Lachy out fishing and would help by picking Scarlet up from school from time to time. He was someone I knew I could call if I ever needed a hand, and his kindness meant a lot to our family, he will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with Becc, Gemma, Nina, and all who loved him <3
Zoe Brandsen
Steve could do anything and fix everything. Always happy to lend a helping hand with a project and was meticulous when it came to doing it the right way. So generous with his time. Rest In Peace legend
Michael Smith
