My first recollection of Steve was in London outside the Chinese Embassy in January 1997. We had travelled down from the north east at stupid o'clock in the morning collecting Steve on the way to pick up our visas to be greeted by - nothing.It was Chinese New Year everything was shut up. Steve wasnt and over the years I found he never was promulgating his thoughts, advice and undoubted wisdom on issues great and small. He was a man who we can truely call a craftsman. A thinker and innovator with the ability to transfer theory into practice. To be in his company was an education. To fish with him was an inspiration. To talk politics with him was a vexation. Never a dull moment. Our thoughts are with his family and very many friends For those you touched you will always be 'Still here'