I was very sorry to hear about Steve's untimely passing. I was tying a few flies a while ago and I realised how many packets of fly tying material I had with the "Sparton" sticker on them. I also got his book "Boat Fishing for Trout" off the shelf and had a re-read. I met Steve a very long time ago but something that has stuck with me to this day is this. Back in the late 1980's early 90's I purchased a rod from Steve ( if I remember rightly in his front room!!). A while later a friend of mine trod on the rod and broke it. I contacted Steve and sent the rod to him for repair. He tried to source a replacement blank but ultimately failed to manage it. So, what did Steve do, tell me sorry can't help. No he sent me a brand new Steve Parton Strato nymph rod which I still use to this day at no charge. His letter said, Tim, new rod for you -- ouch!!! Such was the generosity of the man. My utmost sympathy to Steve's family. My biggest regret is that I never hired him to teach me Northampton Style. A truly great man, generous, witty and will be greatly missed.