I first met Steve in 1979 at Mount Grace school. Along with Richard Mella (Bennett) who had gone to primary school with Steve, we quickly became inseparable; the three amigos. He had that rare and annoying talent of being able to do no revision before an exam, yet still get good marks.

Steve was always the coolest. He was the first person I knew to own a pair of Levis and was aware of the latest records long before the rest of us. His vinyl collection was equally impressive.

After leaving school, we all kept in touch and tackled our 20's with the enthusiasm you might expect. Parties and shenanigans were the norm, and I have many memories of those days, both fond and downright embarrassing.

I ended up sharing a flat with Steve and we both discovered a passion for photography. His (still) cool appearance meant that he was often in front of the camera, but behind it he was extremely accomplished. We became interested in filmmaking around this time and wrote a number of scripts that are still languishing in a box somewhere. We did end up making a short film though, one of the fondest memories of my youth.

We worked together for a few years too, at my camera shop. He had an easy manner, and spending all day alongside a friend was like being back at school, but more fun and you got paid.

As is often the way, people grow apart, and I hadn't seen Steve for a few years when I heard the sad news. But like all good friendships, it was always there, and we would have picked up where we left off without a second thought.

As Richard said to me on hearing the news - the three amigos are now two.

Take care on the other side my friend, from your old friend Tim. xx