Comments on: A Celebration of Steve’s Life

By: Chris Mowatt

Chris Mowatt — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:14:23 +0000

Hi Helen (and Ben and Sam and Co)

Today, I was looking back fifteen years at the heady days of 2007 when, like you, we were waiting for every snippet of news about the Lagoon 420 Hybrids being built in France, anxious to know if our dreams could become reality. Steve’s infectious enthusiasm helped keep us going during those uncertain times.

It’s very sad to think that Steve’s dreams were to be so short-lived, but good to know that he was able to fulfill those dreams in his final years.

All the best.

Octopus and Crew
Chris, Beth and Co

By: Fergus & Kay Quinlan

Fergus & Kay Quinlan — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 10:28:37 +0000

Hi Helen,

What memories indeed, we hear the voice ‘Dignity Dignity’ coming through on the SSB. Yes a great life then and a life well lived. So sad he is gone … but the memory of the good times and his presence lives on with us.

With fond memories and our very best wishes to you and the boys.

Fergus and Kay of Pylades.

By: Michael Brown

Michael Brown — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:26:04 +0000

My deepest condolences for your loss. I’ve only met you through the blog and I can proudly say that I’m glad to have known you both. My best wishes for you and your family – fair winds and following seas and long may your big jib draw!

By: Jack Warren & Jan Holmes

Jack Warren & Jan Holmes — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:02:55 +0000

Dear Helen,
We are thinking of you. So sorry to hear about Steve. We love you both.
Jan & Jack

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:00:58 +0000

Dear Helen

You are one amazing lady! What a roller coaster of emotions you must have been through this week. We do hope that your son’s wedding went well in spite of everything that has happened. We are full of admiration for the strength you have shown during Steve’s last battle. It seems a very fitting tribute to him to celebrate his amazing life in your new house. We have only known the two of you for a short time through sharing experiences of lymphoma but would like to be there if you think it’s appropriate. However, if you would prefer to put all thoughts and connections with this awful cancer behind you, we would quite understand. We still have the bottle of wine…….!Still thinking of you

Kindest regards
Pat & David

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:29:41 +0000

Thanks Helen and a thanks to Steve also, I have enjoyed following your blog, It’s been inspirational. I hope to buy a catamaran spend a couple years with my wife in the Caribbean much like you and Steve started out on Dignity. The information Steve shared on boats, sailing and life in general will help many. Greg

By: Trim

Trim — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 06:58:21 +0000

We were just sitting here in Melbourne watching a movie and I thought I’d check in to see if anything new was happening…we apparently missed the fact that Steve was fighting for his life again. When we last saw you two I thought for sure that the sailing was clear for him.

We are without words in hearing Steve has passed.

We will always have him in our memories of Beveridge Reef, Palmerston and diving in Nuie. The best of times no doubt!

We will miss Steve’s smile and zest for life and friends.

Ken & Lori

By: Marc D

Marc D — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 22:49:40 +0000

Dear Helen, just stumbled across your blog and want to offer you our deepest condolences. I went out hunting information on L420s and found your story and pray that you are being gentle with your loss. I am sure Steve is continuing his wonderful adventure of a life. And congratulations on the wedding of your son.

Marc

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 15:00:34 +0000

Our thoughts are with you. Glad you are able to be at the wedding. Elana and David

By: lew randal and Tracey M.

lew randal and Tracey M. — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:35:08 +0000

If I could sail around the world I would end up at yours, sharing Steves celebration with you and everyone that has fallen in love with the amazing couple that we knew as Steve and Helen! Sadly for Lew and I we are stuck here on the other side of the world working at the surgery. We were walking, actually cycling would be a better term, down memory lane last week. We remember so clearly the first time we set eyes on you both. Outside the old store on the Rail Trail. There you were with your cold drinks discussing the merits of a padded jelly seat for Helens poor tortured bottom! We stopped and said hi, arranged to have dinner that night and off we went. Lew remembers clearly that you both had jandals on. Actually Helen, those jandals have been in so many pictures, I bet they are still going strong! Dinner it was and what a fabulous evening it turned out to be. We ended up drinking Steves wine , illegally if i remember correctly, in the pubs guest
lounge till well after mid-night. We knew then we had met ‘amazing’ and so it has been throughout our short but thoroughly enjoyable time together. I was fully expecting his death to be noted in the headline news, after all its not every day a hero dies and hero he was to both Lew and I. And so to you dear one, you who has the most amazing spirit and strength . You are a courageous woman Helen Southwood, brave and strong You have had a most extraordinary life with the wonderful Steve. Whatever comes next , you will do well, that I am sure of. Much love and admiration from both of us way over here in New Zealand. Enjoy the wedding, the next generation will take their place……..Amen ! Pls use at the celebration Helen, it just about covers how we feel about you both xxxxxxxx