Dear Joan, I just heard the sad news today from Tracey Lydiatt. So shocked to hear and so very sad. Steve was such an awesome guy so glad that we had the chance to know him. I cannot find words but you are in our thoughts. Deepest sympathy Carolyn, Francois, Amy and Sarah.

I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a great guy, kind hearted, generous with his time, a great sense of humour and decent. Take heart in remembering his compassion, his caring and his devotion. He will be remembered well.

My thoughts are with you with your transition, all the best at this difficult time.

Joan & Gibson Family,

We send our sincere condolences! Steve was a very dear friend that we will greatly miss. From the day we met riding cannon ball and black ball to a few years ago when he was riding on the side boards of my pickup we laughed. Life be in it mate!

Steve and Joan made a huge, and massively positive, impression on the whole Lyons family. Whether it was leading us all in our first ever cattle drive, or talking over a beer at the BBQ about ranching and cattle breeding, or affectionately showing our eldest the meaning of hard work and giving him the best nickname ever (Rooster), Steve exuded energy, good will and a love of his life that was both infectious and inspirational. His refusal to feel sorry for himself when life got tough was one of his finest characteristics. We are all better for having had a chance to hang out with him, watch him work his horses and dogs, and share a story and laugh. We will miss his presence in the world and will think often and with great affection of the times we spent together. He will not be forgotten.

So sorry to hear about Steve, what a tragedy. I knew Steve as a fellow director of B.C. Angus Assoc. and always enjoyed his input and sense of humour. He was a very special person.

Dear Joan & Steve’s Family overseas. What a truly great loss. God keep you all, knowing this…Steve was a man of the highest integrity, honesty and humour….3 attributes that we as the mere living should aspire to. He will be sadly missed in the British Columbia ranching community, worked with him on the board of BC Angus, Cattle sales and had over times discussed the opportunities y’all had after things were changing in the Kettle Valley…He invokes an old poem….Beyond the Range…

“Never say that I am gone, just say that I have rode up; Beyond the Range”

We’ll all see him on the “other side”.

We met Steve two years ago At Strathmore at the Buck Lake Ranch bull sale. Steve was down to earth and a straight shooter. One of those people you liked as soon as you met him. Joan, our thoughts are with you and no words can express the sorrow.

It was indeed a shock and a tragedy to hear of Stephen’s accident. You expect to grow old with all of your mates, obviously not something that is a given, never the less, you still wish for it. Stephen will always be remembered as a good friend and rugby mate.

Love from Ken, Alice, Kiera and Gemma

Dear Joan,Bruce,Lyn,Grant,Bridgette,Ross and yo,

I’m so sorry to hear the news of Steve’s passing. A good bloke, true cowboy and a great friend too all. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Our prayers are with all of you. Thinking of all the memories at the OK Corral teaching Ross and myself how to do the two step. Thanks for the laughs mate RIP Steve.

Gydie.

One of the remarkable aspects of the human soul, is to affect humanity. Those of you who were fortunate enough to experience Steve’s presence first hand are aware of this. Reading the tributes here confirms that this remarkable man has enriched many lives.

To Joan and to the entire family, I send my deepest condolences. We are all given the gift of time, some greater than others. Steve’s was far to short. His being and all it encompassed was a gift to all that knew him. But remember you were all a precious gift to him as well. Cherish the memories, and be grateful for them.

Dear Joan,

I am so sorry for your loss. Steve will be missed. The “Girls” as he always called us at DHT will never forget him.

Please call if we can help you in any way.

Love from Heather

We only met Steve a few times through our local Kettle River Stockmen’s Association, but we could tell that he was a special guy. He was the kind of person we would have liked to get to know better, but tragically his life was cut short. We are deeply saddened at the loss of such a fine young man and our prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Joan and his parents and family in New Zealand. He will be missed.

Dear Joan and family,

Please accept our condolences. We are so very sorry to here about your husband.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Our greatest sympathy.

Darlene and Roger Graham

My thoughts are with Joan and family during this hard time, Steve will be missed.

Although Steve was a member of our Association for only a few years, we all appreciated his dedication and interest in our industry. He will be truly missed in our industry. All our members join me in wishing you Joan and Steve’s family all the best in trying to cope with this devastating loss of this fine young man.

Doug Fossen President of Kettle River Stockmen’s Association

Yours sincerially Doug Fossen President of Kettle River Stockmen’s

Joan, so sorry to hear of your loss. It was a privilege to have known Steve. He was a hard working, true cowboy with a good sense of humor. Our thoughts are with you. Allan Macdonnell & family

I will always remember the “G’day Trace! How’s she goin’ today?” from Steve, and the jingle of his spurs as he entered a place I was at.

We are truly so sorry for your loss Joan. May his spirit keep you strong. All the kind words here are a testament to what a great man Steve was.

A light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.

Such a shock to hear the sad news. Steve was truly one of natures gentlemen. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Thinking of you & the family Joan. xx

Dear Joan, were very sorry to hear the news about Steve. Our thoughts are with you. Mike, Dee-Dee and Haley.

Dear Joan, sadly my time knowing you both has been short, despite this I have been truly saddened & touched by your loss. It was clear to see the love you both had for each other & you meant the world to Steve. I envied your lifestyle it seemed idyllic, a wonderful couple in a wonderful place. When I was far from my home while at Buck Lake you welcomed me into yours, to you it was just a burger & a beer to me it was far more. I will remember Steve for his sense of humour & always ready to pull my leg. A man to look up to, honest & hardworking. Take care Joan & ‘see ya later fella’

Steve Sinacola (England)

Bruce and Lyn, brothers, uncles aunties and cousins, Joan. Such a terrible thing to happen to

a wonderful family. Steve has certainly touched many hearts and his love and respect of animals is something that we lived by from our Grandparents ( Steves great grandparents)

Sending our love & sharing your grieving and memories.

Kia Ora from New Zealand.

Olive, Vaughan, Reece and Tara.

Joan, Bruce and Lyn and family,

No one can prepare you for a loss that comes so swift but knowing

that Steve will live on in the hearts and minds may comfort you during the difficult days.

Kia Kaha from Hawkes Bay NZ.

With Love Ash and Lorraine

Thoughts are with Steves wife Joan and the Gibsons in Dannevirke. Great memories of Steve and his brothers growing up in our old community of Te Rehunga. He was a great guy and his family were very proud of him. From Leah Cordell (Curry)

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you Joan and family. Steve was a great man and he will be truly missed and will always be remembered. We are thinking of you.

“He was a cowboy in the truest sense of the word”…..so true. A man with such a presence, handsome, always immaculate, gentlemanly with great wit & generosity. He followed his dreams and Joan strongly supported all the way, sharing their love for each other and the ranching lifestyle. Steve wouldn’t have it any other way but we have lost him way too soon; a huge loss to many but most importantly Joan. The last night in Aus was spent at our home, along with Steve’s dogs returning to Canada with him. These dogs were remarkable, lining up in single file to their master’s gifted whistling command. Impressive & I fell in love with ‘Mango’. So glad we got to visit you both at Buck Lake, and so disapointed you didn’t make it to the Stampede to join us. Our times shared at the Cuttings in Aus are treasured and appreciated.

Our love & deepest sympathy to you Joan and also to Steve’s parents and family.

Sally & Vince.

Joan and Steve’s Family,

Well, he was one of a kind. You would know he was there when you’d hear that drawly note in his voice and his quick laugh. A great bloke that absolutely loved what he did. We will all miss him.

God Bless

Anthony Walls

To Joan, very saddened to hear the news about Steve. Our thoughts are with you. Robyn and Xavier Haris

Dear Joan, our hearts are breaking to hear about Steve’s passing. Such a wonderful man, whom we know was your world; a perfect couple, hardworking, best friends to grow old together. No matter how many miles between us our friendship grew stronger. So many good times shared we feel privileged to call Steve our friend. Finding it hard to accept, we will miss Steve but will keep his memories with us always.

Dear Joan,

My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. Anytime… anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask my friend.

Lynnette

For three and a half years Steve and Joan made Buck Lake Ranch their home, until last fall. The sale of the purebred Angus herd led to a move to Alberta where the love Steve had for raising purebreds could continue. The many improvements and better systems that Steve put in place at Buck Lake Ranch are a legacy to his memory. Steve, your footprints are honoured and the wind that you stirred in passing through remains warm. The story that you left behind was one of integrity, honesty, hard work, great humour, passion and compassion. We pray that on your final journey you pass by Buck Lake as a welcome good spirit, dear to its heart.

Joan, may your heart be lifted knowing that the man you loved was loved by many others and was worthy of that love.

Wayne, Ava and family

Dear Joan, My thoughts have been with you all week, We were just so shocked on hearing the news of Stev’s passing, I’m so glad you have Ross there with you at this sad time and Yolande & boys with Lyn & Bruce in NZ. May you draw strength from all the thoughts and prayers being sent out to you at this time. RIP Steve.

Lorrette Vella & Family

Mackay. Qld. Australia.

Thinking of Joan and the Gibson family at this very difficult time, it’s lovely to read all these beautiful tributes, many lovely things said about a great man who was taken way too early. Gone but never forgotten! Sending our love and strength across the miles to Canada and New Zealand from your Australian in laws, the Vella family xxxx

Dear Joan,

It was heartbreaking news to hear of the loss of your husband. I never met him but he sounded like a wonderful person as you always spoke so highly of him and your life adventures together. My heart goes out to you and I sincerely hope that somewhere in all this you can find peace.

Janet Holdaway

Dear Joan, it would be futile to even attempt to capture the sorrow many of us over here in the UK are experiencing at this news. Steve was giant amongst men, a true gentleman and an unfaltering, loyal friend. You two as a couple were beyond compare. You are in are thoughts at this time. And we are here should you need us.

Hi Joan,

I was truly saddened to get this terrible news. Such a great guy. I will never forget the time that we all spent together at Buck Lake Ranch.

I wish that I had,had the opportunity to get know him better.

Love, Auret.

Joan

We were deeply saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. We always enjoyed working with Steve when he was a director of the BC Angus Association. He always conducted himself like a gentleman, was easy to get along with and fun to be around.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Lance & Jill

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Steve through the BC Angus and always enjoyed visiting with him during our meetings. May your wonderful memories keep you strong. Lynn

Dear Joan, our thoughts are with you. Steve “whiskey” was someone who was fun to be around. We had so many good times with you and Steve and remember spending Christmas with you at Cootamundra where we ate yummy food and worked our horses (what could be better on Christmas Day?) Mick said Steve walked through life to the beat of his own drum. As a result he was true to himself and his mates.

All our love Mick, Nikki, Tom and Chelsea xx

To Joan and families: we are so saddened by the sudden loss of Steve. We send our love and prayers to you all..Sincerely , The Lydiatt Family

Joan, we send our love with Gibbo to you today, and can offer you some kind of understanding of your loss. Sorry is not enough at these times. The following saying is one I love “We will never be the same as we were before this loss, but are ever so much better for having had something so great to lose.” We will always remember Steve with a smile, he was one of life’s good blokes, with a very kind & caring soul. So glad you have Gibbo coming to be with you, with much love Kels, Geoff, Britt & Tilly xox

It was with profound shock that Stephanie and I learned of Steve’s passing.

I had the good fortune to work with Steve for a number of years whilst we owned ‘Willows’ near Cootamundra, NSW, Australia. With Steve’s guidance, enthusiasm, innate skill and knowledge of cattle, and mixed farming Willows was, largely due to him, turned from a run down tired farm to what was ultimately described as one of the top privately owned cattle properties in NSW. That was fortunate for us as owners, but for me, the far more important and significant benefit was that we developed a close friendship between us. Steve was a very special person, a loyal and good friend, who was not only very much liked, but greatly respected for his sense of fairness, diligence, good humour and decency. Steve was one of those rare people who said what he meant and meant what he said, a real straight shooter.

I still have great difficulty accepting that Steve is gone, but know that although sadly missed, he will not be forgotten, and will be remembered as that wonderful fellow, with that cheeky smile, who would willingly do anything to help, with no interest in self gratification, and was capable of holding a strong view combined with a compassionate compromise.

We of course feel desperately sorry for Joan, his loving and supportive wife, his parents Bruce and Lyn, who if you meet them, immediately know why Steve was the wonderfully special person that he was, for all those other immediate members of his family, and others who were fortunate and privileged to have known this unforgettable character of a man.

We remember Steve fondly in the short time we knew him. Always friendly and with an obvious love for life. RIP Steve.

I am so sorry for your loss Joan, your husband seems like a wonderful man.

Steve I enjoyed working with you very much, your enthusaism and passion for livestock was a real pleasure to be around. I will miss the visits and my travel to the Buck Lake Ranch, Adios my friend.

Gord

No words can express sorrow and sadness; memories are gold and you will never fade. Joan, I don’t know you but you had a gem, you must be so proud x

Hi Joan,

We just want you to know that if you need anything not to hesitate to call us. Every time we saw you and Steve we left laughing about something he had said or done. He was a very special man and will be missed greatly. Please know we’re thinking of you every day and sending hugs.

Love Don and Di

Dear Joan

Thinking of you and extending to you and the family my deepest sympathies.

Love Kym

So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, he was a great man. Please let us know if you need anything.

Dustin and Marla Gonnet

So sorry to hear that. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!

Noah

I am so very sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathy to you and Steve’s parents and brothers. It has been many years since I last saw Steve but have never forgotten what a special endearing lovable guy he was. All of my family here in Kelowna cared so much for Steve and have such fond memories of him. Our sincere and deepest condolences to all of his loved ones.