You often hear tributes like this when a person dies, but it couldn't be truer in Steve's case.  He was the best civil servant I have worked with.  I take some comfort from the fact that he was so excellent, so admired, and so loved, that I must have told him (and others) a dozen times what a real legend he was.  

Of the many times I can think of that Steve was being his brilliant and understated self, a particular time stands out when I was in Norman Baker's office.  We had a visit planned for an important announcement the next day.  I checked the briefing too late and realised it was all wrong and didn't give us what we needed.  Even though it wasn't his responsibility, Steve somehow knew and called me after everyone else had gone home to check if everything was ok and what else I needed. He got on to it straight away and managed to put it all right.  I was so stressed I could have (and knowing me probably did) wept.  There was something important I was meant to do first thing the next morning as part of the visit (I forget what).  It wasn't his visit, but Steve called me at 8am to remind me (I had forgotten).  I can't think of a single other person who would do that, just to help you out.  

The saddest day.  I'll miss you Steve. x