My deep condolences to the Nicol family on the recent passing of Steve.
Working alongside Steve was a highlight of my time on secondment with the Water & Catchments group in DELWP; after the hard work was done, we would push back our chairs and enjoy a chat about life and the world, and I always appreciated Steve’s wisdom and outlook. With his welcoming and cheery presence, Steve had a knack of putting people at ease. During particularly stressful preparations for big Murray-Darling Basin meetings he could tell when we needed to stop and take a breather….and would regularly round up the team to go for an ice-cream on Spring St to calm down, talk to each other and re-energise.
A great loss – my thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
Our thoughts are with Jenny, Rohan and Ella and the extended Nicol family as we mourn Steve’s death
He was larger than life always engaging thoughtful and sincere.
It was beautiful ceremony and the streaming was excellent allowing us to feel part of the occasion
Our love and best wishes to you all
Steve truly was a caring and compassionate person. Always so generous, kind and ready to crack to a joke. My love to you Jenny, Rohan and Ella as I know how much he adored you all. My thoughts are with you xx
Thank you all for your lovely comments, thank you for being part of honouring Steve / Burt. May his legacy and soul live on. With Love and thanks, The Nicol Clan xo
Sincerest condolences to Jen, Rohan, Ella and the Nicol clan. My heart goes out to you. Thank you so much for sharing your stories of Steve with us all. The service was just beautiful. Such a fitting celebration of a life very well lived.
I am privileged to have worked with Steve. His passion, transparency and practicality is a wonderful legacy for the environmental water industry, which I will continue to draw strength from. Rest in peace Steve .
Farewell Steve. You always said what you thought, stood up for what you believed in, held us all accountable for the decisions we are making, and ALWAYS made sure there was time for lunch. It was an absolute pleasure working with you and getting to know you. I’ll miss our trips for afternoon ice-cream and a chat – time for the important stuff as you always said!
Steve was a lot like his old man, good with his hands and willing to give anything a go. I’m sure both of them will be giving something a crack together tonight! May his spirit live on in his family, the environment he loved and those he has touched during a life lived to the full.
What a privilege it was to work with Steve. He invested so much time in all of us that he worked with, not just as coworkers but as friends. He always took the time to talk about the world outside work (especially our families) and share a laugh. His contribution and presence will be much missed. I am so glad that we got to have one last trip to Hattah and to see his joy in the bush and his work.
Thank you for everything Steve. You have given us all so much.
What a beautiful service for a truely beautiful man. You will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Nicol family. Special love to Jen, Rohan and Ella.
What a beautiful service today remembering
Burt! Was so touching listening to all yr heartfelt stories of such an amazing man!
Steve was a legendary guy that obviously left his mark on everyone he met.
Such a beautiful family !!
Loved listening 2 yr stories about this remarkable character xx
Lots of love 2 Jen Rohan ella lizzie & ma Nichols & all u gorgeous family
Lots a love ❤❤
Our sincerest Condolences to Jenny, Rohan, Ella and their extended families. What a privilege and pleasure it has been to have Steve as a friend. Steve was always quick to crack a smile or break out in his infectious laugh. We enjoyed our chats with Steve when we picked up or dropped off Isobelle and Rohan at each others homes. Many thanks to Steve for being a brilliant role model who, with Jenny has raised an exceptional young man for our daughter to love. Rest In Peace Steve. We look forward to seeing you on the other side. Lots of love, the Watson family.
Dear Jenny
Our deepest condolences to you Ella & Rowan. Steve’s love for life and his family will be sorely missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve was a really great bloke. Rest in Peace Steve. Love Michelle Rob & Victoria
I worked with Steve as a consultant and not only was he a pleasure to work with but also cared deeply on a personal level. He spoke lovingly of his family, shared his passions and took a great interest in other people.
His smile and voice will be hard to forget! Thanks for sharing his life with those who only knew a small part of this lovely man.
Brilliant service and a fitting reminder of working with Steve all those years ago in 250 Vic pde- we had plenty of robust discussions because i could argue, swear and (not quite) drink as much as he could in those days. I’m sorry it ended early Steve – but you fitted in more than most can in a lifetime.
Steve…such a force, so passionate, loud, gruff, and so sweet, all at once. It was an honour to know and work with you. My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family.
What a privilege it has been to know Steve. Getting to know him more through today’s service only concreted my impressions of what a special person he was. He was always in for the chat and laugh. His love and pride for Jen, Rohan, Ella and the environment always shone through. Vale Steve and much love to all his family.
Steve was an amazing bloke. His passion, authenticity and infectious laugh will be deeply missed but will live on in all the lives that he inspired. Truly one of a kind. Sincere condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Ella.
Steve, in thirty years working in water I never met anyone with as much practical knowledge of rivers, people and water and how to bring them together to get outcomes for our rivers and farmers. 2020-21 was a super tough year but your courage and passion for the cause drove our team on to fight the good fight for the Goulburn and Murray Rivers and floodplains. It was an honour and a pleasure to finally get the chance to work closely with you and to get to know you. Rest peacefully, we will continue the good fight. Dear Jen, Rohan and Ella your larger-than-life husband and dad will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
To Steve’s family, I’m so sorry for your profound loss. Thanks for sharing so many lovely stories and memories of Steve. Steve was one of my first pod buddies at DSE. He was kind, welcoming and funny. I loved our chats and his insights! Some people make an impact on you in life and Steve was one of those people.
What a beautiful service and send off to Steve/Burty!
Love to Jen, Rohan, Ella, Lizzie, Ma and the whole Nicol clan.
My heart goes out to you all – what an extraordinary life he had and the joy he brought to your family.
Rest in peace Steve – hope you have had a few drinks with Pa and all those other family and friends who have passed too soon.
Such a great service, you’ve done Steve proud. I will always remember Steve for his laugh, his swearing and his ability to work hard while making it fun. You will be missed!
Thank you Jenny, Rohan, Ella and the Nicol family for sharing today. The day was always so much brighter for having a big bellowing G’day across the floor, sharing a laugh and exchanging stories. He had a way of always making you look on the positive side, which I’ll be eternally grateful for. Listening to you speak today I can see just why he was so so proud of you guys.
Steve you were an exceptional colleague with an infectious spirit and motivation, teaching me how to channel my passion and fight the good fight. I will miss your bellowing laugh, fast paced walks and cheeky, wicked humour. Thanks to his family for sharing your story today, sending my love to you all x
Dear Jenny, Rohan & Ella, deepest condolences to you all & the Nicol family. Truely a lovely service, grateful to have been able to view it. Burt such a beautiful human being!! Rest In Peace.
Vale Steve.
His passion for the environment and life was an inspiration to us; his legacy will continue to drive our work and enthusiasm.
Sincere condolences to the Nicol family. A lovely tribute to his life with what seems to be that wicked family humour.
Dear Jenny, Ella and Rohan,
The service was a beautiful tribute to Steve.
We will miss Steve dearly. His big belly laugh, cheek, and humour. We cherish his sharing of medlar fruits with us to make liqueur and jelly.
A true friend and neighbour.
Lots of love,
Maria and Marcos.
Steve was attractive for the love and joy he generated. The family life he cherished and the country he loved and cared for. Sadly missed, great memories to hold and cherish.
It was great to be part of the service for Steve, hugs to all
Leonie, Danielle, Melita, Kylie, Teresa, Luke and Paul Eastlake, and their families. Townsville
A big fella, with a big heart and an even bigger laugh – Steve was a top bloke in the true sense. We are all fortunate to have been touched by Steve’s enthusiasm, passion and generosity, and he will be greatly missed. Our love and thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends.
Steve truly was such an inspiration, it was a pleasure to have worked with him. His passion for the environment inspired those around him. He never shied away from a challenge and restoring the health of the River Murray remains a work in progress. Time would slip away as we discussed our mutual values and the need for transparency and science in delivering outcomes for the community. I will continue to persevere and put all my heart into this project, just as you did. Thank you Steve, for all those countless hours and coffees we spent chatting about life, family and work. You’ve taught me so much. Rest in peace, Steve.
What a privilege to be able to participate in this celebration of Steve’s life. Thank you to Steve’s family and friends for sharing your beautiful memories with us. Steve is gone far too soon, but he left all the people and places he touched better for having known him.
Steve’s passion for life and his devotion to things that mattered in the world was infectious. Every time we left after talking with Steve, we’d leave either smiling or laughing. His love for Jenny and pride in Rohan and Ella is what we’ll remember most. He’s one of the best and we really will miss him. Love to you Jenny, Rohan and Ella.
What a beautiful service and memories shared. Steve leaves such a legacy for Victoria’s waterways. Always a source of guidance and wisdom and never a more passionate advocate for environmental flows.
I will miss you Steve – while i wish there had been more chats, laughs, beer and coffee- i will just hold tight the memories of the ones we had ! I am sure “what would steve do/ think?” will be a very commonly used phrase in the office. Know you love of the environment lives on through all that knew you.
What a beautiful celebration of Steve’s life. What a human! He WAS larger than life and was the sort of bloke that one could rely upon. He had so many fine qualities. I’ll miss you Steve.
Deepest condolences to all Steve’s family. Steve was always so kind & welcoming at his home. I remember fondly when Jenny first told me about Steve & invited me to meet him. After seeing them together I immediately said to Jenny “Steve really likes you”… as they say the rest is history. Rest In Peace Steve
Sending our love to Jen, Rohan, and Ella and all the Nicol family. Steve has and will continue to influence the way we see the world and live our lives. He truly connected to all three of us uniquely and for that we are grateful, truly the biggest heart we have ever known. The service was a beautiful reflection of his life and we are privileged to have shared a part of it. Kennett River will always have a such a special place in our hearts because of the memories we shared with Steve and the three of you. He will be missed, lots of love Col, Nomes, and Charlotte
Dear Jen, Rohan, Ella and Nicols clan, Steve was the one who hired me at DEWLP many yrs ago and was an amazing guy to work with. I will always remember his laugh and our chats. He was a fantastic guy and so positive about everything. He will be missed. Regards, Fiona
Beautiful service for a wonderful human – Steve’s passion for rivers and the natural world was an inspiration, his hard work and dedication has left an incredible legacy
Sending lots of love to Jen, Rohan, Ella, Ma and the rest of the amazing Nicol crew. That was the most moving service I have ever seen. Steve has most definitely left an indelible mark. RIP Burt. Xx
Steve leaves an incredible legacy – what a champion bloke. He’ll be very much missed but has made such a positive impact with both the people who knew him and the environment he worked so hard to look after. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Dear Jen, Rohan and Ella. Thinking of you all at this time. What a lovely service and celebration of Steph’s life. I will always remember the great laugh and his big personality. Veronica Lanigan
Steve’s passion for life was infectious as been so well remembered by all family and friends today. A wonderful celebration of his life. I feel honoured to have known Steve. Rest In Peace Steve.
Steve was an inspiration – his gregariousness, his passion for the environment, and his tenacity and dedication. Many thanks to Steve’s family and friends for sharing their memories and stories of him.
Steve, big fella – gone way too soon. Will miss those words of wisdom and ‘that’ walk through the Kennett River caravan park. Much love to Jen, Rohan and Ella xxx
Dear Steve, that firm handshake, big smile and passionate sense of adventure will stick with me forever. Will miss you mate, thinking of Jenny, Rohan and Ella today.
Steve was a joy to work with and you always knew Steve was about by his big booming laugh. He will be really missed. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with him.
Condolences to the whole Nicol family.
Thanks for the stories and sharing them
His contributions to the aquatic environments was huge
His discussions robust and his mateship genuine
May he Rest In Peace
Goodbye Steve, I will always remember you for your happy nature, great laugh and cheeky grin. Fond memories of the drinking and camping days, and times spent around your family’s dinner table. Love Daph xx (one of the now infamous girlfriends sneaked into that Riversdale Road bedroom)
Oh Steve…Im so sorry youre not still with us. I have never worked with anyone who was such a strong, passionate and adamant defender of the environment. You have been so impressive and fearless, our waterways have been fortunate with you on their side. Miss you Steve. Miss your laugh, miss your passion.
Farewell Steve. Will miss catching up for a chat in Melbourne or on a river somewhere in the SW. You did some amazing things for water management in Victoria – especially for the South West.
Steve was great bloke who has gone too soon. His big smile and caring nature was infectious. He will be sorely missed by the river health industry. My deepest sympathies to his family.
I am so very sorry for your loss Jen, Rohan and Ella. I remember Steve taking me to my first external meeting in 2010 as I started with the department. At work, Steve treated his colleagues with respect irrespective of their rank or status. He was genuine, honest and frank, always. Often, we could hear his laugh across the floor. Steve was also very joyful. I will miss Steve.
Sending my condolences to Steve’s family and friends. He was such a passionate person and made a huge positive difference to Victoria’s waterways. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. Rest in Peace Steve.
My sincere condolences to the Nicol family.
Steve was a great man, an all rounder, passionate, caring, fun loving and of great integrity.
I really enjoyed working with him back in the day when he was at Melbourne Water.
RIP mate!
Steve has gone too soon. Thoughts are with family and friends.
His legacy will live on from his incredible influencing and making this happen.
Thank you for making a difference.
My thoughts go out to the Nicol family and friends. Hats off to a life well lived and goodbye to an amazing man who made a difference. Your contribution to the water industry will always be remembered.
Steve was a larger than life character, and his passion for his work was inspirational. Heartfelt condolences to all of Steve’s family and friends. He will be hugely missed.
Both Pete Bowen and myself have many fond memories of Steve during his time as a Hydrographer at Gisborne. He had an infectious personality and was full of life which rubbed of onto our work team and made a great working environment. I considered him a mate and will miss him dearly. Best regards to his family through this difficult time.
I’d often travel with Steve and a couple of others on the train back to the Macedon Ranges after work. Walking with Steve across the CBD from our office to Southern Cross Station was my idea of a ‘hell walk’ – practically running to keep up with him, conceal the fact I was puffing, and act like I found it as easy as he did! It was always good to talk with him about work, and hear his love for Jen, Rohan and Ella when he talked about his family. Steve was a rough diamond, a genuinely lovely person, and so fit he seemed immortal. He is irreplaceable in Water and Catchments and I will miss him.
Thoughts and love to the Nicol family. What a great guy Steve was. You won’t meet a more passionate person who trail blazed water for the environment and stood by his beliefs. Had some great times and many laughs in his days at Melb Water. Blessed for having had the opportunity to know him. Rest in Peace Steve.
Steve was great work colleague and friend – Always ready with sensible and practical advice. He also had a great knack coming up with very apt knick-names for those we worked with. His wonderful laugh and sense of humour will be sorely missed. My deepest commiserations to the Nicol Family and close friends.
Many wonderful memories of Steve, my life is richer for our paths having crossed. My condolences to his family & all that had the privilege of knowing and loving him…
Steve taught me so much about rivers and the people who live along and love them. His ability to build connections and forge coalitions to protect the places we love was extraordinary – as was his ability to hold us all to account if things went wrong! He made a huge difference to rivers across the state, and inspired a generation of river protectors. Sending much love to Jen, Rohan and Ella. Your dad was special for so many reasons, and so many people are so grateful to know him.
Steve has been taken from his family and from us way too soon. He lived life to the full including his passion of caring for and protecting the environment. His enthusiasm, dedication, and skill set has been a key contribution to the foundations of environmental protection of rivers in Victoria. His legacy will live on in his achievements and those he has touched.
Thinking of you all with the utmost of respect and love. My heart goes out to the Nicol family , and a special hug to Simon who must be feeling it from afar. I’ve been part of this family for 32 years , from the moment I met Liz , my very special best friend.
All my love to you all . The sadness you feel is felt by all of those who love you.
Blow Steve a kiss from me please.
Love Suzanne xxx
Steve’s passion, kindness & generosity touched everyone around him. You wouldn’t meet a more genuine & caring person. I am a better person for having known him. Rest in peace, Steve.
Steven has been a blast of sunshine through our working careers; when I think of him I think of a cheeky smile and a bellowing laugh – or Steve on his bike with his climbing ropers in the back. Mate you will be sorely missed but your passion has left its legacy and will live on. Rest in Peace.
My deep condolences to the Nicol family on the recent passing of Steve.
Working alongside Steve was a highlight of my time on secondment with the Water & Catchments group in DELWP; after the hard work was done, we would push back our chairs and enjoy a chat about life and the world, and I always appreciated Steve’s wisdom and outlook. With his welcoming and cheery presence, Steve had a knack of putting people at ease. During particularly stressful preparations for big Murray-Darling Basin meetings he could tell when we needed to stop and take a breather….and would regularly round up the team to go for an ice-cream on Spring St to calm down, talk to each other and re-energise.
A great loss – my thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
Our thoughts are with Jenny, Rohan and Ella and the extended Nicol family as we mourn Steve’s death
He was larger than life always engaging thoughtful and sincere.
It was beautiful ceremony and the streaming was excellent allowing us to feel part of the occasion
Our love and best wishes to you all
A very fitting tribute to our wonderful cousin. You were larger than life Steve, and you will be missed. May you rest in peace xxx
Steve truly was a caring and compassionate person. Always so generous, kind and ready to crack to a joke. My love to you Jenny, Rohan and Ella as I know how much he adored you all. My thoughts are with you xx
Thank you all for your lovely comments, thank you for being part of honouring Steve / Burt. May his legacy and soul live on. With Love and thanks, The Nicol Clan xo
Sincerest condolences to Jen, Rohan, Ella and the Nicol clan. My heart goes out to you. Thank you so much for sharing your stories of Steve with us all. The service was just beautiful. Such a fitting celebration of a life very well lived.
I am privileged to have worked with Steve. His passion, transparency and practicality is a wonderful legacy for the environmental water industry, which I will continue to draw strength from. Rest in peace Steve .
Farewell Steve. You always said what you thought, stood up for what you believed in, held us all accountable for the decisions we are making, and ALWAYS made sure there was time for lunch. It was an absolute pleasure working with you and getting to know you. I’ll miss our trips for afternoon ice-cream and a chat – time for the important stuff as you always said!
What a beautiful service to celebrate your life.
Steve was a lot like his old man, good with his hands and willing to give anything a go. I’m sure both of them will be giving something a crack together tonight! May his spirit live on in his family, the environment he loved and those he has touched during a life lived to the full.
What a privilege it was to work with Steve. He invested so much time in all of us that he worked with, not just as coworkers but as friends. He always took the time to talk about the world outside work (especially our families) and share a laugh. His contribution and presence will be much missed. I am so glad that we got to have one last trip to Hattah and to see his joy in the bush and his work.
Thank you for everything Steve. You have given us all so much.
What a beautiful service for a truely beautiful man. You will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Nicol family. Special love to Jen, Rohan and Ella.
Tony & Debbie Brancatisano & family xx
Steve it was a privilege to know you and to spend time with you and your family. A genuine, kind and fun loving bloke who made time for everyone.
Thinking of Jenny, Rohan & Ella during this time.
What a beautiful service today remembering
Burt! Was so touching listening to all yr heartfelt stories of such an amazing man!
Steve was a legendary guy that obviously left his mark on everyone he met.
Such a beautiful family !!
Loved listening 2 yr stories about this remarkable character xx
Lots of love 2 Jen Rohan ella lizzie & ma Nichols & all u gorgeous family
Lots a love ❤❤
Our sincerest Condolences to Jenny, Rohan, Ella and their extended families. What a privilege and pleasure it has been to have Steve as a friend. Steve was always quick to crack a smile or break out in his infectious laugh. We enjoyed our chats with Steve when we picked up or dropped off Isobelle and Rohan at each others homes. Many thanks to Steve for being a brilliant role model who, with Jenny has raised an exceptional young man for our daughter to love. Rest In Peace Steve. We look forward to seeing you on the other side. Lots of love, the Watson family.
Steve was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Thank you to Steve’s family and friends for sharing your memories
Dear Jenny
Our deepest condolences to you Ella & Rowan. Steve’s love for life and his family will be sorely missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Steve was a really great bloke. Rest in Peace Steve. Love Michelle Rob & Victoria
I worked with Steve as a consultant and not only was he a pleasure to work with but also cared deeply on a personal level. He spoke lovingly of his family, shared his passions and took a great interest in other people.
His smile and voice will be hard to forget! Thanks for sharing his life with those who only knew a small part of this lovely man.
Beautiful service, Love to you all.
Brilliant service and a fitting reminder of working with Steve all those years ago in 250 Vic pde- we had plenty of robust discussions because i could argue, swear and (not quite) drink as much as he could in those days. I’m sorry it ended early Steve – but you fitted in more than most can in a lifetime.
Steve…such a force, so passionate, loud, gruff, and so sweet, all at once. It was an honour to know and work with you. My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family.
What a privilege it has been to know Steve. Getting to know him more through today’s service only concreted my impressions of what a special person he was. He was always in for the chat and laugh. His love and pride for Jen, Rohan, Ella and the environment always shone through. Vale Steve and much love to all his family.
Steve was an amazing bloke. His passion, authenticity and infectious laugh will be deeply missed but will live on in all the lives that he inspired. Truly one of a kind. Sincere condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Ella.
Steve, in thirty years working in water I never met anyone with as much practical knowledge of rivers, people and water and how to bring them together to get outcomes for our rivers and farmers. 2020-21 was a super tough year but your courage and passion for the cause drove our team on to fight the good fight for the Goulburn and Murray Rivers and floodplains. It was an honour and a pleasure to finally get the chance to work closely with you and to get to know you. Rest peacefully, we will continue the good fight. Dear Jen, Rohan and Ella your larger-than-life husband and dad will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
To Steve’s family, I’m so sorry for your profound loss. Thanks for sharing so many lovely stories and memories of Steve. Steve was one of my first pod buddies at DSE. He was kind, welcoming and funny. I loved our chats and his insights! Some people make an impact on you in life and Steve was one of those people.
What a beautiful service and send off to Steve/Burty!
Love to Jen, Rohan, Ella, Lizzie, Ma and the whole Nicol clan.
My heart goes out to you all – what an extraordinary life he had and the joy he brought to your family.
Rest in peace Steve – hope you have had a few drinks with Pa and all those other family and friends who have passed too soon.
Lots of love
FiFi
xxxxx
Our deepest condolences to all the Nicol family
Rest in Peace Steve (Bert)
Such a great service, you’ve done Steve proud. I will always remember Steve for his laugh, his swearing and his ability to work hard while making it fun. You will be missed!
Thinking of you Ella, Jenny and Rohan.
It was a pleasure to know Steve and his funny personality.
Alison
Thank you Jenny, Rohan, Ella and the Nicol family for sharing today. The day was always so much brighter for having a big bellowing G’day across the floor, sharing a laugh and exchanging stories. He had a way of always making you look on the positive side, which I’ll be eternally grateful for. Listening to you speak today I can see just why he was so so proud of you guys.
Steve you were an exceptional colleague with an infectious spirit and motivation, teaching me how to channel my passion and fight the good fight. I will miss your bellowing laugh, fast paced walks and cheeky, wicked humour. Thanks to his family for sharing your story today, sending my love to you all x
Dear Jenny, Rohan & Ella, deepest condolences to you all & the Nicol family. Truely a lovely service, grateful to have been able to view it. Burt such a beautiful human being!! Rest In Peace.
Vale Steve.
His passion for the environment and life was an inspiration to us; his legacy will continue to drive our work and enthusiasm.
Sincere condolences to the Nicol family. A lovely tribute to his life with what seems to be that wicked family humour.
Dear Jenny, Ella and Rohan,
The service was a beautiful tribute to Steve.
We will miss Steve dearly. His big belly laugh, cheek, and humour. We cherish his sharing of medlar fruits with us to make liqueur and jelly.
A true friend and neighbour.
Lots of love,
Maria and Marcos.
Steve was attractive for the love and joy he generated. The family life he cherished and the country he loved and cared for. Sadly missed, great memories to hold and cherish.
It was great to be part of the service for Steve, hugs to all
Leonie, Danielle, Melita, Kylie, Teresa, Luke and Paul Eastlake, and their families. Townsville
A big fella, with a big heart and an even bigger laugh – Steve was a top bloke in the true sense. We are all fortunate to have been touched by Steve’s enthusiasm, passion and generosity, and he will be greatly missed. Our love and thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends.
A beautiful service for a beautiful man who had such an impact on so many of us.
All our love to Jenny, Rohan, Ella & the Nicol family
Rest In Peace Steve
Steve truly was such an inspiration, it was a pleasure to have worked with him. His passion for the environment inspired those around him. He never shied away from a challenge and restoring the health of the River Murray remains a work in progress. Time would slip away as we discussed our mutual values and the need for transparency and science in delivering outcomes for the community. I will continue to persevere and put all my heart into this project, just as you did. Thank you Steve, for all those countless hours and coffees we spent chatting about life, family and work. You’ve taught me so much. Rest in peace, Steve.
What a privilege to be able to participate in this celebration of Steve’s life. Thank you to Steve’s family and friends for sharing your beautiful memories with us. Steve is gone far too soon, but he left all the people and places he touched better for having known him.
Steve’s passion for life and his devotion to things that mattered in the world was infectious. Every time we left after talking with Steve, we’d leave either smiling or laughing. His love for Jenny and pride in Rohan and Ella is what we’ll remember most. He’s one of the best and we really will miss him. Love to you Jenny, Rohan and Ella.
My condolences to Jen, Rowan and Ella,
What a beautiful service and memories shared. Steve leaves such a legacy for Victoria’s waterways. Always a source of guidance and wisdom and never a more passionate advocate for environmental flows.
I will miss you , Love John
was and always will be in my heart, claire bear
My thoughts with you all. Send off as natural as Steve.
I will miss you Steve – while i wish there had been more chats, laughs, beer and coffee- i will just hold tight the memories of the ones we had ! I am sure “what would steve do/ think?” will be a very commonly used phrase in the office. Know you love of the environment lives on through all that knew you.
What a beautiful celebration of Steve’s life. What a human! He WAS larger than life and was the sort of bloke that one could rely upon. He had so many fine qualities. I’ll miss you Steve.
Deepest condolences to all Steve’s family. Steve was always so kind & welcoming at his home. I remember fondly when Jenny first told me about Steve & invited me to meet him. After seeing them together I immediately said to Jenny “Steve really likes you”… as they say the rest is history. Rest In Peace Steve
Such a beautiful service. We’re thinking of you all
Rest in Peace Steve
Megan, Steve, Marcus, Cooper and Hunter
Such a beautiful service. Everyone spoke so eloquently. RIP Steve. Our deepest thoughts are with you all. Love Tracey, Mika and the Calnan Family
Steve was willing to welcome me and share his knowledge of and passion for Water and Catchment management. I will be forever thankful.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Steve.
Sending our love to Jen, Rohan, and Ella and all the Nicol family. Steve has and will continue to influence the way we see the world and live our lives. He truly connected to all three of us uniquely and for that we are grateful, truly the biggest heart we have ever known. The service was a beautiful reflection of his life and we are privileged to have shared a part of it. Kennett River will always have a such a special place in our hearts because of the memories we shared with Steve and the three of you. He will be missed, lots of love Col, Nomes, and Charlotte
Dear Jen, Rohan, Ella and Nicols clan, Steve was the one who hired me at DEWLP many yrs ago and was an amazing guy to work with. I will always remember his laugh and our chats. He was a fantastic guy and so positive about everything. He will be missed. Regards, Fiona
Farewell Steve, we will miss the big laugh and also seeing you around town.
Mortimer family
Beautiful service for a wonderful human – Steve’s passion for rivers and the natural world was an inspiration, his hard work and dedication has left an incredible legacy
Condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Ella. We will miss Steve’s big grin and hearty laugh.
Martin and Hayley
Sending lots of love to Jen, Rohan, Ella, Ma and the rest of the amazing Nicol crew. That was the most moving service I have ever seen. Steve has most definitely left an indelible mark. RIP Burt. Xx
Such a beautiful service. Thinking of you guys today and always. Love you all
Sending love to the Nicol Family.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.
Love
Amanda Fairbairn
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man.
Steve leaves an incredible legacy – what a champion bloke. He’ll be very much missed but has made such a positive impact with both the people who knew him and the environment he worked so hard to look after. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
A beautiful service for a beautiful man. xo
Dear Jenny, Rohan and Ella,
Such a beautiful tribute to Steve.
My thoughts are with you and your extended family,
Melanie Tranter
Thinking of Jenny, Rowan, Ella and Steve’s extended family. Our condolences.
From the Stockdales
Dear Jen, Rohan and Ella. Thinking of you all at this time. What a lovely service and celebration of Steph’s life. I will always remember the great laugh and his big personality. Veronica Lanigan
Steve’s passion for life was infectious as been so well remembered by all family and friends today. A wonderful celebration of his life. I feel honoured to have known Steve. Rest In Peace Steve.
I am so sorry for your loss Jen, Rohan and Ella. Steve was such a joyful, genuine and honest person. I will miss him. RIP Steve.
Fond memories. A sad loss.
Steve was an inspiration – his gregariousness, his passion for the environment, and his tenacity and dedication. Many thanks to Steve’s family and friends for sharing their memories and stories of him.
Steve, big fella – gone way too soon. Will miss those words of wisdom and ‘that’ walk through the Kennett River caravan park. Much love to Jen, Rohan and Ella xxx
Dear Steve, that firm handshake, big smile and passionate sense of adventure will stick with me forever. Will miss you mate, thinking of Jenny, Rohan and Ella today.
Steve was a joy to work with and you always knew Steve was about by his big booming laugh. He will be really missed. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with him.
Steve leaves an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many. What an incredible guy that we were all lucky to know
What a wonderful service and beautiful tribute to Steve – a great guy.
Condolences to the whole Nicol family.
Thanks for the stories and sharing them
His contributions to the aquatic environments was huge
His discussions robust and his mateship genuine
May he Rest In Peace
John K
Goodbye Steve, I will always remember you for your happy nature, great laugh and cheeky grin. Fond memories of the drinking and camping days, and times spent around your family’s dinner table. Love Daph xx (one of the now infamous girlfriends sneaked into that Riversdale Road bedroom)
Forever remembered, forever missed.
Wonderful Celebration of Steve’s life.
Any older brother that gets their younger brothers a Kenner Alien doll is a legend in anyone’s book.
RIP
Condolences to Jenny, Rohan and Ella on the passing of Steve. RIP in peace Steve.
Craig Shore and Family.
Oh Steve…Im so sorry youre not still with us. I have never worked with anyone who was such a strong, passionate and adamant defender of the environment. You have been so impressive and fearless, our waterways have been fortunate with you on their side. Miss you Steve. Miss your laugh, miss your passion.
Farewell Steve. Will miss catching up for a chat in Melbourne or on a river somewhere in the SW. You did some amazing things for water management in Victoria – especially for the South West.
Steve was great bloke who has gone too soon. His big smile and caring nature was infectious. He will be sorely missed by the river health industry. My deepest sympathies to his family.
I am so very sorry for your loss Jen, Rohan and Ella. I remember Steve taking me to my first external meeting in 2010 as I started with the department. At work, Steve treated his colleagues with respect irrespective of their rank or status. He was genuine, honest and frank, always. Often, we could hear his laugh across the floor. Steve was also very joyful. I will miss Steve.
Sending my condolences to Steve’s family and friends. He was such a passionate person and made a huge positive difference to Victoria’s waterways. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. Rest in Peace Steve.
My sincere condolences to the Nicol family.
Steve was a great man, an all rounder, passionate, caring, fun loving and of great integrity.
I really enjoyed working with him back in the day when he was at Melbourne Water.
RIP mate!
Steve has gone too soon. Thoughts are with family and friends.
His legacy will live on from his incredible influencing and making this happen.
Thank you for making a difference.
My thoughts go out to the Nicol family and friends. Hats off to a life well lived and goodbye to an amazing man who made a difference. Your contribution to the water industry will always be remembered.
You will be missed, as a friend and collogue.
Steve was a larger than life character, and his passion for his work was inspirational. Heartfelt condolences to all of Steve’s family and friends. He will be hugely missed.
Sending love and my condolences on your loss Jenny and family.
Both Pete Bowen and myself have many fond memories of Steve during his time as a Hydrographer at Gisborne. He had an infectious personality and was full of life which rubbed of onto our work team and made a great working environment. I considered him a mate and will miss him dearly. Best regards to his family through this difficult time.
Steve, I will miss your big heart, big laugh and big hugs. Glad to have worked with you, drank with you and known you xxx
I’d often travel with Steve and a couple of others on the train back to the Macedon Ranges after work. Walking with Steve across the CBD from our office to Southern Cross Station was my idea of a ‘hell walk’ – practically running to keep up with him, conceal the fact I was puffing, and act like I found it as easy as he did! It was always good to talk with him about work, and hear his love for Jen, Rohan and Ella when he talked about his family. Steve was a rough diamond, a genuinely lovely person, and so fit he seemed immortal. He is irreplaceable in Water and Catchments and I will miss him.
My heart goes out to Steve’s family. He will be greatly missed.
Thoughts and love to the Nicol family. What a great guy Steve was. You won’t meet a more passionate person who trail blazed water for the environment and stood by his beliefs. Had some great times and many laughs in his days at Melb Water. Blessed for having had the opportunity to know him. Rest in Peace Steve.
Steve was great work colleague and friend – Always ready with sensible and practical advice. He also had a great knack coming up with very apt knick-names for those we worked with. His wonderful laugh and sense of humour will be sorely missed. My deepest commiserations to the Nicol Family and close friends.
Many wonderful memories of Steve, my life is richer for our paths having crossed. My condolences to his family & all that had the privilege of knowing and loving him…
Steve taught me so much about rivers and the people who live along and love them. His ability to build connections and forge coalitions to protect the places we love was extraordinary – as was his ability to hold us all to account if things went wrong! He made a huge difference to rivers across the state, and inspired a generation of river protectors. Sending much love to Jen, Rohan and Ella. Your dad was special for so many reasons, and so many people are so grateful to know him.
Steve has been taken from his family and from us way too soon. He lived life to the full including his passion of caring for and protecting the environment. His enthusiasm, dedication, and skill set has been a key contribution to the foundations of environmental protection of rivers in Victoria. His legacy will live on in his achievements and those he has touched.
Thinking of you all with the utmost of respect and love. My heart goes out to the Nicol family , and a special hug to Simon who must be feeling it from afar. I’ve been part of this family for 32 years , from the moment I met Liz , my very special best friend.
All my love to you all . The sadness you feel is felt by all of those who love you.
Blow Steve a kiss from me please.
Love Suzanne xxx
Steve’s passion, kindness & generosity touched everyone around him. You wouldn’t meet a more genuine & caring person. I am a better person for having known him. Rest in peace, Steve.
Steven has been a blast of sunshine through our working careers; when I think of him I think of a cheeky smile and a bellowing laugh – or Steve on his bike with his climbing ropers in the back. Mate you will be sorely missed but your passion has left its legacy and will live on. Rest in Peace.