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115 comments on “Stephen Russell”

  1. To Srephens . Dearest mum Sylvia and Lisa my heart goes out to u both on the loss of your beautiful
    Son Stephen (and brother) ma you find the peace u both deserve r.i.p. Joanie smith

  2. A beautiful tribute to a great guy and all round top bloke.
    Condolences to you dear Sandy, your boys and to my dear friend Dave who I know will feel very hollow for a long time. You all did Steve proud with this wonderful send off.
    Rest easy Steve.
    Much love from Connie.

  3. Goodbye mate… you were one of my oldest and dearest friends. Maria and I will miss you and your cheeky grin. I know we were both busy with family, work and life in general over the years but I often thought of you. When we would catch up it would be like old times again.
    So many memories of great chats and adventures to come when we were young. I remember you showing me your new Raleigh Racer for the first time…gleaming and new it was a beautiful bike.
    We would watch Hawaii 5-0 at your place in Warranwood….we thought Steve McGarret was a legend. Family gatherings at Police picnics. Our shared love of music, we had many chats about bands you were first to show me the wonderous sounds of AC/DC’s TNT when it first came out, Status Quo, Australian Crawl…you were usually at the cutting edge of new music. The excitement of going out to see live bands like Wendy and the Rockets. Trips up to our place in the mountains to play war with me and my brothers…you would stay over and we would never get much sleep. I know if we were able to talk about the old times now you would be smiling. I’ll never forget you mate. Love Derek and Maria.

  4. What a beautiful service for a beautiful, caring soul. A True celebration of a life full of love and adventure. So many treasured memories to hold forever. We were so blessed to have been lucky enough to move in next door over 20 years ago. Thinking of you all and sending you all our love and support ,
    Deb, Paul, Molly and Maisey xo

  5. Sandy, Jayden & Brett

    I’m so sorry for your loss. We all loved working with Steve and will miss him terribly in the newsroom. He was a brilliant cameraman and just a great person to be around.

    Thinking of you all,

    Alicia

  6. Thinking of you Jayden, Brett & Sandy, you have given Steve a lovely send off. The Memories will be forever in your hearts
    Deb & Dave Hare

  7. Beautiful service for all wonderful man. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. My love to Sandy Brett Hayden and Miss xx

  8. To Sandy, Brett and Jayden, never a easy task when this is presented to you, but listening to the three of you speak about Steve today, showed what he meant as a husband and father to each of you individually, and thank you for sharing some special memories from each of you
    For such a shining light to be taken away far to young is a tragedy for you, and everyone who knew and respected Steve, and for those lucky enough to have been touched by Steve’s presence whether it was at work, or doing crazy things years ago, not only has your family lost the most important person to all of you, the rest of us has lost someone who was a inspiration.
    Soapy, you may be gone, but for all of us, you will never be forgotten.
    R.I.P

  9. Steve, a ripper bloke that had a lot to complain about but never did, miss our chats on solving the magpies problems

  10. A beautiful service. Wonderful words from Sandy, Brett and Jayden. And such a special friendship between Steve and David. Those memories shared were so touching. Steve was such a sweet guy.

    Robyn (Rohan’s sister)

  11. Dear Sandy, Brett and Jayden,

    What a beautiful service for a beautiful husband and father. My condolences to you all.

  12. Sandy my thoughts are with you and your boys today . Steve was so proud of Jayden and Brett Im so glad that steve was part of the story in my life .Steve and i started the same year at gtv 36 six years ago and where has that time gone so Glad to have worked with him. But more so to have known steve . he never complained he just got on with it I will miss you steve but i wont forget you . RIP Brad and melody

  13. Dear Sandy, what a lovely & memorable tribute to Steve.As you have said “ Steve is my Rock” and from those great photos and stories I can see why. Loved his spirt of Adventure, which seems to follow on with Brett & Jayden. He is now in the breeze. Love to you all. Pam & Barry McKeown

  14. Dear Sylvia & Lisa,
    you have both been so brave, especially this last few months with supporting Stephen by phone when COVID rules wouldn’t allow you to visit.
    Our hearts hurt for you both.
    Stephen is now free of all pain.

  15. A fitting and touching send off for a great guy. From the the time he started as a sound assistant, Steve was a committed professional. It did not surprise me that he would become a great cameraman as well.

    After listening to the testimonials, especially as they related to his family, my estimation of him could not be higher. My condolences to Sandy and the boys. Paul Fuller.

  16. Dear Sandy – I’m crying. That was a beautiful loving tribute to Steve and you did so very well with your part. I’m proud of you. Brett and Jayden have grown to tall, handsome, strong and caring young men and I would say that a lot of that is down to Steve. You must be very proud of them. They are like him in so many ways and a lot of him will live on in them. They will always carry his principles and values and support and love you forever. Take care and I hope to be able to see you soon. Love always, Susan

  17. Dear Sandy, Brett and Jayden,

    Thanks for sharing such a fitting farewell for a much loved man.

    Many of us in the GTV9 Newsroom were watching and we are thinking of you all.

    Deepest Condolences,

    Hugh Nailon

  18. Such a beautiful service. All the strength and love to you all for the following days and weeks. Thinking of you Sandy and family. xx

  19. Dear Sandy, Brett and Jayden my heart goes out to you. A beautiful service for a beautiful man.
    Thank you for sharing your memories of Steve, you all did a fantastic job.
    Steve will be greatly missed and it was a privilege to have known him.
    love and hugs
    Sue xxx

  20. Beautiful service!! Sending you all so much love through this tough time. You’ll spoke so well. What a send off love Eb, Griff, Charlotte, Danny, Tay & Scott xxxx

  21. A good and decent man who was always great company out on the road. Sadly missed but fondly respected and remembered. My sympathies and best wishes to all of Steve’s loved ones.

  22. Dear Sandra, Jayden, Brett & Miss, what a lovely celebration of life for Steve, a beautiful caring soul who will be surely missed by us.

    Steve, fly high and enjoy those beers with Dad at the 19th tee with love Mum/Grandma & Aunty Al X

  23. What a lovely service — Lots of great memories and experiences over many years. We hadn’t known Steve for very long, and only wished it could have been much longer. Our deepest thoughts are with Sandy, Brett, Jayden and Miss. RIP Steve.

  24. I worked for many happy years with Steve at channel nine .
    My thoughts are with you and your family, Sandy.

  25. Sandy, Brett and Jayden, what a beautiful send off. Sandy your speech was beautiful and boys you did an amazing job, your dad would be so proud of you both. Last night I walked past GTV 9 in Richmond and reflected on how much time Steve and all of us other channel 9 people spent together over the years, each hearing about milestones in each others lives, marriages, children born, adventures had. It made me think how much laughter and fun we had…..most of the time. Of course there were challenging and frustrating times working in a pretty dynamic environment, but I never recall Steve getting angry, he would just get on with it…normally with a laugh and a smile. Some great memories of motor bike riding and camping up at Walhalla, so much fun and lots of laughs, we all relived the moments for years to come and we still laughed and hung it on each other pretty thick.
    If I had to think of one word to describe Steve, it would be decent. He always was and never changed. I hope he achieved all he wanted to in life, by the looks of things at his service he did that and then some, we can all take inspiration from that.
    Farewell Steve. May the sun be shining, the roads of a mountain winding and no cars or speed limits to watch out for.
    Brendan.

  26. Many great memories working and riding dirt bikes with Steve. Rest in peace, mate.
    Condolences to the Sandy and boys.

  27. The service was a great insight to a loving and caring gentleman. It was a great pleasure to work out in field as he was always friendly and a great cameraman. We always had a good laugh even at the expense of my beloved Saints. A true gentleman in every sense.

  28. A beautiful service for a beautiful man. May Steve rest in paradise.
    Thinking of Sandy, Brett, Jayden and all Steve’s family and friends.
    It was an honour to have Steve in my life.

    With love,
    Steven

  29. It was privilege to know you Steven. A great a great man who was loved by many. Thanks for your guidance and laughs over the years. Always remembered and never to be forgotten.
    Simon Fuller

  30. Sending so much love and strength to you Sandy, Brett and Jayden. You have celebrated Steve in the most beautiful way – with love, laughter and a touch of his beloved Collingwood. xxx

  31. To sandy & family, sincere condolences for our mate Steve. He was a great friend & colleague
    of 35 years- he will be sadly missed – Aldo Greco GTV 9 News Links Department.

  32. A privilege to have known Steve ‘on the road’ covering news stories over many years. Always great company, knowledgeable, respectful & a great sense of humour.
    Wonderful tribute to a real gentleman.
    Condolences to his family and friends.

    1. Such a beautiful service.

      We have so many wonderful memories growing up with Steve, Sandy, Brett & Jayden.
      Steve will be greatly missed.
      All our love,
      Claire, Matt & Georgia

  33. Thank you for sharing the service.

    Steve was the first person I was assigned to work with at channel 9 when I started in 2000 when I was 17.
    I really had no idea what I was doing but Steve helped me through it all and was always Super freindly, really understanding and patient With me.
    He was a great friend and work colleague. I loved the conversations we had at work. Every time I saw him we just talked about motorbikes, racing, surfing, fishing etc.
    A truely wonderful person.
    Condolences to the Russell family.
    Farewell mate.

  34. Dear Sandy, Brett, Jayden and Miss,
    Thank you for your wonderful sharing, Sandy, Brett and Jayden. It was very special to hear your words. Also thank you for the photo presentation which brought back beautiful memories for you of a great husband, dad and a true gentleman. It is special to know your family and to have known Steve. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
    Love from, Lynne, Les and the Sykes family

  35. Beautiful service, what a wonderful way to say goodbye to an amazing guy.
    Someone so special will never be forgotten.
    RIP Steve
    Our Deepest sympathy to Sandy, Brett, Jayden and Miss

  36. Thanks Steve for your support and friendship over 30+ years. You fought the good fight and never complained, even when facing the unimaginable. It was a privilege to know and work side by side with you. Ride with the wind mate.

  37. Beautiful service for a great man who truly lived an amazing life. He will be greatly missed.

    Sending love to you all xx

  38. On behalf of the Channel 10 News Camera boys I would like to pass on our condolences to Steve’s family, I’ll miss our catch-ups out on the road we shared over the past 30 years, RIP mate.

  39. Deepest respect and love to a good man and his loving family. Thankyou for being who you were Steve. I feel grateful to have shared so many wonderful memories today. Andy Butt.

  40. That was beautiful Sandy. You and the boys did a great job.
    Forever in our hearts.
    Love Nic, Daz, Jess and Zoe xxx

  41. Thinking of you and extending deepest sympathy. Steve was a wonderful colleague, and it’s a privilege to have known him.

  42. Oh Sandy, how I wish I could be by your side right now hugging the stuffing out of you! You spoke so beautifully and courageously, as did Jayden and Brett. It was a heartfelt and beautiful service and Steve would have been so proud of you all.
    Fly free Steve, your pain is gone.
    Sending you so much love
    Karen xxx

  43. A very sensitive service for a wonderful man. Sandy, Brett and Jayden were amazing. Heartfelt condolences to you all. Always here to support you.
    With Love,
    Deb and Greg Smith.

  44. all my love to Sandy, Brett and Jayden..

    Steve was one of the very best to work with.. crew car conversations always turned to his boys. He was so proud and it was clear to see what a wonderful dad he was. I’ll miss him.
    Justine

  45. A beautiful service, with some gorgeous memories of Steve. Thinking of you Sandy, Brett and Jayden.
    May you Rest In Peace Steve. It was a privilege to have known you.

  46. Very sad to hear of Steve’s passing. It was always a pleasure to have him along in the chopper at nine, he always was so level headed, just got the job done, and a few laughs along the way. He has produced two fine young men and must have been so proud of them. Condolences to Sandy and boys, RIP mate.

  47. One of the best blokes I had the pleasure of knowing. Rest In Peace Steve.
    Will always be here for you Russ, Sandy, Brett and family

  48. On behalf of the Clarke family, we are sorry for your loss. Steve was a great friend, a man of great character and someone that will be sorely missed by so many people. It was a lovely service and a fitting way to celebrate the life of a man who lived every moment to its fullest.

  49. It was a beautiful service and wonderful tribute to Steve, he would be so proud of you all.Sending you love and hugs

  50. My deepest condolences for you all today, he was gone too soon but would be so proud and grateful for you all
    Lots of love and hugs <3

  51. Thank you Sandy, Brett & Jayden for including us to view Stephen’s service, it was a wonderful tribute to an amazing man.
    He would be so proud of you all.
    Judy Ball & Melinda Walker

  52. Sandy, Brett and Jayden, what a beautiful service and tribute to your amazing husband and father. He would be so proud.
    I was lucky to have met Steve on several occasions at Ringwood Private and of course through you Sandy. He was a lovely man and I know how much he will be missed.
    My love to you all at this terrible time, you are all in my thoughts, including Miss and all of Steve’s family, friends and colleagues. Much love Lisa xxx

  53. That was a beautiful service for such an amazing man. I was extremely lucky to have had Steve in my life, more recently doing up the backyard at the family home with him will be a memory I will forever keep close to me.
    Sending all my love.

  54. It was good to be part of the service and sharing loving memories of Stephen.
    David and Helen (UK)

  55. Thinking of you today Sandy as I watch this beautiful service for Steve. Lots of love to you and your family xxx

  56. Wishing I could be there for you all today, and so sorry that during these times I couldn’t but from watching online there was SO many people who’s lives Steve touched. You all did so well speaking and I’ll be thinking of you all. Steve would be so proud and he will be with you always xxx love always. Ash hale xx

  57. Beautiful service of Stephen’s Life. We will miss him. We send our love to you All..Sylvia and Lisa Russell xoxo

    1. My heart goes out to you beautiful Lisa & Sylvia.. Sylvia you are such an incredible mother, you raised such a wonderful man & you should be so proud of your boy. Feeling for all who loved Stephen xx

  58. Many great memories working and dirt bike riding with Steve. Rest in peace mate.
    Condolences to Sandy and the boys.

  59. Sandy, Brett & Jayden – what a great service. Such great stories. I particularly like the one about the tidy jock drawer and that you guys met at Casey’s!!! Absolute classic.
    You are all in my thoughts.
    “Start ya bastard!” – Monique

  60. What an amazing send off for such a wonderful man! I feel so very lucky to have known him. Sending all the love possible to you all.

  61. That was really, really well done guys. As good as it gets.

    I think giving him my leftover can of “Start Ya Bastard” many years ago started more than an engine 🙂

  62. Beautiful service with beautiful words. Sending lots of love to you all, love from Nick, Kani and Lana.

  63. The beautiful celebration of Steve’s life shows how much Steve is loved and respected, especially by his wonderful family. My heartfelt condolences go out to you Sandy, Brett & Melissa and Jayden.
    With love
    Sue Fruzynski xxx

  64. Beautiful service. Had the pleasure to work with Steve for past 9 years. A few trips away where, over a beer or 2, he almost convinced me to buy a motorbike. What a great man. Condolences to the family.

  65. My deepest condolences Sandy, Brett and Jayden. He was an incredible person. Beautiful service today, I wish I could’ve been there with you. Love Phil Brown.

  66. Dear Lisa and Sylvia,
    I am so sorry for your loss. You will miss him in the coming days, weeks and years. I sympathise with you and wish you all my love. May he rest in Heaven.
    Lyn Strickland

  67. Such a beautiful service. Sending all our love to Sandy, Jayden, Brett and Miss xx What a life Steve lived full of love and adventure.
    Love Bree and Nathan x

  68. Dear Sandy, Brett & Jayden. A beautiful service and tribute to Steve. He will be missed by all who knew him. Love Lorraine Baxter

  69. A beautiful service for a terrific bloke. Well done to Sandy, Jayden and Brett for holding it together in such tragic times.
    Annette and Tony Jones

  70. Such a beautiful service Sandy… fitting tribute for the beautiful sole that was Steve… so so many wonderful memories. Sending so much love Sharon and Bobb xx

  71. Thinking of you all during this time as you remember a strong & devoted husband, father, father in law, son and relative.

    What a beautiful ceremony, sending lots of love.

  72. From Judith, Caroline, Kate and Alison…with fond memories of Stephen in his childhood days at Chirnside Park. Our deepest sympathy and love to His mother Sylvia and sister Lisa. Take comfort that Stephen will always be with you in your hearts.

  73. Dearest Sandy, Brett and Jayden.

    It was an absolute honour spending time with Steve and all of you. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to get to know Steve and developing some great lasting memories with you all.

    All my Love, thoughts and prayers

    Craig Catania

  74. Love and best wishes to you Sandy and your boys. A beautiful service, for your dearest Steve. Take care..
    Jacquie O xxxxx

  75. Thank you for letting us share all of your precious memories even from so far away. Sending you all of our love at this time.

  76. Dear Sandy , Brett and Jayden,
    we are thinking of you at this very sad time
    The service was really lovely and you and the boy’s are amazing

    Love Kathy and Tony

  77. Our hearts are with Steve’s wonderful brave mother Sylvia and gentle loving sister Lisa.
    Peg Willcocks
    Margaret Dobson PSM

  78. Thinking of you all today and sending lots of love your way! I hope today you can celebrate the life of a great husband and dad!! Xxx

  79. Steve you have been a wonderful work college and friend who put up an amazing fight with your illness that sadly has taken you far too early. Now you can rest mate, Wattsy

  80. You may not have a full packed service as Steve deserves, but know today, you are not alone xx Sending you love and strength as I virtually watch on beside you xx

  81. All the love and strength we send to you Sandy, Brett & Jayden xxx
    Beautiful Man
    Beautiful wife
    Beautiful sons
    Love always
    Joy, Dan, Azz xxxxooo

  82. I am thinking of you all and sending love and hugs. We are grateful and privileged to have known Steve and forever thankful for his friendship

  83. Steve, way too early. I walked past GTV 9 on Bendigo Street last night and it made me realise how much time we had all spent together over many years. Fantastic memories of riding and camping at Walhalla, so many laughs and fun times. You have always been a really decent person that many people in these crazy times could take inspiration from. I hope you feel you managed to squeeze as many things into your life as you wanted, I know you will miss Sandy and the boys but I hope they will feel that you will always be there in their hearts. Farewell friend.
    Brendan.

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