Family was always at the centre of Stephen Steele’s life, and he loved nothing more than having everyone together for a barbecue.

Stephen’s passing at Gunnedah Hospital on February 9, closed the last chapter on a well-lived life and a courageous fight against cancer.

Affectionately known as ‘Steely’ many residents would remember him as the friendly and ever-so-patient lifeguard at Gunnedah Memorial Pool until his retirement in 2024.

Born Stephen Bruce Steele at Clermont Hospital, Queensland, on June 29, 1957, he was the third child of Jack and Joan Steele.

He grew up at ‘Wee-Oak’ in Capella with his mum and dad, sister Lorraine, brother Greg, and later his younger brother Raymond.

Some of his fondest memories from this time were learning to ride a bike with Lorraine and Greg and running around chasing sheep.

In early 1969, the family moved to their grandparents’ farm near Gunnedah.

Stephen’s education began at Capella State School and he later attended Gunnedah High School, where he stayed until Year 10.

His first job was an apprenticeship with a local builder, though it didn’t last long as he felt he wasn’t learning much and was mostly being used as cheap labour.

He then went farming on the property Lambrook at Mullaley for a year or two.

While working there, Stephen bought himself a red 750 Honda motorbike but this activity was not his strongest skill, as evidenced on a trip to Capella for a wedding, when he missed the t-section at Narrabri and ended up in a paddock.

After getting back on the road, he headed toward Moree, only to pick up a nail in the front wheel and finish up in a table drain.

This was the first of many motorbike incidents, including one memorable occasion when he took out a cow while coming home from work.

In the late 1970s, Stephen began working at Gunnedah Municipal Abattoir, where he was part of the loading gang.

He remained there until the meat works closed in 1997.

During this time, Stephen met the love of his life, Debbie Fulwood who was also working there.

They were introduced by his father, Jack, after Stephen had spotted Debbie in the workplace.

After just eight weeks of dating, Stephen knew he had found ‘the one’ and proposed.

They were married 14 months later in 1982.

Their son Luke was born in 1984 and exactly two years later they welcomed their daughter Samie.

Stephen worked hard to support his family and after the closure of the abattoirs he took on various odd jobs until securing a permanent position as a lifeguard at Gunnedah Memorial Pool.

Although generally a quiet man, Stephen had three favourite phrases that could be heard from anywhere in the pool complex – “no running on the cement; “one at a time on the board” and the unforgettable “get off the lane ropes”.

When the children joined Gunnedah swimming club, Stephen was a supportive member travelling with Debbie and other families to carnivals and taking part in other activities.

Over the years, the family continued to grow.

With grandson Andre born in 2004 to Luke and Lisa followed by ‘Pop’s girl’ Tahnee in 2010.

That same year, Samie met Ben, and they married in 2012, bringing with them four bonus grandkids Drew, Dylan, Zoe, and Ella.

The grandkids could do no wrong in Pop’s eyes and they loved sneaking a sip of Coke from his water bottle or raiding his lolly stash.

Family was always at the centre of Stephen’s life, and over his lifetime, the only thing that came close to his love for Debbie and his family was his love for Bunnings.

Stephen was forever coming home with new tools to add to his ever-growing collection.

His shed became affectionately known as ‘Pop’s Bunnings’ where everyone could borrow the tool they needed.

After a determined battle, which began in 2022, one of Stephen’s last wishes was to enjoy a beer with his son and grandson – his first beer in 48 years.

That wish was fulfilled when they all shared a beer on the Wednesday – Stephen was admitted to hospital on the Friday, the couple’s 44th wedding anniversary.

Stephen’s life’s journey ended peacefully surrounded by family and his passing has left a void that cannot be filled.

The final farewell was held in the Edlen Chapel on February 12, 2026 before interment at Gunnedah Memorial Park.