Stephen Willis

To the Wills Family, especially dearest Anita, We are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved Steve. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this time of profound loss. I will always cherish the beautiful memories shared with Steve. From Rowland’s 40th birthday, where he selflessly supported us in creating unforgettable moments, to his thoughtful gesture of flying all the way to Portugal just to honour my own 40th—Steve truly had a heart of gold. I’m grateful that I had the chance to appreciate him while he was with us. His presence lit up every room, his humour and joy were infectious, and he made everyone feel welcome and loved. Being part of his last birthday celebration was a blessing I will never forget. Steve will be deeply missed, but his light and laughter will remain in our hearts always. To Anita, may you find strength and comfort in God’s Word: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 With all our love, From the Amadis [spoiler title=””] [/spoiler]

Dearest Dns Anita, We are so incredibly saddened about Steve’s passing. Our heart aches for you and your family during this difficult time. Steve was such a wonderful person in His own way, and we’ll always remember his generousity. Each time we look at our daughter’s 1st year birthday pictures, we will remember him with gratitude. I’m sure He will be deeply missed by so many. Please know that we are here for you in whatever capacity you need us. With much love, Adegboyega and Adenike Adeoye

My memories of Stephen Willis I first met Stephen (as I always called him) in the 1980s when we both worked in the Housing Department at Southwark Council. He came to my place for my parties including an important fixture ,my annual Fireworks on 5 November We were also heavily involved in our trade union Nalgo and in regular strike action and we used to attend union conferences together and dance the night away at the black workers group socials. Back in Southwark, Stephen and Brian Hardingham who is also unfortunately no longer with us would arrange trade union socials and get t shirts made up with slogans such as Southwark Nalgo striking for a change which still have pride of place in my wardrobe. When the miners strike was on our branch forged close links with the miners union and we supported pickets of power plants etc Later on ,Stephen got promoted and became a manager although he still remained a good union member. However he could give full reign to his creative interpretations of the allocations policy .He also had a tendency to think the rules did not apply to him. Luckily we did not work in the same office as our approach to the job was quite different !!! Stephen was always a good organiser and very intelligent and highly articulate.although he could come across sometimes as arrogant he was also extremely caring. Stephen was in many ways larger than life and I always felt safe and protected when I was with him After he left Southwark he made his hobby of photography into a source of income by photographing events such as weddings .He took really beautiful photos including those he took at my wedding. He also developed a side line in painting and decorating, tiling and fitted wardrobes all on display in my homes over the years . Later on after Stephen met Anita he spent more time up in Edinburgh so I saw less of him My most recent memories are of him valiantly fighting cancer It has been extremely sad to see him suffer so much over the past year or so and now may he rest in peace. Susan Murray 23.5.25

Dear Willys family / Anita I’m writing with a heart full of sorrow and love, struggling to find words that feel big enough for the kind of loss we are facing. I met Steve( Mr Willys) 24 years ago in a pub—he was wearing blue jeans, a white linen shirt, and holding a pint of Guinness. In true Steve fashion, curious and unfiltered, he struck up a conversation with me and my friends. That chance meeting turned into one of the most meaningful friendships of my life. Since that day, he’s been a constant in my world. He helped shape who I am—not just in my career, but as a person. He brought me joy, strength, laughter, and endless support. His bluntness could take people by surprise, but those of us who knew him well saw what was underneath: a heart bigger and softer than words can describe. Loyal, kind, and fiercely caring. It breaks my heart to know he’s no longer here, but I find comfort in believing that his suffering has come to an end. I hope with all my soul that he’s in a better place now—free, at peace, and surrounded by the same love he gave so generously in life. I will miss him endlessly. I love him deeply. And I will carry his memory with me, always. Please know that I’m thinking of you all and sending my deepest sympathy, love, and strength. If there is anything you need, I’m here. With all my heart, Fatou Chorr

Dear Dcns Anita It was with a heavy heart that we heard about the recent passing of Steve and we want you to know that with love and remembrance, we share in your grief. Be comforted, ma. Though we never met with Steve while he was here but from what we now know, he was a good man and a loving and supportive husband. May his soul find eternal rest. Amen

Dear Anita, Our hearts ache with you. Words can never fill the silence left by Steve’s passing, but we hope they bring a flicker of comfort. Steve was extraordinary—quietly wise, endlessly kind, and profoundly compassionate. He carried peace wherever he went and made others feel deeply seen and valued. His calm strength was a gift, his love a quiet force that uplifted everyone around him. In you and Steve, we saw a rare and beautiful partnership—marked by grace, patience, and an unshakable bond. The love you shared wasn’t loud, but it was powerful—steady, inspiring, and deeply felt. Though Steve’s presence has shifted beyond this world, his essence endures—in the lives he touched, the peace he brought, and above all, in you. Love like his does not vanish. It lives, it lingers, and it strengthens. We’re holding you in prayer and wrapping you in our deepest love. With all our sympathy and love, Tosin & Blessing Oye

Dearest sis Anita and family, Our deepest sympathies and prayers. God Almighty will continue to uphopd you and comfort you in this season. May He pave the way for you for the future ahead and see you through the difficult moments. Anita, I pray that God continues to assure you that He is faithful and we give thanks. Much Love and Hugs

The following is an extract from an email from, Rich Cobb, the brother of a lifelong friend of Meriel’s (Stephen’s sister) it was an extremely touching message and I felt moved to share it here today: When I heard of Steve’s death I called Julian. In the minutes that followed we shared recollections of Steve and our adventures with him. The memories came rushing back. We reflected on a week-end adventure, long past, when, with Steve, we discovered an abandoned shed on Faraday Avenue. We decided to commandeer it as our DEN and Steve decided that DEN was code for “Dragon’s Egg Nest”. This absurd detail had been archived in Julian’s mind for more than 50 years but, he was exactly right! With that catalyst the adventure reappeared from the mists of time freshly remembered. We never set up the den or populated it with the comforts and snacks that we had planned to procure. However, the magic seemed to have been in the planning and preparation. The whole experience reminded me of the movie “Stand by Me,” which, if you have watched, you will remember, is about a grown man, reflecting back on the life of a recently deceased friend through the prism of a long past summer adventure. If you have not watched, you should! I was in SEAL training when I heard news of your mother’s death. I had called home from California and even now I recall the powerful impact the conversation had on me. My mother had been close with her, but it was of you who I thought. My mum explained that Steve was now moving back home. Selfishly I then thought of myself. I thought of how I would feel if the same had happened to me. I pondered the cruel fate that would deprive me of my adventure. I thought of the lost opportunities as I was forced to return home and care for my brother and sister.  I was fortunate in my career to serve with strong, stoic, dependable men. I learned to emulate those I admired.  I have often reflected back to that conversation with my mother now long past. Over the years every time your brother’s name came up, usually in conversation with Clare, I remember reflecting back on that lesson of duty, strength and honor that he unwittingly imparted to me on that day. 

I’m unsure of how & when I first met Stephen as it seems as though he’s always been a presence in my life. But I suspect that it was while having coffee ‘Al fresco’ in one of Stockbridge’s(EDI) many cafés(both of us were not built to be indoors!). From ‘bumping’ into him(or him me) in these various cafés, I then would text him when I was in the area or about to be & we would find each other & put the world to rights over a coffee or two! I liked that he’d call me out on my ‘b*llsh*t’ & challenge my ideas & opinions(of which he may just have had one or two?). He also stood up for me when a friend was being particularly acerbic & cruel to me in his company! I would normally of sighed to myself & let it go, but ‘Steve’ as he was to me didn’t let it pass & at first I was shocked, but then grateful for what he had done. He stood up for injustice unequivocally at all levels in his life! I remember going along as favour to him to assist in some carpentry he’d agreed to do in ‘The New Town’ for a widow he’d met. Working with him let me see how creative & inventive he was, coming up with solutions to fit in with the plans. And after we’d finished the job he took me through ‘George IV Park to a favourite café of his(that also became a favourite of mine) for a hearty meal. The encounters we had & the people I met through him still remain friends to this day. He was ‘larger than life’ as people say. A ‘character’, a ‘presence’. He gave me the gifts of his time, and of his patience, his wisdom & his opinion(s)(whether or not I had requested them!). For me personally I thought that we had more time for us to meet once more. Circumstances dictated otherwise. I am proud to call you my friend, but more so, that you considered me yours! Goodbye Stephen. Cheers, John.

Rest in peace Steve. You were a real one off and I feel your loss very acutely.

Dear Sister Anita, I pray that the great comforter, the Holy Spirit, will comfort you. There is a common saying that if a non-professional could understand your work, then you have written a good piece of work. Steve read my PhD thesis in drug discovery, and he made constructive criticism that helped me shape my thesis, especially in the area of grammar. What a wonderful, cheerful and loving man. We have not dared to break the news to my daughters, whom you always throw banter at. Sister Anita, the great keeper, our Almighty God, will see you through and counsel you in the mighty name of Jesus

The saying life is short is definitely true in your case. I still look at the pictures you took on your wifes 50th birthday at Mariott hotel in Edinburgh. You will be greatly missed Steve. Especially by your lovely wife Anita. Rest in peace

I still don’t know how to pass this message to my children particularly Mofe who have so much connection with Stephen. My children particularly love Stephen a lot because he is part of their life and even our own lives as their parents and he will never be forgotten. I am sure they will talk about Stephen even on their important days as they would have loved Stephen to be there but God knows why he passes in a time like this.Bye Stephen.We will all miss you. Victoria,kassim,Mofe,Bolu,Priscilla Adebambo

Our dear Dcns Anita, it’s our prayer that the Lord will comfort you and the entire Willis family. As a woman of faith, continue to be strong in the Lord and He will guide and direct your path through the next phase of your life. Steve may have gone but his memories will remain indelible in the hearts of so many. Accept our deepest condolences!

Our deacons Anita, you are always on our mind. The Holy Spirit the Chief comforter shall not depart from you. Stephen was an extraordinary and lovely person. Rest in Peace Stephen

A great friend and confidante. Shared many a coffee and sorted the worlds issues out ! A kind and humble man! Rest in peace big man – love and best wishes to Anita and Steve’s family . You’ll be missed !

A real friend and a beautiful soul. Steve inspired and helped us raise ourselves in essaouira, a city that he loved. It’s a huge loss for us.. may he rests in peace sending you all love and support from morocco

Our hearts are heavy with the news of Stephen’s passing. He was an extraordinary man—kind, generous, and always authentically himself. Stephen had a unique ability to speak his truth with honesty and warmth, never wavering in his beliefs. His genuine nature and unwavering loyalty created a safe haven for those he loved, making him someone we could always rely on. His absence will undeniably leave a deep and aching void in our lives. Stephen’s generosity extended far beyond just his actions; it radiated from his very being. He had a way of making the world brighter just by being in it—unfiltered, sincere, and deeply caring. Words cannot adequately express how much we will miss his presence. Anita, during this incredibly difficult time, I pray that God grants you the strength and comfort you need as you navigate this profound change. May you find solace in the love that surrounds you. With heartfelt condolences, A

Dear Anita, we’re deeply sorry to learn of the passing of our dear Steve. May peace and comfort find you at this difficult time. We wish you happiness looking back, strength looking forward and solace in the present.

Over Easter, I went to visit Steve in King’s College Hospital. Steve, who had been fighting cancer, had recently suffered a stroke and become virtually bedbound. Little did I know that when I said goodbye to him, it would be the last time I ever saw him and when his wife Anita relayed the news of his death, the timing came as a real shock. Steve, who was five years above me at St Mary’s, had become a good friend of mine. He contacted me when he heard I was writing a history of the school and became an enthusiastic and highly supportive contributor of the project. Steve was on the organising committee for the book launch in October 2022, responsible for the visual elements of the event. He put in many, many hours enlarging and photocopying hundreds, even thousands, of old St Mary’s pictures, printing them off and then affixing them to display boards. As well as being the official photographer, he made an invaluable contribution to a successful day. Steve was born in April 1961 and attended Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in Blackfen before arriving at St Mary’s in September 1972. He was a member of sixth Sidcup Scout group, which contained many other St Mary’s boys. At St Mary’s, Steve excelled at English and appreciated the teaching of Dermot McMahon. He was known for his fierce intellect, questioning nature and strongly held views. These qualities would take him to Oxford University, and he was the last name to be on the St. Mary’s GS, Oxbridge Honours Board before the amalgamation. Steve also played for the school’s first fifteen rugby team and was infamously known as ‘Tank’. His big physique and impressive mobility, at that time, came in handy when ploughing through opposing packs. Home responsibilities before his time, further shaped his no-nonsense character and made him a positive role model to his four siblings and those who knew him, far and wide. It would have been around 2019 when Steve first contacted me. At that point we had never exchanged a word. He’d heard about the book I was writing and, as a writer and keen historian himself, it was a project that greatly appealed to him. Immediately we got on like the proverbial house on fire.  He would ring me often comically perpetuating the hierarchy that exists at school where older boys look down on younger ones:  “Eastley, you junior tick,” he’d say. “Have you done those lines for me yet?”  I first met him in person in Hastings, a town dear to his heart where one of his sisters, Claire, lived. It was great to meet this big man in person. The age difference between us became something of a running joke. It was never in question who was the boss in our friendship – and it certainly wasn’t me. Steve was sharp, incisive and witty. He was also extremely gregarious and loved striking up conversations with strangers. He could, and would, talk to anyone. Steve’s mobility was sometimes an issue but that did not get in the way of his love of travel. He held two cities close to his heart – London and Edinburgh and flitted between both as often as he could. He also loved Morocco and enjoyed several visits there. When I was assembling a committee of people to help me launch ‘We Did Our Homework On The Bus,’ the history of St Mary’s, I wanted Steve to be on it. Steve could be stubborn and, if he believed strongly in something, he dug his heels in and could not be easily moved.  You had to be on your toes with Steve – because if you said something he disapproved of, he would let you know. To say he didn’t suffer fools gladly, is an understatement. What you saw with Steve, was what you got.  Sometimes he could be irascible but I was never in doubt that beneath the bluster Steve was an intrinsically good man with a kind heart and strong principles.  Underneath he was a soft, considerate man who always championed the underdog or the disenfranchised.  Occasionally his gentleness and sentimentality would emerge. The first time he saw the slide presentation concerning the history of St Mary’s he was reduced to tears of nostalgia. A song on the slide deck that brought a real tear to his eye was Keith West’s 1967 hit ‘Excerpt From a Teenage Opera’ with its famous ‘Grocer Jack’ refrain. It reminded Steve of his childhood. Before I left King’s College Hospital, I told him that I felt privileged to have met him and how much our friendship – albeit one which came much later in life – meant to me. Steve was a one-off and I will miss him a lot. His funeral was a very special occasion. Steve would have been proud and I’m sure humbled to know how so many people cared deeply for him. RIP Steve.    

Oga Steve, a truly remarkable soul. I feel incredibly grateful to have crossed paths with you.  The photo gift you crafted for us is something I cherish deeply, something that brings fond memories to my family. Having this token of your presence means the world to me. I still vividly remember the first time we met, so many years ago. It was as if I was conversing with a part of myself; I never felt the need to guard my thoughts around you, and the connection was immediate. You resonated with such genuine consistency in your thoughts and actions, making you one of the most exceptional individuals I know.  Saying goodbye is a heavy heartache and you’ll be sorely missed. Thank you for the gift of your friendship Babatunde

This tribute is very difficult and painful to write. I hadn’t prepared myself mentally for Steve passing so soon. When I travelled up from Ghana to celebrate his birthday with him a few weeks ago and saw him on the day, out of bed and on top form, it truly was a happy day. Following that, sadly, he took a turn for the worse, but the last time I saw him in Kings College Hospital before flying back, I hadn’t imagined would be our final “goodbye”. The news was indeed a heavy blow, very sad. The only consolation is that the pain he had suffered for so long is finally over. He was certainly unique, witty, and quirky….his one-liners and shocking statements are still very memorable. I have memories of him all over our house including the beautiful patchwork quilt he meticulously and painstakingly hand stitched for Isabella…..we are truly grateful I can only say “thank you, Steve, for your kindness and generosity towards me over the years. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of you.” When he was first diagnosed, he phoned me to ask me to look out for Anita, and I promised him that I always will, and I pray constantly for God’s strength and comfort for her and the entire family. Rest peacefully Steve, you will be sorely missed…..with love from Audrey xx

I feel blessed and honoured to know Steve. He was always kind and supportive, radical and inventive and fun. I loved his diverse knowledge of so many cultures and people. And his ability to be fair and champion the underdog when and where necessary. He was courageous and had a big heart. I miss him and give thanks that we knew each other. I offer my deepest condolences to his dear wife and her family and his siblings, and their families,(his nieces and nephews) and his dear Son. With love to you all, Angie xx

Dear Anita and family I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family circle. Be strong woman of God, I remember both of you the kindness you have shown to me on my wedding day. You were with him when Steve took pictures of our wedding nearly 19 years ago it was a very wet day you both never complained and you send those beautiful pictures in an album, thanks to Steve for capturing those memories. God bless

A Tribute to Steve I met Steve at a time in my life when the ground felt like it was shifting beneath my feet. We had just been blessed with twin girls — beautiful, fragile gifts that brought joy and chaos in equal measure. But with no job, no money, and the still-delicate fabric of a young marriage being tested daily, life was tough. It was in the middle of this storm that I first truly encountered Steve. It wasn’t a gentle introduction. In fact, it was combative. Steve, ever the guardian of what he believed to be right, stood up fiercely for my wife during a tense moment between us. He held nothing back — and neither did I. That first clash could have defined our relationship. But instead, it became the beginning of a friendship rooted in honesty, mutual respect, and a shared concern for the people we loved. Steve and his wonderful wife, Anita, stood by us during those early, uncertain years. They supported us not with grand gestures, but with quiet, consistent kindness — the kind that actually matters. They offered help when we had little. They shared light in the darkest of moments. The photographs Steve took of our little family still hang on our walls, a daily reminder not just of what we looked like then, but of who was there for us. Steve was kindness personified — but never spineless. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and he didn’t waver when it mattered. That’s what made him special. You always knew where he stood, and if he stood with you, it was with his whole heart. Steve will be seriously, deeply missed. But his memory — and the mark he left on our lives — will live on. In our home, in our hearts, and in the values he showed by example every single day. Thank you, Steve. For everything.