Dear Steve, I enjoyed our meeting through the SLP program. We had fun connecting over family, work, and the San Francisco Giants. Karen and I had a great time attending a game during your visit to the US. I will miss spending time together when I/if I make my visit to NZ. Thanks for all the “what’s app” conversations. I’ll miss hearing from you. You will be missed my friend.

Dear Steve, dear buddy, we met during a Sonepar international trading program. Before we could really meet, you were a star as NZ accent is quite different from any other (“speak English ! 😂 ” as we were saying while you were speaking). We really met during a charity program in Malaysia. The group was working hard to provide a clean brand new place to orphans. We had a hard day under a tough sun … but you kept smiling, saying kind words and encouraging coworkers, giving and receiving in the meantime. Since then, we have built a strong mutual respect and interest. We’ll miss you mate ! And sorry for not having kept my word to come to visit you in NZ (quite far isn’t it 😇?). My deep and sincere condolences to your family and beloved ones ! Vincent

Sending deepest condolences to Kellie and family at this very sad time. Gutted to hear of Steve’s passing, he was a man with a huge heart and made a lasting impression on those around him. Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne. The totara has fallen in the forest of Tane.

Steve.... I am so glad to have been able to call you my mate. Through work we became friends and it was in the early days at Mastertrade you became my mentor... and for that I thank you... for all the advise you gave me in those days led me to the person I am today. We shared a love for motorsport, you loved the blue badge & I the red. I'm glad we shared moments, special moments, like the trips to Bathurst and taking our birthday off work every year that we shared to play golf. You were a true leader and a special man. When I decided to move to Australia to start a new journey in my life you were the first one to make sure I was going to be ok. You will be dearly missed. RIP mate.

Lovely family. Great memories of camping at Oakura beach.. STEVE had a great send off today. Unable to travel to Hamilton so watched the send off via video link Take care . Farewell to Steve . Love to you all. Chris and Clarry.

I was a supplier to Crane back in the day! Then became friends with Steve and Kelly. He was a straight shooter and loyal! We used to attend electrical events together and it was a laugh all the way! Will always be greatful for the opportunities Steve presented. will be missed! R.I.P Great service!

I worked with Steve, in the Mastertrade days and enjoyed his sense of humour and straight talking. always there to bounce ideas, he made complicated issues simple, I have fond memories and is one on the great leaders, I have worked for. Vince

I started with Lasertrade in 1989 and retired after 30 plus years as credit manager for Cory's. Steve was part of the business as a Branch Manager, Regional Manager, and later as CEO of Cory's, he was my "boss". And what a boss. He was the most considerate, easy to talk to, and understanding boss I had over all the years. Most importantly he was a very understanding friend. He always had a tale to tell about his adored family and outdoor exploits. He always had time to listen to any problems. be it workwise or personal that any of his staff had. He will be sadly missed. My sincere love and sympathy go to his family. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

I was shocked to hear the news yesterday. A down to earth real person and I enjoyed working indirectly under Steve and learnt so much from him. We also shared lots of yarns about a shared passion of rallying and motorsport. Thoughts are with you all from myself and lots of the old hands at Mico Mal

So many great memories working with Steve for 10 years , a true inspirational leader who was as happy in the boardroom as he was catching up with customers with many becoming his friend having lived in most parts of NZ during his 35 + years at Cory’s, his door was always open for advice , loved his toys especially his caravan escaping the city & enjoying time away with family & friends as well as no phones coverage ! I remember the first time he used his refurbished American truck to tow the van down to the Kāpiti Coast it broke down a couple of Km’s from Dairy Flat @ 4am , the air was blue when he was telling me , one piece of advice he gave me when he had just returned from a trip to Sonepar , Pete always make a decision good or bad & I’ll have your back but make no decision is not a choice ! Rest in peace boss

I met with Steve a few years ago in a Sonepar training program, where we spent 3 weeks in different places Singapor Palo Alto in USA and France. I remember Steve was open minded, kind with everyone, embracing life and willing to do the right things for his family, community and colleagues. From what saw, Steve was loved and respected by all the people he was working with. I am thinking and praying for you, and wanted to give you my most sincere condolences. Karin

Steve you will be sorely missed. You were always highly entertaining. You brought a lot of energy to any room. Many a good laugh in your company and it is a huge loss to us all that will not continue. A good boss who focused on people above all.

Shocked to hear of your passing my friend. I remember my days working at Mastertrade Napier as a rep. You were always funny and very professional. I will always you walking into the stores and asking reps “what are you doing here” then laughing. I always at the utmost respect for you as my boss. Shine bright Steve Scotty

Steve you will be sorely missed but always remembered. Your intelligence humour kindness and care of others made you a unique leader colleague and great friend to many. I will miss you mate. We will all miss you. Rob McKinnon

So sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with Kellie, Brooke, Sean and Lauren, and your families. Our times as neighbours in Molyneux Close, and the laughs we had, are very memorable for all of us. This is where our families grew up, and our fond memories of the Fireworks nights where the Adults had more fun than the kids. We remember Steve as a great neighbour and friend, great father, and his leadership and action the night of wildfire affecting our properties (amongst many other things, including the sound of the Harley going out on a Sunday morning). God’s blessings Martin, Liz, Steph and Ben

Steve will be sadly missed by his old Crane Distribution colleagues in NZ and Australia. Steve was a respected executive whose leadership and contribution were highly valued. On a personal level, I will particularly remember his witty humour and our times together driving around the North Island visiting customers and branches during which is rallying skills were always at the fore. VALE Steve Priest.

Steve What to say, you were not just a boss but a leader you were the kind of man people gladly followed and this was done by your own stubborn will your unwavering support of those around you and your ready laugh. You have me massive support when I was hurt and offered words of wisdom you were the reason for me coming to ESC the reason I am the sales person I am today you thought me that business isn’t about money it’s about the people and I will forever be grateful to you and always hold you dear. My love to Kelly and the family at this hard time. Ready easy friend xx

A great person and leader. Very approachable even when Steve had hard days at work. I will never forget Steve & Marcel singing Sweet Caroline at a Blue September event. May his soul rest in peace.

I'm deeply saddened to learn of Steve's passing. He was truly a one-of-a-kind individual. Though he may be physically gone, his spirit lives on in our hearts, forever cherished and never forgotten. RIP Steve x.

We are so sorry not to be there with you to commemorate Stephen's great life. He was there through our families ups and downs. We wish you all the heartfelt prayers and thoughts Suzanne and Brenda

Steve, Many years have passed since NEECO where we first started, Wholesale team, Management Leaders together and mates to Airshows a lot of air has passed beneath both our wings. Finally your advise to just sign the contact and get on board with ESC. Your wisdom and advise will be missed. RIP Mate

Steve, you will never be forgotten. Your legacy will be more than your drive, friendliness and fun loving approach to life. More importantly the standout love and pride you had for your family. I am sure you will be watching over us all. Thankyou for your friendship, direction and the odd kick in the backside mate.

We met you and Kellie a couple of times but as you were great friends to Marcel & Michelle, they talked about you so often, it feels like we've been friends for years. Our thoughts and hugs are with you both. Charles & Vicki xo

RIP mate - it's hard to put into words what a wonderful man you were. A fantastic leader, a true role model and more inspirational than you probably ever gave yourself credit for. The last few months or reconnecting after a break of 5 years was just like catching up after 5 days. That's the definition of a true mate. I remember when we first met, I was a Rep at MasterTrade Hastings and you were the branch manager at Palmerston North. A couple of years later I was manager at MasterTade Paraparumu and Steve was appointed as our Regional GM. We had a shared interest in cars (he was a true blue Ford man, I was Holden) and a keen shared interest in aviation. In the later years we crossed paths again when we were both in senior roles in the Sonepar Group of electrical wholesalers with this photo of us being in 2015 at a conference in Hong Kong. Blue skies mate, you were robbed of a long and well earned retirement - the rest of us have been robbed of a loyal, devoted friend. My thoughts are with Kellie and the family, God bless you.