Steve Rees

Cally, Elliot & Jane, I am so so sorry for your loss, my thoughts have been with you all these last few weeks. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Steve for 6 years. Throughout this time, he has been a brilliant teacher, a safety net and a good friend. Steve had a way of finding common-ground with anyone, whether through music, books, where you grew up - the list goes on. He would dig for the invisible string, and he would remember it. Every conversation with Steve would trace back to his wonderful family. His video meeting background was a picture of him playing “22” on his Bass at Jane’s wedding, in the hopes someone would give him a reason to talk about the ones he loved most. We rarely spoke about work when we could avoid it, as his thoughts were always with you all. I will be taking my dog for a walk in Strawberry Fields, reading The Midnight Library, listening to The Beatles, Bob Dylan & Elvis, and remembering Steve all the while. I hope you can find comfort in the number of lives Steve made brighter and warmer, just by being himself. My thoughts are with you all during this time, he will be truly missed.

Cally, Jane, Elliot I don't know where to start to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your loss. I'm sure you have read this over and over and over but Steve was an awesome guy and someone I would consider not only a colleague but a friend. Steve had a genuine interest in everyone and what I really liked about Steve was that even though he was considered a senior person within the business he would not consider himself that way and talk to anyone and everyone at the same level. He had a real determination to make sure that he fought so that everyone was heard, even "the little guy". When I look back on my time with Steve I won't be thinking of the wealth of knowledge he had or how great he was at his job Il remember what a great guy he was. The last conversation I had with Steve wasn't about work, it was about arranging a group outing to see Paul McCartney the next time he tours! Every time I listen to Paul M or the Beatles from now on Il think of Steve and raise a glass. All my Love. Craig G xxx

Cally, Jane, Elliot, and the rest of your family and friends, I've thought of you often since the news of Steve's passing and hope that in some small way, the words on this page bring you comfort. Steve was a character, a really great one. He was kind and compassionate, thoughtful and generous with his time. I like that as well as being a sensitive person, he was also very strong; not afraid to make his thoughts and feelings known and never shied away from taking a stand against anything he disagreed with. He was unbelievably smart, yet never judged anyone for not being quite so..provided they had the willingness to learn or took an interest, he was right there ready to guide and did so like a real teacher would. He had a knack for making colleagues and clients alike feel like he was a safe space - this is a really rare talent and one that I personally will miss so much. I loved our chats, the ones about family and life in general, more than the work ones (though a lot of those also ended up being fun). He was so proud of you all, and really lit up whenever he could get you into conversation. I particularly enjoyed the chats about your wedding, Jane, as they gave me the opportunity to talk about Taylor Swift..a favourite topic of mine. I will continue to honour Steve's memory by trying my best to be really present for everyone I know and by living life to the fullest. Steve, rest in eternal peace, my friend xx

Cally, Elliot and Jane, I hope you guys are doing ok following your tragic loss. Steve’s passing was a huge shock. He has left a massive hole here at TrueCommerce both professionally and personally. We’re going to miss him a great deal. Those of us that were lucky enough to have worked closely with him feel very lucky to have done so. He was uniquely talented, super intelligent, incredibly endearing and wonderfully engaging which are traits not often seen in one person. He very clearly loved you all very much and was incredibly proud of you all. I’m sure there is nothing anyone can say to bring you comfort during this difficult time. I’m not sure how much Steve spoke about his work around the table at home but know that whenever you’re out and about and pop into a Sainsbury’s, IKEA, Travis Perkins, ASDA, Iceland or one of many other well know high street stores, you’ll be surrounded by his legacy which lives on within them.

Cally, Elliott and Jane. I can’t even begin to imagine your loss. Steve was a truly unique and wonderful person both in and out of work where he was one of the very few people who had the gift of being technically and commercially knowledgeable. His ability to evaluate a situation, ask great questions and talk in the language of the receiver was a rare skill and something that allowed him to build great relationships and put everybody who met him at ease. I will miss his professional skills, his sense of humour and his counsel, but most of all, I will miss his friendship. Rest in Peace Steve. x

Cally, Elliot & Jane, deepest condolences to you. Words alone are not enough to describe the man that Steve was. I found him as infuriating as I did funny, and to this day was never fully sure when he was joking or not, his deadpan smile was full of mischief and never gave anything away. I will miss our runs when working away and how we both put the world to rights. I fondly remember the many belly laughs we have shared and also a cocktail or two. He is somebody I was proud to call a friend.

Cally, Elliot & Jane, it is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Steve. Whenever I was on a meeting with him involved he provided many smiles and laughter. Thinking of you and your family during this time.

I, like so many, was sorry to hear the news of Steve's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Steve on a few projects over the years, where we spent time discussing the ins-and-outs and he’d take time to boil down complex problems into an easy-to-discuss conversation (not necessarily a solution!), all the while adding a bit of humour. I found that Steve took the time to not just ask the questions but also to actually listen to the answers, and I admired him for that. I’ll miss seeing him in the Birmingham office. My condolences to Steve's family and friends during this difficult time.