The Queen's College Record 2023

His subsequent career path showed a strong entrepreneurial streak. In this Steve was
made for Africa, and Africa for Steve. His high standards, presence and the natural
charm of a salesman gave him numerous successful opportunities, including rolling
out personal credit cards, working to set up new hospitals, and placing students
into UK universities.
Steve lived life to the full. His outgoing nature continued through his first marriage,
divorce, and remarriage. During this time, he had five children. In my 39 years
of knowing him, I found that his outward confidence hid a sensitive, reflective
nature. Over time his faith faded, replaced by an informed and warm scepticism.
His interest in people was genuine and wholly unfiltered, borne out by unlimited
good-natured questioning of new acquaintances.
Obituaries
His second wife’s career took them from Johannesburg to Shanghai, from where
Steve continued to place students while enjoying the expat lifestyle of the French
Quarter.
The cancer struck after the COVID-19 pandemic and they had to manage alone in
Shanghai through his terminal illness, with no international travel permitted.
I will remember Steve’s warmth and the fun we had together and greatly mourn his
early passing.
Rob Marshall (PPE, 1983)
GARETH SMYTH
Our remarkable friend Gareth Smyth, a sensitive and
cultured Middle East journalist, passed away suddenly in
January 2023 at the age of 64 whilst out walking, a week
after he had enjoyed being reunited with the Matriculation
Class of ’76 at the Needle and Thread Gaudy. Renowned
for his integrity and decency, Gareth’s career spanned
various publications, including the Financial Times, The
Guardian, and BBC radio. He covered Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, and offered
deep and nuanced insights into the region’s complexities.
Gareth was raised in Slough and studied PPE with us at Queen’s from 1976-79. He
wasn’t the picture of an establishment college man; he was tall, skinny, and pale,
his hair was Haight-Ashbury, and his manner was intense. He was extraordinarily
clever, though interested in the practicalities of life as much as the metaphysical.
His tenure as JCR Food President will be remembered for the introduction of mushy
peas and the quality of prose (and, on occasion, poetry) in the Food Feedback book.
College Record 2023 | The Queen’s College 119