Steven Norman Dew was remembered by loved ones during funeral service in Mackay

A Qld newspaper stalwart of more than 40 years has been remembered as a loved family man and mate after his tragic death while realising his retirement dreams.

Steven Norman Dew was celebrated in a beautiful funeral service on Friday. Picture: Supplied by Mr Dew's family:

A much-loved father, grandfather, partner, and former Daily Mercury employee of nearly 40 years has been remembered as a “true gentleman”.

The community came together to mourn the loss of Steven Norman Dew on Friday morning, with family and friends sharing touching memories at the funeral service held in Mackay.

Steven, better known as Steve to friends and Norm to his colleagues at the Daily Mercury, was remembered as being polite and considerate, with a great talent for photography and a love for the outdoors, spending his time playing sports, caravanning around Australia, and tending to his garden.

Steven’s son Mark spoke on behalf of his siblings Andrew, Sarah, and Lauren saying they were going to miss their dad who was always there for a chat as someone with an incredible knowledge of everything.

“We grew up thinking if dad didn’t know it, then no one did,” he said.

Steven was said to adore his children and grandchildren, always making time for them even when he was travelling. Picture: Supplied by Mr Dew's family:

Mark said in retirement his dad brought a caravan and loved travelling.

“He was the happiest man on earth,” he said.

Steven’s brother Chris described him as beautiful, protective, and nurturing, a tolerant brother who had known him longer than he had known himself.

He described how Steven’s photography was a realised dream and something he was very good at.

“This caravan, and wildlife, and photography, and documenting critters and bugs and all that sort of stuff, that’s what he was meant to do, he should have been doing that from 13,” he said.

Steven’s love for his partner Barbara was apparent with Chris sharing sweet stories of the couple in his final months.

“It didn’t matter how bad a night he’d had, when Barb walked in the room, his face lit up, his arms went up,” he said.

“It was emotional for me to look at that, and see that, and realise how big that love was, and how perfect, that union was.”

Former co-worker and good friend, Peter Molloy, spoke of how immensely proud he was of Steve from his personal life to his career at the Daily Mercury and everything in between.

Steven started working as an apprentice compositor at the Daily Mercury in 1972 and then returned in 1977 after a short stint in Bundaberg.

Peter said, at the Daily Mercury, Steven formed “loyal and lasting friendships”, spending the better part of 40 years in the newspaper game.

Steven loved the outdoors. Picture: Supplied by Mr Dew's family:

The skilled tradesman saw newspapers change from hot metal to computerised, adapting to new roles and growing his skills from compositor all the way to head of IT at the Daily Mercury.

Peter said Steven showed his true colours when he put his hand up to be the person who would receive specialist training in the computer program they would be using to build ads, becoming the only person on site to train the rest of the team, and doing it with ease.

Then, when the IT team needed assistance, Steven put his hand up again, transitioning to the IT side of the industry.

“I’ve known Norm for more than 50 years and have thoroughly enjoyed his unwavering friendship and support over the years,” he said.

“As I go back in my mind thinking about the path he took in life, I’m so immensely proud of what he was able to achieve in his working life and his retirement.”