Tributes flow for Redlands deputy principal Steven Beverley

Tributes are flowing for a beloved southeast Queensland deputy principal after losing a short battle with brain cancer.

Steven Beverley with his sons Chris, Nick and Tom Beverley. Picture – Facebook/Tom Beverley.

Tributes are flowing for a beloved Redlands deputy principal, who is being remembered for his school and community commitment, after an abrupt heath battle.

Steven Beverley, 66, died peacefully surrounded by family on April 22, after a short battle with brain cancer.

He was a loving husband to Sue Beverley, and a beloved father to Tom, Nick and Chris Beverley, who have been left “heartbroken” by the loss.

In a social media tribute, Tom said his father was well-known for his time at Alexandra Hills State High School.

“Dad influenced the lives of thousands of students over a 40-year career in education.

“A great man who was loved by all. Taken far too soon and never forgotten.

“We love you dad.”

Alexandra Hills State High School former principal, Gail Armstrong, also shared a tribute on Facebook.

“We’re all very sad to have lost our dear Mr Beverley,” she said.

“During so many years as deputy principal, Steve made an enormous contribution to the life of our school.

“He managed every aspect of the organisation over the years with excellent results but it was his work with staff, students and parents where his persistence and tolerance saw wonderful outcomes.”

Ms Armstrong said Mr Beverley devoted long hours to the school.

“Steve was always a gentleman even when some of us were cross,” she said.

“So many of us knew his kindness. Even when he was so sick, Steve had room in his heart to care for me in my grief.

“I just hope that Steve enjoyed Alexandra Hills State High School as much as we enjoyed having him as our mentor, colleague and dear friend.

“A lovely man who will missed by so many.”

Steve Beverley. Picture – Facebook/Alexandra Hills State High School.

Despite his dedication as deputy principal, Ms Armstrong said his family was the centre of his world.

“Even though his work and his people at Alex were so important it was always clear that his family was the centre of his universe,” she said.

“Quite a few times he told me, with a twinkle in his eye, the story of how he met the love of his life, Sue.

“Often too he’d share stories of the progress of his sons who were students when Steve came to our school. He was so proud of the young men they were becoming.

“And it was only in January that Steve sent me a family photo to show me why he was so proud.”

Members of the school community flocked to social media to share their tributes too.

Giovanna Galeano said he was a ‘truly amazing and beautiful man’.

“You would walk into the library looking for someone with that cute half smile of yours,” she said.

“And always, always saying hello … you have been an inspiration on how to get things done.

“A true gentleman. You shall be missed sir … rest in peace.”

“This man got me through my prac placements and then supported me so much as a beginning teacher and through the many years I taught at Alex,” Meaghan Barraud said.

“Such a great loss. Rest in peace.”

Former student Bailey Martens said he would be missed.

“He was so lovely and supportive he will be missed for sure, even a decade after graduating,” she said.

Steven and Sue Beverley. Picture – Facebook/Sue Beverley.

Natasha Everingham shared her condolences.

“Rest in peace Mr Beverley, thanks for keepin’ me out of trouble,” she said.

“Your kindness will always be remembered.”

Jesse Astin said Mr Beverley was known for being great with students.

“Mr Beverley honestly understood most students really well,” she said.

“He definitely gave me more chances than I could think of but most of all, he could talk to you and get through to you.

“Respect and condolences to Sue and the family.”

Tom Beverley said the family wanted to thank everyone for their messages of kindness and condolences since his dads passing.

Mr Beverley’s funeral will be held Friday, May 5, at the Mt Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium, starting at 10.30am.