Tributes for Steve O’Connor of Greater Bendigo Snake Control

Bendigo snake catcher Steve O’Connor is being remembered as an “awesome mate” after his tragic death.

Tameeka Stevens has started a new snake catching business Greater Bendigo Snake Control. Picture: Contributed

Tributes are flooding in for a “kind heart lost too soon” following the shock death of Bendigo snake catcher Steve O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor died on Wednesday morning.

His cause of death has not been shared publicly however colleague Tameeka Stevens said it was not related to a snake bite.

“I know lots of people will be wondering about that,” she said.

Mr O’Connor worked with Ms Stevens at Greater Bendigo Snake Patrol.

“Steve was an awesome mate, a top bloke, he was so extremely passionate about snakes and he was a huge asset to the snake catching network here in Bendigo,” Ms Stevens said.

“I’m absolutely heart broken.”

Bendigo snake catcher Steve O'Connor with his favourite snake, a Murray Darling Carpet Python. Picture: Greater Bendigo Snake Control.

Mr O'Connor in his element teaching children about snake safety. Picture: supplied

Ms Stevens said Mr O’Connor had been her “right hand man” and she would do her best to manage calls for help about snakes for the remainder of the season.

“Steve was such as asset to my business … he was a valued and treasured friend,” she said.

“Over the coming weeks I’m going to explore a way/s to honour Steve in the work that I continue to do. Just not sure how as yet.”

Friends and customers have shared the memories of Mr O’Connor on social media.

“We had Steve here a few weeks ago removing a brown snake for us,” Josh Justin said.

“One of the nicest and most genuine blokes you could ever meet. Such a very sad loss.”

Another customer posted about the impression Mr O’Connor made while trying to remove a red bellied black snake from her lounge room.

“Unfortunately the snake went into the wall cavity and Steve tried numerous methods to encourage it to come out,” Suzanne Waddell posted.

“Alas, no and I still laugh about the snake in my wall. A lovely bloke. RIP”

Ms Stevens said the stories were typical of Mr O’Connor.

“My motto was … ‘you’re in good hands with Steve’ and it was true,” she said.

“He was such a gentleman and a professional who went above and beyond to help our customers.”

Mr O’Connor’s passing has also rocked the local gaming world.

Members of the Bendigo and District Gaming Association were “absolutely speechless” at the loss of one of their founders.

The not for profit group allows people of all ages to enjoy role playing, board game, card game and tabletop gaming in a friendly and safe environment for all ages.

BADGA said Mr O’Connor played “a mean Norse team for Bloodbowl” and also enjoyed historical miniatures, Warhammer, Bolt Action and Necromunda.