Vale Steve Etwell: Family and friends pay respects to former editor of The Chronicle

Loved ones and former colleagues paid their respects to former editor of The Chronicle Steve Etwell who was remembered as a fearless leader who never wavered from his devotion to the communities he served and the family and friends he loved.

The Chronicle editor-in-chief Steve Etwell retires, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Steve Etwell has been remembered as a titan of journalism who never wavered from his devotion to the communities he served and the family and friends he loved.

The former editor-in-chief of the Toowoomba Chronicle between 2007 and 2021 was laid to rest at a service on Thursday by hundreds of loved ones and former colleagues.

Born in Mackay in 1956, Etwell worked and led newsrooms across regional Queensland, including Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville.

During his time as head of the Garden City’s premier news outlet, he ran multiple campaigns and was a fierce advocate for more investment in Toowoomba.

Steve Etwell, Editor of The Chronicle ready to board the first flight from Wellcamp to Sydney. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

His son Shannon, who delivered the eulogy, said his father’s love of sport was a defining characteristic.

“(Growing up), mid-weeks would see us at the footy grounds while dad played touch, running around the squash centre while mum played squash or at the tennis courts,” he said.

“We spent countless hours in the backyard with dad and mum bowling over after over or down at the tennis courts hitting thousands of tennis balls, so we could practice.

“We’re very fortunate to have a childhood filled with these memories — these memories fill me with happiness and will be with me forever.”

But Shannon said his love of family trumped his passions for sport and journalism, something that influenced his writing.

“Many of you who are from Toowoomba will no doubt recall that a constant theme in his weekly column was family and friends,” he said.

“He was always writing about a new scheme to get out of doing something for mum around the house, or the overwhelming pride he felt at (grandchildren) Eric and Millie’s latest accomplishments.”

Other speakers included long-time friends like Neil and Denise Houston and Toowoomba Chronicle columnist Greg Johnson, who all spoke about Etwell’s support for those he cared about.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Meryl, his two sons Shannon and Jamie, and his grandchildren Eric and Millie.