Tributes for Ocean Grove and Geelong identity ‘Steve’ and Gaia after sad passing
A “vagabond” who chose to live rough with his faithful dog has died, sparking an outpouring of grief across the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong.
A beloved Bellarine Peninsula “vagabond” is being remembered as an icon of the region after he and his trusty dog died just hours apart.
A memorial service is being planned for the Ocean Grove and Geelong identity simply known as Steve after he died in Geelong hospital on Sunday.
He was a “homeless, free spirit” by choice and had a profound impact on all he came across at various locations, spending the last few years sleeping rough between Belmont and Ocean Grove.
Friend of almost two decades Shelley Carroll said he died “warm, safe and pain free” with his niece by his side.
She described him as “a true character right to the end.”
“Everyone is really in shock,” Ms Carroll said.
“Steve and Gaia were part of the Bellarine Peninsula soul, in particular Ocean Grove,”
“Everyone knew him, when he wasn’t around it would be posted on Facebook – has anyone seen Steve and Gaia?”
Ms Carroll said Steve would never beg for money but would occasionally borrow from people he trusted, but he would always pay it back.
“He made us laugh, very rarely accepted help and lived life exactly the way they wanted.
“We will miss them wandering the streets this summer and always,” she said.
It had been challenging getting Steve the help he needed at the end.
“In those last few days he made it clear he wanted the best for Gaia. It took us a few days to get him into hospital because he didn’t want to leave her. They were companions to the end,” Ms Carroll said.
The 16-year-old arthritis-riddled kelpie was assessed by a vet following her owner’s death and was put to sleep.
“They never left each other’s side … she was the most well-behaved beautiful dog,” Ms Carroll said.
Steve was a former dog trainer with a love for kelpies, before Gaia there was Sebastian and Gunny.
The 69-year-old was an avid reader who enjoyed literary classics like John Milton’s Paradise Lost.
Born in Reservoir in 1956, Steve Burton was one of seven kids.
He grew up in Melbourne’s north there before moving to Bacchus Marsh and then settling on the Bellarine.
His niece Grace Burton said he was highly sentimental.
As a child, he gave her half of a pair of earrings and kept the other half for himself, so she would always know he was with her.
When she was packing his belongings after his death, she found his half still there.
Ms Burton said their family had many happy memories on the Bellarine and believes that’s why he gravitated there.
In the summer Steve and his dog would sometimes surf together, entertaining locals.
Flick Ryan, a Bellarine personal trainer, said Steve was, “one of the most intelligent and intuitive people I have ever met. Often misunderstood but never here to cause trouble. Thanks for the 15 years of Rotunda chats and the letters left on my windscreen.”
Since 2019, Steve had been a regular at Feed Me Bellarine.
Founder and CEO Lana Purcell said Steve was an “icon” of the region, who “lived life the way he wanted.”
“He could also be a difficult man when he wanted to be … but we always had somewhere for him and Gaia to come.”
Ms Purcell said Steve had managed his health as best he could, but had to go to hospital in the end.
“If he couldn’t live his wandering life, then there was nothing left for him,” she said.
Floral tributes have started to be left at Belmont Kmart where Steve and Gaia would sometimes set up.
One note read, “We only shared an occasional conversation and Gaia a pat, but you mattered.”
A screenplay based on their lives has been written and is pending production.
A memorial service will be held in the Ocean Grove Community Park for the pair with details to come.
Steve’s family has asked that any donations in his memory can be made to Cherish Pets or Feed Me Bellarine.
Originally published as Tributes for Ocean Grove and Geelong identity ‘Steve’ and Gaia after sad passing
Town to farewell beloved ‘vagabond’ and his kelpie
