VALE BLKOUT Steve

[cluxford]

It’s with great sadness that this post is to advise that Steve passed away today

It goes without saying that Steve’s vast and deep knowledge of everything Camaros was of incredible benefit to all of us. He helped so many and will be greatly missed.

It was a privilege that he joined and shared with this community

Those close to him have asked for privacy regarding the nature of his death, as such let’s use this thread as a way to remember, thank and honour Steve’s memory

Given he was working on it more than driving it. Some fitting pics

[Grumpy]

Chris
I'm struggling to believe what i just read.
I dont post much but read heaps.
RIP Steve and condolences to all his family and friends.

[guffer]

RIP Steve, you will be sadly missed, you have been a great help to me on many occasions
I am proud to call you my friend, wish i could have done more for you
Vale

[GOATMAN]

Likewise, visit regularly, but don't post a lot, but Steve appeared to always be posting info and sharing his knowledge...RIP mate.

[YenkoSC]

RIP Steve. Your posts were always worth a read and your knowledge was surpassed by few. You will be missed around here. Condolences to all involved.

[seanj]

F*ck. What a loss. His input and knowledge will be missed around here

[charger]

I will miss our laughs and chats together Steveo. You were one in a million.
RIP my good friend

[Intruder]

RIP Steve, such a tragic loss I am forever grateful for knowing you, you will be missed.

[Angry]

just heard the news, Im stunned to hear of his passing.
RIP Steve.

[Geoff 4]

I assume this is Blackout Steve? My condolences to his family & friends, will be sorely missed, but not forgotten.

[zed28427]

R.I.P. Steve.

[HQGUY]

Sad to hear this news, Steve will be greatly missed allways helping guys out.

[jaywildone57]

RIP mate, I will surely miss you. It’s been a privilege knowing you.
Condolences to family and friends.

[RAW454]

Receipt of this news on Saturday completely stunned me and I'm still reeling.

Over the last 10 years, I had the good fortune to spend many hours with Steve, in each others garages, cruising the streets, attending events and general chats as he provided valuable insights to assist my project and understanding of what musclecar ownership is all about.

Although not so close to him as some on here and in the 60sAMCC, I've never met anyone like Steve and doubt I ever will. His unwavering desire to challenge the status quo and incredibly detailed approach to perfection was remarkable, as was his thirst for knowledge no matter the subject. (I'll never forget the first time meeting him, when he matter-of-factly stated his fondness for reading factory workshop manuals in bed, as most do with fiction novels).

But more than just 'The Guru' for knowledge on all things technical that we knew, Steve had an infectious, wide-eyed energy and child-like wonder about him constantly. Especially when there was something new to learn or a connection was made... As was the case when we happened across our mutual appreciation of 80s metal including Iron Maiden and Metallica, to which he put down his tools & started air-guitar jamming his favourite riffs. And that spark for life of course grew whenever a longneck of Weihenstephaner was waved in front of him (yet only poured after following a strict preparation regime, of course )

Finally, from the perspective most here know him for, being his mammoth undertaking to create a 'factory-correct' RHD 1969 Camaro (in appearance, whilst a tyre-fryer under the skin), there is no shortage of dropped jaws from those following his build. But what many may not know, is this was all done in a particularly basic single car garage behind his equally modest abode. There were no open chequebooks or celebrity providers here, just a man filled with dedication to create something in his own image with his own two hands.

And whilst, as we've all experienced, this undertaking was rarely without its challenges, I am so glad I have the memory of cruising alongside Steve on the freeway on one of his first drives in countless years. The grin on his face that broke into giddy laughter as he lay the boot in and the black bigblock surged forward with a raucous bark was one of pure joy and achievement for what those remarkable hands of his had created.



And that's how I will always remember this completely unique and selfless man - With a thirst for breaking boundaries and the joy that success can bring.

Thanks for everything mate. You will be missed like no other. RIP.

[69coupe]

Very sad news. Greatly missed