Neville James Steel

Neville James Steel—a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose warmth, kindness, and strong sense of generosity touched everyone who knew him.

Neville was born on December 21st, 1931, in Brisbane to James and Beatrice Steel. The family later moved with his brother Ivan to Gladstone, where Neville completed his schooling and began his plumbing apprenticeship—a career that would serve him well throughout his life. But Neville’s story wasn’t just about work. It was about a life devoted to his family, his community, and the people he loved.

In 1978, Neville moved with his wife Robin and their four children Jennifer, Amanda, Matthew and Melissa, to Charters Towers, where he not only contributed to the local development by connecting the town’s sewage supply but also became deeply involved in the community. He was an active member of the Charters Towers Rotary Club, where he dedicated much of his time raising funds for those less fortunate. One of his proudest achievements was travelling to Papua New Guinea to assist local communities, bringing much-needed supplies and support to those in need. His selflessness and desire to make a difference are a testament to how much he enjoyed helping others.

Later, Neville found a fulfilling role at Eventide Nursing Home, serving the community there into his retirement years. His work and dedication to others left a lasting impact on many.

Neville was a family man through and through. His daily routine was one of simple pleasures. Every morning, he would head to his local newsagent to buy the local papers, enjoying his first cup of coffee of the day. But it wasn’t just about the news. It was about family. After finishing the morning paper, Neville would set off on his daily rounds, visiting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—always eager to catch up, share stories, and spend some much-needed family time. This routine became so familiar that he earned the nickname "The Townsville Bullie"—because he knew everything that was going on in town, and if you needed to know anything, he was only a phone call away.

During one of his trips to England he asked Amanda to get the newspaper, “The Telly” and she asked the newsagent for just that he said they didn’t sell televisions. The correct name for the newspaper was The Telegraph. Typical of Aussies shortening words to end in an “ i e “.

Papa had an incredible ability to enjoy the small things in life—the love of cricket, his morning coffee, enjoying a few cold beers on a hot summers day surrounded by family and friends. He loved to travel and often visited his daughter Amanda in England, where he would explore new places and enjoy the company of his family.

If you knew our Papa, you’d know he always had the cricket or the news on TV—often a little too loud! But some of his greatest memories were when he got the chance to travel around the world to watch the Australian cricket team play.

Always involving Australia of course, in England, South Africa and The West Indies. He also watched test matches closer to home in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Papa’s passion for cricket was revealed to the world back in 1999 when he was attending the Barbados test match between Australia and The West Indies. The now famous banner, bought all the way from Charters Towers hailing the Goldfield Ashes was placed on a fence at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. It was photographed by international media and the phone rang asking who I was and what the banner meant. Papa replied “it’s a good thing and will give Charters Towers plenty of publicity. Even on holidays he remained a community man.

His 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren were the pride of his life, and he cherished every moment with them. Whether it was telling a funny story, sharing advice, or simply being present, Papa loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He would often bounce the children on his knee and tickle them, with the grandchildren laughing and crying out for more.

To his children, Neville was a constant source of support, guidance, and unconditional love. He was a father who led by example—teaching the value of hard work, the importance of kindness, and the power of a good sense of humor. He was always there when needed, offering wisdom and encouragement, and his love never wavered.

We take comfort in knowing that Neville’s spirit lives on in all of us. In the lessons he taught us, the kindness he showed, and the importance of family—by enjoying what you cherish most in life.

He would not have wanted everyone to feel saddened by his passing but instead to remember the good times you had with him and to live life as he would have wished for—including a few cold beers and a good laugh.

Papa, you will be dearly missed more than words can express, but you will never be forgotten. Your spirit lives on in the memories we shared, the lives you have touched, and the joy you lived for. Rest in peace, Papa. You will forever be in our hearts.