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 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 there four children Jennifer, Amanda, Matthew and Melissa, to Charters Towers, where he not only contributed to the local development by connecting the town’s water 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 Bulletin"—because he knew everything that was going on in town, and if you needed to know anything, he was only a phone call away.

Papa had an incredible ability to enjoy the small things in life—the love of cricket, enjoying a few cold beers on a hot summer 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. (Amanda, feel free to add more about those trips and special memories.)

If you knew our Papa, you’d know he always had the cricket and 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. (Amanda, please add more personal memories about these cricket trips, if you’d like.)

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.

Neville’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at Eventide Nursing Home. Your dedication, empathy, and respect for Neville in his most vulnerable moments will always be remembered and appreciated.

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.