Whilst I am surprised, after so many years, to see a tribute to Stephen; but such was his zest for life, he impacted his local contemporaries to such an extent that he will never be forgotten by the people he grew up around. Being a local boy from Ramsgate, I first met Stephen at the age of about 11 along Margate seafront. Back then life was nothing more than endless summer days of hanging around the amusement parks in the hope of 'earning' extra money. Dreamland was also in the immediate vicinity hence it was a child's dream world! I was minding my own business when I suddenly noticed a well grown lad (he was the same age as me), and certainly not someone you'd want to get on the wrong side of! I observed that this boy was popular with everyone and seemed to know just about anyone along that damn seafront, from kids to adults! He really was a popular lad. The other thing that struck me, was that he had an almost powerful aura around him, he was so confident in what he said and did, that it was pretty much remarkable for an 11 year old to be that advanced! I certainly never had seen anybody displaying that kind of assurance and at such a tender age and, most likely, never will again. As time went by, I got talking and started 'hanging around' with Stephen during the long days of summer. I used to spend upwards of 12 hours on the seafront per day, so had plenty of time to socialise. I would never admit to being his best friend and indeed, had he been around today, he might not even remember me. As the years went by, I bumped into Stephen a few times and, looking back, he displayed that same level of progress; first to drive a car, girls always interested in him, one of the most courageous fighters, always trying something new first, extremely productive and known throughout the whole of thanet. He really made a name for himself. I was really in awe of Stephen. I think his one fault was that he had a wild streak inside of him like nobody else I have ever known. He would not back down from any situation! He once went alone to Ramsgate as he heard that a local boy had spread rumours about him. Not many people would walk into the lion's den alone, but Stephen went with no weapons, just himself. The end result was, so I heard, he beat the boy in a fair fight with the boy's numerous (approx 30) friends stood around observing and not wanting to get involved. I think that boy, had he not been taken so suddenly, would have been so progressive and adapted to the modern world with such ease, he would have been a huge success. Not sure I have seen anyone with his potential. In a sense, I think he isolated people because of his obvious potential and the fact he was a born leader. I can add a lot more, but don't know if it will be posted. In any case, I have wanted to say it for 17 years (after seeing Stephen tragically passed away in 1997). RIP STEPHEN YOU LEGEND OF UNFULFILLED POTENTIAL<