Steve Hazel 1974 - 2010

16 August 2010

Steve Hazel worked as a lighting designer with Light Tecnica. He died on 30 June after his motorbike collided with a car in Virginia Water, Surrey. Colleague Dan Green pays tribute:

Steve’s funeral was a day I will not forget. He and I became good friends while working together in a four-strong pokey London office. This extended to a few beers, and sticking together when abroad with the firm. The jokes, the jibes, the insults, the pranks… but there was a mutual understanding and respect behind it all.

I didn’t know what to say when I received the call. Just about every word in the English language was sucked out of my head except for ‘fuck’, ‘shit’ and ‘wow’. I then broke the terrible news to my associates. Everyone was devastated, shocked, and saddened. I was dumfounded, and felt numb. It felt so surreal, so totally wrong.

I’d never been to a burial before. However, true to his nature this would be no ordinary service. An avid biker, his motorbike and sidecar hearse was followed by a procession of bike buddies, there for one last ride. The coffin was white, and decorated by his family with pictures of them, and of his tattoos. There was the impressive turnout from the lighting industry. It truly can be a close-knit community, and it makes me proud to be part of it.

I don’t think I will ever hear The Streets, Eminem and Public Enemy at a church again. I don’t think I’ll be able to hear ‘Dry Your Eyes’ again without getting something in mine. Later, at the burial we gave our final farewells, with a handful of dirt, a rose or in some cases, a cigarette. An emotional and solemn goodbye we all wished we didn’t have to say.

Steve was a good man, a great colleague, and a welcome friend. It was impossible not to like him. He will be sorely missed by all of us, and his parting is something many like myself will take a long time to come to terms with. My thoughts, prayers and wishes go out to his family.

Colleagues pay tribute…

Steve worked with me for the last four years. I considered him as a friend as well as a colleague. His loss has had a big impact on us all at Light Tecnica. He had an amazing send off for his funeral and he would have been chuffed with all the support and kind words that have been sent. His wife and three daughters will continue to be part of our ‘family’ - Russell Lipscombe, Light Tecnica
Steve had a wicked sense of humour and I will never forget his laugh. My only regret is that I didn’t take the chance to let him scare the crap out of me on the back of his motorbike. I can still hear Steve making chicken noises now - Daniel Gray, Light Tecnica
Laid-back, easy going, unpretentious - a cool guy… - Terry Goode, iGuzzini
First I was sad because I only remembered little things about Steve. Then I realised it was all the little things that made me smile. So here are some little things I remember about Steve: Fights over radio stations; him pretending to not really like Chris Moyles; calling him and Mel Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr Suess; finally getting him to the Lighting Design Awards and in a DJ and him still wearing his trainers; mashing up hip hop; eating his pack lunch at 10.30am. Steve, thanks for introducing me to Eminem, Gorillas, The Streets, Banksy and the amazing and addictive taste of Rocky Bars……. You were a lovely man and we will miss you - Sharon Stammers, Light Collective
Steve and I became friends on the iGuzzini factory visit several years ago and apart from on that trip I don’t think I’ve ever seen him wear anything other than leathers and carrying a helmet! Biking was a massive part of him as was his family and his work. We were the new kids on the block so we helped each other out. He gave me tips on how to improve at Photoshop, we’d help each other when we were hunting for the ideal light fitting and he made me laugh when we walked round boring trade fairs. I’ll remember him as a gentle, funny, generous, lovely man who had a fantastically cheeky grin! - Debs Wythe, Design in Progress
When Steve came for an interview at Pheonix Large Lightmatters he appeared as most people in that situation: nervous and apprehensive. As the interview progressed and he relaxed somewhat he began to talk more freely, Graham Phoenix and I soon realised that here was a person who was more than the sum of his parts. As usual we asked Steve if he would like to meet the design team, which would give him a chance to understand the workings of the office, and for the staff to meet him. GP and I quickly agreed that Steve was our man, and when we told him of his success, we were treated to our first sight of Steve’s beaming smile that lit the room like a burst of sunshine. Steve continued to bring sunshine into the office for the next six years. We have lost our sunbeam - Graham Large, Waterman Lighting Design
I was privileged to interview him with my then colleague Sharon Stammers for an interview for his first job in the lighting industry at Lightmatters. It was so apparent to us that Steve was a talent that we could not miss out on. His personality and hard working approach was perfect for the job. I’m proud that I played a small part in bringing him into our profession in which he seemed to have flourished. I’m sad that I only worked with him for about two and a half years. We have been robbed of a great friend and talent. Rest in peace Steve…. - Neil Skinner, Lighting Director, Design International
It is a tragic loss and he will be sadly missed - David Griffiths
He was a top man and he’ll be missed by all of us - Alain Beaufort
I am deeply saddened by the news about Steve.I only knew him a short while, but I can easily say that he was one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. He leaves an instant impression and I always looked forward to seeing him. I remember thinking in the last meeting when he smiled at me as to say there are bigger things to fret over than the issue that was at hand; that he had life and his priorities figured out. His passing is a tragic loss - Lynn Kingelin
Steve was an absolutely top bloke. I have been lucky enough to have him as a friend for 10 years. I truly cannot believe that we have lost him - such a tragedy.Gutted! - David Gilbey
I’m shocked and appalled. It’s unbelievable. Steve was one of the good guys - Steve Molteni
I was shocked and saddened. He was a great guy and will be loss to the lighting industry - Joe Ruston, Remote Controlled Lighting
I am deeply saddened to hear this, although I only knew Steve for about 18 months I can only say what a kind and helpful man he was. He was always a cheerful and happy man. My thoughts are with all who I know will miss him terribly - Garrie Bullock