Steve Black, or simply 'Blackie', as he was universally known to all from childhood, has unfortunately passed away at the far too youthful age of 64.
Well known as an inspiration to many in life from his days on the doors to his exploits with the British Lions, it would appear Blackie has achieved one more moment of inspiration for us all in the huge outpouring of goodwill and positive emotion from thousands after his passing.
The sheer volume of messages from all and sundry across social media has been heart-warming for many to read and even those who knew little of the man before this sad news have been taken aback by the seemingly never ending updates to messages and comments pages across the world. It has simply been remarkable and is as likely to show a comment of thanks from a world cup winning rugby player, world class athlete or world record holder toward quite a lofty set goal, as it is the same from someone of no professional sporting focus and to help for no particular reason other than doing a good deed. It’s obvious that Black had a rare desire just to continually help people and regularly found time, entirely altruistically, to do that for a multitude of people across many different walks of life. That may have been by helping them to focus on simply being a better person, or perhaps helping someone to cope with their stresses and worries a little more effectively. The little things meant just as much to him as the big ones and his help went much further than solely seeking better performance in itself.
In an age of cancel culture, where we are all perhaps fatigued by the latest and greatest announcement of the past misbehaviour of a public figure, Blackie has provided us perhaps the pickme-up we all needed by representing the exact opposite where more and more are coming out to say naught but positive things. Steve’s showed what an uplifting legacy can be achieved by the simple act of helping someone else, relentlessly. Which it is clear he did, all of the time, for a lifetime. For those who knew him and his constant pursuit of excellence and the innate joy he took from helping others, there is no surprise in this.
“Dad was an absolute hero to Mark, Emma and I, a lifelong love to my Mam and the whole family just couldn’t be more proud of him. He built a reservoir of goodwill like no other and always in his own inimitable way with a quick joke and beaming smile. We will miss him dearly” explains his son Stephen.
“The whole family have been hugely appreciative of the messages and tributes to Dad from so many people and please do continue to feel free to get in touch let us know if you’ve a story about Dad, however profound and moving or simply silly and ridiculous that story is perhaps likely to be. He’s lived such a full life and we would greatly love to hear all the stories from everyone again” says Emma, his daughter.
When the time comes for all of us, there is no better or more accurate speaker for the dead than how we live on in the memories of others and in the emotions people take from their time with us during life. In this instance, it’s wonderful to see how Steve has helped, influenced and positively affected so many lives during his own.
