Funeral celebrates life of “true gentleman” Radio Lion

Thursday 24 January 2019

The funeral of a “dedicated” hospital radio broadcaster, whose sudden death on his way to work prompted his friends and family to pay tribute to a “true gentleman”, will be held today.

A service will be taking place this afternoon for Steven James Pirouet, who passed away earlier this month at the age of just 57.

Steve started working for Radio Lions, the Hospital Broadcasting Service sponsored by the Lions’ Club of Jersey, in the 1980s right up until 2017 when it temporarily closed. He presented his own show, sat on the committee of the Station and managed its record library, earning him the endearing nickname “music man."

Those who remember the “music man” have shared their fond memories of him with Express…

Pictured: Radio Lion stalwart Steve Pirouet passed away suddenly on his way to work earlier this month, aged just 57.

The station announced the news of his death on social media at the beginning of January, writing: “A true gentleman, Steve’s cheery good nature, kindness and enthusiasm will be very sorely missed by all of us." 

Radio Lions also extended their condolences to Steve’s wife, Tracy. The couple met each other through Radio Lions and the post described their romance as “one of the station’s personal success stories”, as they “made a great couple both on and off the air."

Tracy, who married Steve in 2004, told Express that “Steve was a jolly person and nothing was ever too much trouble for him”. She remembered meeting Steve at Radio Lions where they “fell in love” and spoke of his passion for the Battle of Flowers where he would “supply the music for the floats”.

Pictured: Tracy and Steve met at Radio Lions and their romance was described as "one of the station's personal success stories".

Ahead of his funeral this afternoon, two of his former colleagues from Radio Lions also paid tribute to him. 

Philip Taylor, a fellow radio broadcaster who knew Steve for over 30 years, described him as “an active and dedicated member of Radio Lions… a keen presenter and management committee member” who was always willing “to help anyone with anything."

Mel Stevens, an intensive care nurse, who says Steve was her “mentor” when she started at Radio Lions, saw him only a few days before his death on 7 January.

She remembers Steve teaching her “the ropes” at the station before she “began to co-present with him".

“As my confidence grew, Steve encouraged me to take over the NightLine slot myself,” she reminisces.  

“His infectious laugh and sense of humour always brought a smile to my face – the listeners loved him too… It was obvious from early on that there was a sparkle between Steve and Tracy. None of the crew were surprised when they became an item.

“I’d seen Steve only days before his tragic passing. I’d been into the shop and he had been talking to me and making a fuss of my 18-month-old daughter. I was shocked and saddened to hear his life had been taken so suddenly.”

The funeral will be taking place this afternoon at the Crematorium Chapel at 14:30. In lieu of flowers, Steve’s family have asked that donations are made to Les Amis in his memory.