Steve Wing

Condolences to Steve's Family & Friends. Hard to believe this strong & energetic man is gone. I only met him last year when I attended Cape Clear for a week's Bird Course presented by Dick Coombes and Steve was in attendance imparting knowledge and helping us identify birds on days we went bird watching. He had an early morning/dawn rise to see what was netted, and identify and ring his catch as I/we all watched him in awe outside the observatory. He was so knowledgeable and such a likeable man , even his surname 'Wing' suggests he was born an enthusiast which was infectious. May he rest in peace and fly high as a Bird/Chough. R.I.P.

Deepest condolences to all the Wing family on their loss. Steve was one of the kindest gentlest people I ever met, may he rest in peace.

Thank you for all your work and support over the years.

Condolences to Steve’s family at this sad time. We remember many chats with Steve over the years on our regular visits to Cape. He was one of the nicest people I ever met, and we learned so much about Cape’s bird life from him. Steve always had time for us when we’d meet up on our walks around the island. Rest in peace Steve, with Mary.

I first met Steve (and Mary and Benson) the first season he was CCBO warden. We walked in the door of the Obs to be met by this smiley, friendly, warm and generous human. It was as if we had always known him such was his his presence. Warm. Comfortable. Welcoming. Safe. Steve was unique in that way. He was a fountain of knowledge and was always happy to answer any questions, no matter what. I will never forget the bear hug I got from him when I found a Corncrake in east bog one Autumn, and the smile through his beard and in his eyes when he saw it. Although my visits to Cape have become rare now, Steve's vlogging was a chance to reconnect with one of my favourite places on earth. Steve will be missed by so many, the Capers and the birders, his friends and family. I will miss being greeted by his wave, smile and friendly insults getting off the ferry. Arriving there will never be the same, but Steve's presence will always be felt. Rest easy, Steve.

What can I say? The legend that is Steve Wing! Not only a birder, ringer and exemplary warden but an author, builder of the observatory, number 1 Bideford fan (the Robins!), cricket obsessive, rugby nut, moth-er, pond builder, stone wall builder, quiz master, devoted partner to Mary, tour guide, data analyst, Thai chef, video blogger and a genuine human being who lived his best life and touched so many. My condolences to all who knew him and who had the privilege to have spent time in the field with him. It meant so much to him and Mary to be accepted into the Cape Clear community where he became a golden thread in the fabric of island life.
It is here when the sorrow subsides you will find his thread along the laneways, hedgerows, corners of paddocks, spider webs and in birdsong

Deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends. Steve was a wonderful man who always seemed to have the time to help rank amateurs like me find that elusive warbler. He will be greatly missed - Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann.

I was so sorry to hear that Steve had passed away. It seems as though he has had a good life and although I had lost touch with him over the years I can see that he settled into the place of his heart. No more wrecking his great uncles haystacks! Love to all he left behind.Teresa

Deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Steve. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Goodbye Steve,

I am so glad I've had the opportunity to meet you. Thank you for teaching us what's important in life (such as good jokes, friends, barbecues and wine) but also for taking the time to observe nature and the people around us. We will never look at the world the same way. It is more beautiful since we met you.

We'll miss you!

Such a wonderful warm welcome was had arriving on the island when Steve stood sentry. Many happy memories of those times spent in great company, with someone who was so deeply connected to the island and to nature. With a wealth of knowledge, you always took time to share with others, to educate and to listen. Rest easy Steve..you will be missed x

The songbird's lament fills the air,
A melody of sorrow and despair.
Yet, in its mournful song, we find,
A solace that transcends the mind.

For in the notes that gently rise,
We sense our loved one's joyous cries.
A reminder that they're never truly gone,
Their essence lives on and on.

Steve, you (and Mary and Benson) welcomed me to Cape Clear and the Obs in 2000 and shared your home and your appreciation of Cape, her wildlife and her people with me and everyone else who came through the door of CCBO. I learnt so much from you. Your knowledge and passion inspired and supported me in my early days and your enthusiasm and excitement for the ordinary, the rare and the wonders of the natural world never diminished. From admiring how smart a continental Coal Tit looked fresh out of the nets to the wonders of the Wryneck when you had it in the hand or the excitement of a Basking Shark in South Harbour or chumming for Stormies off the Fastnet... it was infectious. Be peaceful in the knowledge of how much you contributed to the birding community in Ireland and to Cape. It won't be the same without you there.

As we would say in the trade, Steve was a ‘Mega’. An incredibly rare human being. Apart from his amazing knowledge of birds, and natural history in general, he was just a really great guy, an absolute one in a million, they definitely broke the mould when he was made. He was an example of what we all should be, kind, calm, welcoming, caring, patient, genuinely interested in hearing what you had to say, never short of quick wit and generous with his time and knowledge. You were always comfortable in his presence. I know someone who is deeply saddened by Steve’s death, and they only met him two or three times, such was his impact on everyone who was lucky enough to spend some time with him. Some ‘Megas’ are also ‘Blockers’, and Steve is definitely a blocker, one of a kind, the rarest of the rare, one in a generation. We will be waiting a long time for one as rare as Steve to turn up again. We have all been touched by Steve in so many ways and while very, very sad at his loss we will have many fond memories of him to bring a smile to hearts, where he will always be.

Deepest condolences to Steve’s family and friends. A very nice man. RIP

Steve had a wonderful way of making you feel at ease in his company, and always a ready smile.
Farewell Steve, it was a pleasure to know you.

Rip Steve it was an absolute pleasure to have known you all be it only for a couple of years. You were a true gentleman that we always looked forward to meeting on our arrival to Cape. We were always greeted with the warmest handshake and smile and many evening in your company.
Steve you were an integral part of our visit to Cape and will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting you.
Our thoughts are with all Steve's family & friends, everyone on Cape and all at birdwatch Ireland
Fly high Steve

R.I.P Steve a beautiful man such sad news.Rest well now with Mary.

I have so many fond memories of Mary & Steve from my childhood on Cape. They were both such positive influences; letting me peak through their binoculars when rare birds arrived, teaching me about birds in Cotters garden and being so patient when I arrived at the obs with injured guls and sparrows.

Coming home to Cape, Steve was often at the top of steps, ready and waiting with big hug. Steve was such a good friend.

I am so grateful to have known Steve. Home won't be the same without him 🐦‍⬛

Shocked and saddened by Steve's sudden death, whilst we were last on the island. Just once a year visitors that we are, we always loved our chats and the opportunity to learn from such a warm and knowledgeable guy. Condolences to the island community, and to friends and family further afield.

The world has lost one of the most caring, kind and gentle of men. Steve's love of nature and the environment is an inspiration to us all. May you rest in peace with Mary.

My deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends on Cape Clear Island and beyond, and he will be very much missed in the birdwatching world and on Cape Clear.

Birds , Guinness , Euchre and Stonework - you were the expert and go to man!!
Such special memories from Appledore and Lundy in particular . Can't think of you without bringing up a smile! You (and Mary) will always be in our hearts. Happy bird watching - wherever you may be.

Sincere condolances to Steves family and wide circle of friends. I was so saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He will be hugely missed in Cape. He would always have a smile and a kind word when you'd meet him. Rest easy Steve x

My condolences to a gentleman

It was a pleasure to meet Steve for the first time this summer, and to witness first hand what I'd been told about him: a generous, funny and gentle man who was totally committed to sharing the natural wonders of his own little patch. I'm so glad we got to share a few days together on Cape, and blackcaps will live long in the memory now.

Devastated to hear of the passing of our friend Steve,a true gentleman who we hadn't seen at all enough of in recent years, something we regret. He was a wonderful teacher, full of tales and great knowledge, and we will miss him very much.

Rest easy Steve.

It was a privilege to spend time with Steve on Cape Clear and to listen and learn from his knowledge and experience. He was an integral part of the BirdWatch team, a truly lovely man and we will all miss him very much. My since condolences to all Steve’s family and friends. May he Rest In Peace with his beloved Mary.

Deepest Sympathy to Steve's Family and Friends. You will be missed. Rest in Peace x

We're so sorry to hear the sad news of Steve's passing
We stayed with him in the observatory in July. He was a kind and gentle man, much loved by everyone. My memory of him holding a little robin in his brown hands. Such a loss to conservation. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Steve's family and friends. A great loss to the world of Nature Conservation and Birdwatching. We have lovely memories of meeting Steve on Cape Clear and learning about the beautiful birds. Steve rip. 🐦

My deepest sympathy to Steve's family on the passing of Steve.
He was always a pleasure to meet whenever l visited Cape.
He will be sorely missed by all of the Cape Clear community and by all the Bird watchers who bird watched in Cape. Rest in peace Steve .

Deepest sympathies to all friends and family of Steve on behalf of the Cape Clear Storytelling committee team. He will be sadly missed.

Condolences to Steve's family and many friends. Rest in peace with your beloved Mary. We will speak of you often.

We were so very sad to hear of Steve's unexpected passing. We spoke with him only a few weeks ago when we left Cape in September. He was standing on the Pier and he waved goodbye, little did we know it would be the last time. He was such a lovely person, everyone loved him on Cape and he is very deeply missed. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest easy Steve.

Sincere condolences to Steve's and Mary’s family and their many friends. Steve was one of the most genuine, helpful and supportive friends one could ever hope to meet. I am deeply saddened by his passing. Rest in peace with your beloved Mary.

Sincere condolences to Steve's family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Knowing he was on Cape Clear keeping a recce of all the birds, imparting his knowledge in such an easy and fun way to so many people is forever an inspiration. RIP Steve

I was so sorry to hear of Steve's death. He will be a great loss to the community including those flying overhead.
I spent a great week on Cape Clear where he was a very generous host, sharing his knowledge with all who were interested. I am glad to have met him. Condolences to family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Condolences to Steve’s family and friends. Steve was a gentleman and will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace Steve.

On behalf of everyone in the coop, the committee and and the members we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Steve's family and friends on his sudden and sad passing. No more morning conversations in the coop office on all things avian, rugby, football, cricket or anything else that might come up. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Rest in peace Steve. It was an absolute privilege to have known you.
Joe Doyle & family

our long time friend and always a gentleman. rip

I met Steve on the Cape last year. He was such an informative and interesting man and great company. He wore his immense birding knowledge lightly and made birdwatching accessible to everyone, including me! He will be very sadly missed. RIP. Candy

Farewell to a kind and gentle man who adhered his knowledge and wisdom with so many of us. Sad that he is gone but so glad to have known him.

Our sincere sympathy to Steve’s family and friends on his untimely passing. We always enjoyed his lovely & gentle company during our holidays on Cape over the years. Steve’s vast knowledge on wildlife, which he shared with people of all ages, was a gift. May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of Steve’s sudden passing, condolences to Steve’s family & everyone on Cape. He was very helpful kind & generous with his knowledge of birds on our many trips there. He will be greatly missed may he rest in peace 🙏🏻

Very sorry to hear the news of Steve's passing. We only put our copy of "Wing it with Steve" in a box for safe keeping the other day, after he very kindly gave us a copy on the island in 2023. A real gentleman. RIP Steve.

So sorry to hear this very sad news. We stayed in the Observatory with Steve over the Summer - such a gentleman, a kind and patient teacher, a great story teller. He had a love for nature and that rare ability of connecting easily with people. It was a privilege to have met him. Our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. Rest in peace Steve

Steve Wing was a cool guy. He drove one of us (Richard) to the district nurses house when he cut his head after a fall into the North Harbour. Cape Clear is an important nursery for those committed to Biodiversity and Steve was the most important person involved and will be sorely missed

I was really saddened to read of Steve's death, may he rest in peace. I spent a memorable week on Cape Clear in April of this year on a Birdwatching course. Steve worked over and above the call of duty to make the week the success it was. He will be sorely missed by the Birdwatching fraternity.

My condolences to family and friends.
May Steve rest in peace.

A life well lived & a great loss to humanity & nature

Saddened to hear of Steve’s sudden passing. May he rest in peace +

Condolences to all who loved Steve. He was a gem of a man, teaching and observing with humour and wisdom.

Very sorry to hear the sad news of Steve’s sudden passing. Great memories of Thai nights he and Mary organised. Steve was so much part of Cape Clear’s community - he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace with Mary.

Sincere condolences to Steves family, friends and the community on Cape Clear. Steve was a true gentleman, a welcoming host, and an enthralling guide on our outings to Cape Clear over the years. His knowledge, enthusiasm and love for the flora and fauna of Cape and surrounding seas was infectious, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him. RIP Steve.

To Steve’s family & friends, everyone on Cape and all at birdwatch Ireland- I am so dreadfully sorry to see this news. Steve was a wonderful person, so generous with his knowledge, and a lovely friend. Everyone who’s life he touched are better for him being in it xx

Did a wonderful week this year in Spring on Cape Clear with Steve as tutor. Hard to believe he is gone. He has left a legacy. Rest in Peace.

Fly high Steve. You will be so sadly missed by so many friends and colleagues. Deepest sympathy to Steve's family and friends

We laughed so much with Steve, we learnt so much from Steve. We loved seeing him autograph his Cape Clear books for visitors. He had a big impact on many people. Sweet dreams Steve.

A big loss for the birds and mankind. When I next see a Chough it’s you !