EMERITUS PROFESSOR OAM
Passed away suddenly on Saturday 7th March 2026. Dearly loved and loving father and father-in-law of Vanessa and Phil. Treasured Grandad to Chris and Emma, Jaime and Josh, Josh and Stella and affectionate Great Grandad to Xavier. Cherished friend of Yola.
Aged 82 Years
A kind and compassionate man who touched the lives of many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Stephen’s funeral service to be held at University Hall, Building 11, University of Wollongong Main Campus, on Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 11:00 am.
Watch Livestream here
Service now available to stream
Funeral Details
Date & Time
11:00 am, Wed 18 March 2026Venue
University Hall, Building 11, Main Campus, University Ave, North Wollongong, New South Wales 2500, AUView on Google Maps
Funeral Director
H.Parsons Funeral Directors
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Funeral Director
H.Parsons Funeral Directors
100% Australian, H.Parsons has been serving the NSW South Coast since 1893.(02) 4228 9622
info@hparsons.com.au
34 Belmore St, Wollongong, New South Wales 2500
http://www.hparsons.com.au
Stephen, old school friend, you’ve left an indelible mark on me. You had so much humility. Did we even realise? Now, with love, more understanding and great respect, much sadness, and regret for lost opportunities, I’ll try harder to be the change I want to see in the world.
Though Gandhi may not have said it, you believed it and were the perfect example of that.
Vale Stephen. You introduced me to UOW, Asia and beyond, sending my career and life in a new and exciting direction. Your approach of collaboration, dialogue and humour was and is an inspiration. Thank you and farewell to a dear colleague and friend.
Professor Stephen and I went a long way in our times at the University of Wollongong, where we both worked at the Centre of Research Policy many years back. We continued a close friendship and discussed about science and diplomacy and various other scholarly topics related to Big Science and Sustainable Development. I was working with him to put together his Chapter 11 only two weeks back for the book we were working on “Big Science and Sustainable Development – Pathways toward wellbeing on a healthy planet”, when I was in Colombo, Sri Lanka last month. He was contributing to Science and Diplomacy and we were working together to finalise his chapter – “COMMUNITY LEVEL ‘BIG’ SCIENCE -Opening a Hidden Door to Human Empowerment”. His last communication with me was on 18 February 2026. We were going to meet with him in March 2026 which never materialised due to his sudden death. He was an outstanding scholar and has contributed much to humanity and sustainable development of this planet, which we all know is so fragile and falling apart. Stephen was always passionate to maintain human dignity and contribute to social construction of knowledge. His contribution to our book, is the last of his scholarly work and we are just proud to celebrate his life and his work in our forthcoming book to be published by Emerald publisher. Stephen will be always remember for his creativity, wisdom and compassion. My sincere condolences to Stephen’s family. May his soul rest in peace.
Condolences Vanessa, Phil, Chris, Emma, Jaime, Josh, Josh and Stella. So sorry we can’t be there today but we are overseas. I was actually talking to Stephen about my trip to Sri Lanka in our last conversation at Chris’ 30th. Loved hearing all his stories, he definitely had a lot of experiences and wisdom to share.
I want you to know Yola, that you and Stephen’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless!
Vale Stephen.. I watched this funeral/memorial from my home today.
It was heartening to know that Yola was in your life and you shared much
happiness and good times together.
My sincere wishes to your family.
I will miss your meaningful and sincere responses to my emails as you were
always willing to support and assist.
I am grateful for your invitation to join Sunday morning meditation sessions
from the Temple.
Go in peace dear friend.. you are dearly missed.