Our original post from just after Christmas. (See the tributes lower down).
We are very sorry to have to bring you such very bad news.
Steve O’Hara, long-time Editor of the Standard Car Review passed away very suddenly on Boxing Day, December 26th.
He had a great Christmas Day, using his Standard Teignmouth to Volunteer at the Solihull Hospital, where he was serving Christmas lunches. This is what he wrote immediately afterwards:
From: bachs48@gmail.com To: peterjameslockley@btinternet.com; lynda.homer@btinternet.com Sent: Wednesday, December 25th 2024, 14:08 Subject: Today
“Happy Christmas all!
The Teignmouth went beautifully to the hospital today and I attach two shots. The nurse that took the one of me and the car at the hospital main entrance said 'I thought it was an Al Capone car!'.
Steve”
So far as we know, that was his last email.
These are the photographs that were taken by one of the Members of staff at the Hospital.
Steve was happy to be out in his beloved vintage Standard, and for such a worthwhile cause.
Steve was booked to attend a Classic Car event on Boxing Day and when he didn’t arrive the alarm was raised. I am afraid we don’t have any more information about the cause of his death, but in the meantime, all the Members of the Standard Motor Club send their condolences to his family and friends.
Phil Homer
Vice-Chairman
Standard Motor Club
A Celebration of the Life of Steve O’Hara
Feb 8th 2025 at the King George V1 Hall, Hockley Heath
This informal gathering of Steve’s closest family and friends took place in very cold February weather, About 45 people attended, about 10 of them in Standard Classic Cars, a fitting tribute to our friend.
Peter Lockley, our Chaiman, opened the proceedings with a blessing that we all read out in unison. Peter then continued with a Eulogy, highlighting his memories of Steve since they first met in the 1980’s.
Steves cousin, Lynda Mellor, who had recently flown in from New Zealand then followed with her memories of Steve. After that, speakers were invited from the floor, There were highlights of the more jovial of recollections and an atmosphere of rejoicing rather than sadness, A folder containg a selection of written tributes and photographs was circulated, one of which is used in the title of this piece
The chairman concluded by thanking everyone that had attended, especially those that had brought their cars in the very adverse temperature. Many had travelled a considerable distance to be there.
There followed drinks and light refreshments
My thanks are to Peter, and to David Shadbolt for the selection of photos of the cars.
I am certain that Steve would have preferred the day to be about his beloved Standards rather than himself. Rest In Peace, Steve.
Watch a video of the cars here:
The cars lined up in celebration of Steve.
Tributes from fellow members.
Neil Fox Very sad news. Condolonces from Club Standard and Triumph of Victoria in Australia.
Tim Denton Sorry to hear such sad news, I met Steve at the Standard Rally in June as we chatted about his Smart Car! Picture taken that afternoon.
Ian Leggett Steve is going to be greatly missed. A stalwart of the Midlands Area Group and always at the main events. A superb Standard Review Editor who managed against his several health issues to provide an exceptional magazine each month. I have known Steve for over 30 years years and always admired his willingness to help and his enthusiasm for all
things Standard. Rest In Peace Steve you were a true enthusiast.
Christopher Hughes Very sad news. I did not know Steve long, but he knew my Dad and I got to know this kind, and gentle man in November as we travelled together to and from the NEC. Having sold 'Speedy', and knowing she had gone to a good home, he was so exited over the return of his Teignmouth. Thanks to RW. His neighbours said how he had changed his volunteering day to attend the meet on Boxing Day. So he spent Christmas Day volunteering at the Hospital. My thought go to his family and his dear and close friends in the Club. Rest in peace Steve.
Peter Lockley Very sad news. He was supposed to be coming to a classic car show near his home, joining me and Chris Hughes. Sadly he never made it. RIP Steve.
Steph Holloway Steve was a lovely, gentle man who really cared about the cars and the club. Very sad news.
Linda Bowden So very sorry to hear this news. A very loyal and enthusiastic member of the club. A real character who obviously had a very caring side too. Will be missed.
Philip Birch A very sad day indeed, helping others right up until the end. A great club man and I will miss him at every club event in the future.
Kim Henson So very sorry to hear this awful news. Steve was dedicated to the Standard cause and produced the Club's excellent magazine for the benefit of all members. A sad loss.
Chris Bowden Our condolences to his family and friends. A great character who will be sorely missed..R.I.P. Steve from Chris and Linda Bowden and the Devon mob.
Robert Alexander This is so sad ! Always made me welcome, always helpful and friendly both at International and with the "Review". Any contact I had was always met with helpfulness, although just a few meetings and phone calls over the years I really warmed to the man. I will miss him!
Conan Lewis Steve was always so diligent and conscientious when it came to the monthly production of The Standard Car Review, so much so that in 2021 “The Standard Car Review” was judged 'Outstanding Club Magazine of the year' at the NEC. All credit to Steve. He will be sadly missed for his work in the Club and on a personal level with many of us. A true gentleman who always considered others first.
Janine Biggs So sorry to hear the news of Steve. I know him through my dad, dad would help him with his cars. He did a lovely speech at my dad's funeral. I always looked forward to the Standard Review Magazine. RIP Steve you will be sadly missed.
Arthur Clifford A great loss to the club but to the classic car world in general. A significant part of promoting the Standard Motor Club through his editing of the superb Standard Review. A really nice chap and I will certainly miss him. All our condolences from the North Wales and Cheshire Group.
Paul Robins Such a lovely guy. I will miss Steve deeply, very sad. But... SOO nice that he was enjoying driving his Standard up until his final day.
Mark Denton RiP Steve, youv'e done so much for the club and all its members - always a pleasure to chat to you.
Peter Foster Very sad news, he was really dedicated to the club and had been a committee member for many years and had done a wonderful job with the club magazine. He was a real gentleman & will be greatly missed.
If anyone wishes to leave their own memories of Steve, then do leave a comment below:
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