Tributes paid to 'light-hearted' Portsmouth transport manager who died after contracting coronavirus

Back in the day, that was the rigourous interview process van drivers went through to work for The News, under the watchful eyes of transport manager Steve Woodage.

A lifelong Pompey fan, Steve died on April 13 age 68, after contracting coronavirus.

Now, family and friends have paid tribute to a friendly yet hard-working man, who will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Steve’s sister, 62-year-old Julie Walters, said: ‘He was a bossy big brother, but such a caring and light-hearted person – a real family man.'

Working for The News for more than 20 years, Steve was previously in the Army, and went on to work at Snows BMW in Portsmouth.

He became well-known and adored for his sense of humour, cracking wise with whoever he was with.

Steve’s son Glenn, 24, said: ‘He was everybody’s mate and treated everyone the same.

‘He was very well-respected and his humour just seemed to bring people together.’

Van driver James Bailey said: ‘I knew Steve before I came to work for The News. He was a top bloke outside of work, and a great boss.

‘Very sad to hear of his passing.’

Ken Sim, Steve's former manager at The News, added: ‘Professionally, Steve’s military background made him ideal for running the large transport operation needed to deliver The News and weekly papers.

‘On a personal level, I’ll miss Steve’s calm nature and dry wit which could raise a smile even in the most challenging of situations.’

Steve was a huge Pompey fan and a regular season ticket holder; when he wasn’t at Fratton Park, he could often be found playing darts at The Artillery Arms pub.

He retired in 2019, but sadly lost his wife Wendy in the same year.

Steve lived alone in Southsea, but never lost touch with his family, phoning them every day even after being admitted to hospital and deteriorating due to coronavirus.

Daughter Paula Aitken, 45, said: ‘We spoke every day when he was in hospital.

‘Even on the day he died he was jokily trying to flirt with a nurse – that just summed him up, really.’

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