It is with great sadness that LIFT reports that Steve Dowall, our Lead Technical Officer, went missing on Thursday 26th November while climbing New Zealand’s Mount Cook. The search to find him was hampered by atrocious weather conditions, and was called off after sunset on Sunday 29th November.
Steve was an experienced climber who had reached the summit of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, once before in 2011. A native New Zealander, Steve had also summitted Mount Tasman and Mount Haast. Every year he returned home on what he called his 'annual climbing pilgrimage'.
This year, after a busy schedule at LIFT when we launched no less than six new programmes, he had mentioned to colleagues how much he was looking forward to the climb. Climbing was his 'de-stresser', he said, and the way he liked to launch his holidays.
LIFT’s Fund Management Office, the Fund Board and Donor Consortium are shocked and deeply saddened at his loss. Steve was much-loved and respected among colleagues and partners, and his work was at the core of LIFT.
We send our sincere condolences and support to his wife, Sovann, and to their three adult children, Sophal, Heidi and Daniela. The family held a well attended memorial service in Steve's home town of Timaru on Saturday December 5th, where Andrew Kirkwood, our Fund Manager, represented UNOPS/LIFT. You can watch this here.
UNOPS hosted a gathering in appreciation of Steve and his work at sunset - Steve's favourite time of day - on Thursday 10th December at the Inya Lake Hotel, attended by nearly 200 LIFT friends.
Sanjay Mathur, Director of UNOPS Asia Region opened the event, and heartfelt tributes were given by Renata Lok-Dessallien, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and Andrew Kirkwood. Thu Thu Nwe Hlaing, LIFT's Civil Society Partnerships Officer delivered an emotional and touching speech on behalf of the Fund Management Officer, based on "Ten Things We Like About Steve". Claudia Antonelli, LIFT Fund Board Chair, recited Amelia Burr's poem, A Song of Living. U Bobby from the Network Activities Group spoke from the heart on behalf of LIFT partners, praising in particular Steve's work with civil society. Finally, personal friend Lilian Wong spoke sincerely on behalf of her husband Stephen, Chargé d 'affaires with the New Zealand Embassy, who had worked with Steve during his seven years as an aid diplomat.
The Fund Management Office played a video montage of photos illustrating Steve's kindness, dedication, professionalism, humour and friendship.
"It is very clear from this event that Steve was a remarkable man, who was cherished by all who knew him," said Christophe Loubaton, Food Security Sector Coordinator.
LIFT will miss Steve tremendously.
We have opened a Book of Memories for his family, which we encourage you to add to. The book is at the entrance of the UNOPS' 7 Mile office, and will remain open until the beginning of January.
