Steve Lewis was born in Cardiff in 1965, the baby brother to his two sisters, Wendy and Debbie. He later became the favorite uncle to his two nieces, Meg and Beth, and two nephews, Frankie and Sonny. Although he lived overseas for almost 30 years, travelling the world with his job and calling Malaysia home, he never forgot his Welsh roots and was a patriotic Welshman. He was a great and passionate sportsman, and in his school years played rugby, football (where he played in goal), darts and golf. An interesting fact about Steve that not many people knew was that he was also the local Subbuteo champion. Steve studied at Sheffield University where he made lifelong friends and it was during his Uni years that he discovered his love of travel.

His travel took him to Germany first, where he washed dishes in a castle hotel, then to the USA where he tried his hand at dry wall and insulation work. Then to Hong Kong and China where he studied Mandarin and met his wife, Yan Chun, or Andie as she is known to most.

In Beijing, he was the Holiday Inn and Hilton Hotel gym manager and a founding member of the Beijing beer and darts club. He played rugby for many teams throughout Asia; Beijing Devils, Shanghai Hairy Crabs, Guan Jo Rams, Hong Kong Happy Valleys and the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur. When his playing years came to an end, he continued to share his passion for rugby by coaching local young teams, making lifelong friends all around the world through the sport.

During his time in Asia, Steve discovered the relocation industry, which very quickly became a new passion. In 2015, Steve joined the Voerman Group after a long career in the international moving industry working for leading global companies. Throughout his career at Voerman, he managed corporate clients, trained and mentored young talent, and began establishing Voerman’s presence in Asia with Asian Mobility Services, serving as supporting talent in the area as well. Steve was passionate about our industry, and as a FIDI trainer he shared his passion and knowledge with the movers of the future.

We will always remember how committed Steve was to the industry. In addition to his role as Chair of the Hall of Honor Selection Committee, FIDI trainer, conference host (who will ever forget his opening role call in Cannes?), he also volunteered for many association committees and was highly vocal about improving our industry—particularly the implementation of technology.

Steve always had a cheeky smile, and was a storyteller; he had a warm and welcoming personality and an ability to make everyone feel special. He has been described as having all the charisma of a De Niro-esque superstar.

Steve’s passing leaves a tremendous void—he was a true legend of the moving industry and he would want his family, friends and industry colleagues to live life in his same spirit.