Steven Payne had been travelling Australia with his partner and dog. Photo: supplied by Police Media.
Steven Payne’s family are remembering him as “one of the best” in the statement they released to the public on Wednesday.
On March 11, 37-year-old Steven Payne was surfing at Wharton Beach when he was attacked and killed by a shark while bystanders were helpless to do anything but watch.
His family said Mr Payne was a 6’4″ gentle giant who was a man of few words but had a lot of love for the people in his life.
“He loved his partner deeply, cherished his family, thought the world of his best mates, and was devoted to his dog,” his family said.
“Steve and his partner had been together for 12 years and adopted their adored dog, Poppy, seven years ago.”
His family shared their opposition to killing the shark responsible for Mr Payne’s death, and said he would have felt the same way.
“He and his partner spent a lot of time in the ocean together, had enjoyed many dives with sharks and knew the risks,” they said.
Mr Payne his partner and dog had been only five weeks into a six-month trip around Western Australia when it came to an abrupt and tragic end.
A week prior to the incident, his family said he had surfed one of the best waves of his life, having shared it with a dolphin.
Mr Payne’s family said had been an avid surfer, a volunteer firefighter, a Rugby Union fan, a well-respected colleague and a beloved partner, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
“We are devastated to have lost Steve,” they said.
