Tributes paid to postie as 'Stevie' is found

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Tributes have been paid this week to Ernest “Stevie” Stevenson whose body was recovered from the River Tweed near Gattonside on Saturday.

The 63-year-old postman had been missing from his home in the Balmoral area of Galashiels since June 8.

Extensive searches by police officers, assisted by a helicopter, rescue dogs, the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team and members of the public had failed to locate Mr Stevenson.

But at around 1pm on Saturday, the Borders Under Water Search Team was called out following reports of a body in the Tweed.

Following heavy rain, the river level was high and the team was assisted in recovering the body by the Border Search and Rescue Unit.

On Monday, police confirmed the body was indeed that of Mr Stevenson and that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. They also requested the media to respect the privacy of his widow, his son and daughter and his four grandchildren.

“It was the news we were dreading, but half expecting,” said a Royal Mail colleague who preferred not to be named. “He was a real bubbly character and you always heard Stevie before you saw him. He will be sadly missed.”

His funeral service will take place on Wednesday at the Old Parish and St Paul’s Church, Galashiels, at 1pm, with interment at Heatheryett Cemetery at 2pm. All family and friends are respectfully invited. Family flowers only, but donations to Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team would be welcomed, says the family.

[CLINTEASTWOOD]

RIP

[Syze]

Tragic. This makes me wonder though if I died in a way which made it become news would my main identity be as a postman? I hope not

[heapsy]

How sad. RIP

[Darren Bent]

is he is missing one police had been looking for ? As there is an appeal on this forum

[TrueBlueTerrier]

is he the missing one police had been looking for ? As there is an appeal on this forum

Tragically he is indeed the one that there was an appeal for.

Rest In Peace colleague.

[paddytoon]

Tragic. This makes me wonder though if I died in a way which made it become news would my main identity be as a postman? I hope not

Thing is though, Stevie was very much a Postie. Everyone knew him as the postie. He wasn't just a postie but it had been a large part of his life. I don't think he would have minded. He was well ken't as they say around here. (Borders)

RIP.