By Stephen’s family
For those of us locals still in love with our Byron Bay from the 1990’s, the passing of Stephen Reynolds signals the end of our earthly connection with his Iiconic ‘The Angel Cafe’.
Originally a speech writer from parliament house in Canberra, Stephen embraced the proverbial sea change lifestyle with his then wife Christine and children Justin and Louise.
The ‘Cavanbah Coffee Shop’ (opposite the Beach Hotel) became ‘Steve’s Place’ and then, with a touch of divine inspiration, local artist Ian Mcconnell transformed the ceiling with a gathering of heavenly figures floating above a scaled down greek archway. And so ‘The ‘Angel Cafe’ was brought into being.
Even up until his final days, Stephen humbly resisted any suggestion that his boyish good looks and grin were the inspiration for their angelic faces.
In addition to his Angel Cafe toque, Stephen also wore a variety of other hats in the community, ranging from being a humble volunteer, to purveyor of tasty seafood delights. His natural wit and quick fire banter easily lent themselves to his motel life, the local soup kitchen and his high school canteen duties as well.
Stephen’s family are planning a celebration of his life with a simple morning tea and gathering in Byron Bay, at a later date, to be advised.
Please join me as we raise our glasses of dandy soy latte (with honey) to the heavens, and say thanks Stephen for all the great conversations and memories, as we farewell one of the Bays true gentlemen.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
