I had the great honour—and pleasure—of working with Stephen for four years at the Law Society. He was always generous with his time and was always ready to make an introduction to his vast network of contacts around the world. No matter where in the world or in what subject area, Stephen always knew who I should talk to. And such was the weight of Stephen’s reputation globally that a request citing his name would always be accepted. I can say that almost everyone in my network of contacts is a result of Stephen’s introductions. He was always patient and generous with his time in sharing his expertise and knowledge with a newcomer to the legal services industry. Stephen was a giant of the legal profession. His contribution to the Law Society cannot be understated and he cannot be replaced. As was said during his memorial, he leaves a Stephen-sized hole in the organisation that can never be filled. It was my great honour to have had the chance to work with him and can only wish that it had been for longer.

Stephen was thoughtful, helpful and giving to so many. Sometimes people wear many faces and adopt different approaches to the people and situations they encounter at work and elsewhere but Stephen was a beacon of consistent warmth, creativity and care for others, applying his ideas, resourcefulness and connections for the benefit of others. People remember what he did for them and I am one of them.

Stephen was a tremendously kind and wise colleague for the five years that I worked with him at TLS. He generously gave his time and support to me when I joined the organization, and then latterly when we worked in the same directorate I was blown away by how hardworking he was, but always ready to have a laugh with it. He carried huge respect across the legal sector, and rightly so. It’s hard to think of anyone quite like Stephen, who will be missed and valued by so many.

I will always be so grateful for Stephen’s generous offers to engage on various issues with our ABA Section of International Law. He supported the rule of law and justice for all consistently and with a humble wisdom, intellect and good-natured enthusiasm that always impressed me. The world is better because of Stephen. We have all lost something in his passing.

I had the pleasure of working with Stephen at The Law Society and I miss his kind and generous spirit. Stephen always greeted you with a welcoming smile. He had a real presence that left a lasting impact on everyone he met and was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer his insights and guidance to those who needed it (I was definitely one of the lucky people he kindly gave his time too !) . A legend in his own right and his contributions to legal community and to all those who had the pleasure on knowing him will not be forgotten.

Generous, warm, kind, wise, calm, loving - loved. Stephen was all of these things and more. the best of colleagues - he saved my sanity and my spirit and the kindest of friend who cared deeply about people. Stephen's legacy lives on in all of us who were the beneficiaries of his mentoring and guidance - I would not be able to count how many times I took refuge in his office for a 'what do I do now!' chat - I always came out of that room never feeling alone, never lost for a plan and with the confidence that it would all work out. But never did Stephen want or need anything in return. I hope that our friendship gave something back. Moni, Martin, Helen, Tim and Frank I am sure you know this, but you have all our love, thoughts and support. Stephen's legacy continues and will live on in everyone one of us who he championed, the projects and collaborations he nurtured, and his moral fortitude. We wish you were still here Stephen, we miss you and we thank you for all you gave.

Stephen was the first Allen & Overy partner that I met, more than 25 years ago. He came to Cambridge as part of the firm’s LL.M programme tour, scouting for talent. I was surprised how much this gentle giant with deep blue eyes, prominent beard and a kind smile knew about Central Europe. When he announced that the firm was considering opening an office in my home town Bratislava, I was sold. Over the years, he came to visit Igor Palka, Hugh Owen and myself quite regularly in Bratislava and even invited me to join him on subsequent UK university tours. To me, he personified the kind, collaborative and meritocratic culture of the firm. I was very fortunate to have met him. R.I.P Stephen.

Dear Monika, Martin, Helen, Tim and Frank, I knew Stephen through Monika to who I was introduced by common friends. It took some time, but eventually I met Stephen. I still remember the day. I gave a party and Monika brought Stephen. A tall man with a big beard and and even bigger smile and warm eyes. I already had gathered that he was a popular and very much liked figure in our circle of friends and now I understood why. Sadly, you all moved back to England soon and the opportunities to get to know Stephen really well were limited. But from the few encounters Stephen struck me by his outstanding kindness and friendliness, his non-judgemental interest in one‘s opinions, the warm and welcoming exchange of thoughts and his love for his family which he also extended to his friends. He once said to me at yet another party - this time given by all of you - : You know we invited our friends and their children, because family is important to us. How very wonderful!! These are only two quick memories and I am very happy that Stephen was my friend.

Stephen Denyer - a gentle giant within the international legal sector. Stephen was - and will always be - hugely respected for his intelligence, wisdom, vision, relationships, strategic mind, kindness. My recollection of him - having seen how he supported two projects in which I am heavily involved was not only how special and important he made me feel about myself and the work we were doing but also how he did that in the gentlest of ways, almost imperceptibly: a nod here, a smile there, a discreet phone call way over there to get that person who wouldn’t return your calls to talk to us. Over the next several years, by my calculations, well over 1,000 people will solicitor-qualify where they might otherwise not have had the opportunity - due in significant part to his fast, fundamental and steadfast support. My words can never come close to articulating how much of a VVIP he is in many, many people’s lives. You are missed but not forgotten.

From Kim Rune, Henry's Goddaughter (Stephen met Kim's parents, Caroline and Palle Rune in the 1970's in Kenya. Dearest Sandra, for the Dawson Denyer family: "The tide recedes but leaves behind, bright sea shells on the sand, The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains... For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. Sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered every day... no longer in our life to share, but in our hearts dear Stephen you are always there It will be the little things we will recall, the quiet moments, The smiles the laughter , the wonderful conversations, the many cherished memories you have given us - especially when sharing with loved ones you have left behind helping to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again." - part of a poem by Mother Teresa and from Kim "There's a special garden where the trees of memory grow Nurtured by the kindness and concern that good friends and family show, The roots are cherished, memories of good times in the past The branches tender promises that souls endure and last It's a place of peace and beauty where bright new hopes can start It's memories lovely garden that soothes the hurting heart. Praying for your comfort, strength, and healing during this most difficult and sad time. Love Kim.

Dearest Stephen, I hope when you were here with us that you realised the massive impact your mentoring, support, friendship and generosity of spirit had on me. I could not have wished for a better friend and mentor. You always gave and asked for nothing in return. Your legacy echoes in so many corners of the world as your ability to add so much to so many lives was unwavering. Your life is one we will celebrate and cherish. So much love to Monika, Martin, Helen, Tim and Frank and I hope it is of some comfort that dear Stephen was so hugely loved, admired and cherished by countless people who were lucky to get to know him. So much love to you all.

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