Life Stories
Stephen Greensted
Stephen Greensted (1971 BA History and Economics) died on 11 February 2023 aged 69.
Steve Greensted was born in Godalming in 1953, the eldest son of Myra and Bryan. He was educated at Westbury School and Cranleigh, where his early achievements already showed his drive and adventurous spirit. At just 14 he won an RAF Flying Scholarship and went on to gain his pilot’s licence at 17—a passion for flying that stayed with him throughout his life, later qualifying him to pilot gliders.
In 1971 Steve came up to Oxford with an Exhibition—something he never let me forget! —and read History and Economics. His time at Oxford was not only marked by his studies but also by his endless energy for life. He founded the much-loved Ratjugglers disco, which kept the colleges entertained between 1971 and 1974 and rowed for the College, also participating in a row down to London with eight intrepid colleagues. Steve also spent his gap year cycling around Ireland and working on a kibbutz in Israel, experiences that broadened his horizons and gave him stories he never tired of telling.
On 29 September 1976 Steve married Sally, the love of his life. Together they raised two daughters, Kate and Anna, of whom he was immensely proud. His family was always at the centre of everything he did.
Steve was an avid marathon runner, completing thirty-two races around the world. I had the privilege of accompanying him on two in the United States—my job being less about running and more about choosing the restaurants and wines for the evening before the race.
After graduating, Steve forged a career in advertising where he became the consummate “AD Man.” He fought fiercely for his clients’ interests, never intimidated by the so-called creative superstars, and was held in the highest esteem for it. His talent for selling copy produced both classics and less celebrated campaigns, but he brought passion, conviction and humour to everything he touched. His warmth and wit made him not only respected but truly loved in the industry. Through it all, he refused to be anything other than true to himself.
What set Steve apart was the breadth of his passions and the way he lived them: his family, flying, running, storytelling, and the friendships he nurtured so deeply. Once you were his friend, Steve would walk through walls for you. He was loyal, vibrant, funny and intellectually alive. For me, during our three years together at Oxford, I can honestly say I learned more about life and how it should be lived from Steve than from anyone since.
During his ten-year illness, Steve was cared for at home with extraordinary devotion by Sally, who remained by his side until the very end. When I think of Steve, I think of a man who lived life to the full, in work and in play. He touched everyone he met and had that rare gift of making people feel better simply by being in his company. His presence was unforgettable, and his absence is felt deeply.
Kindly provided by his contemporary, Andy White (1971)