Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
Sadness as chippie boss ‘dies of a broken heart’
THE popular owner of Torquay’s Shiphay Chippy fish and chip bar has died ‘of a broken heart’ within weeks of the death of his husband.
Flowers, online messages and flags have been raised in memory of Steven Collyer, 52, who died on Tuesday, September 4, just six weeks after his partner Jason Roe died following an illness.
The couple had become an important part of the community in Shiphay since opening the top-rated fish and chip shop.
Before moving to Devon the couple also had a ‘massive impact’ on the gay community in Cardiff where Steven opened the first WOW gay venue in the 1990s. He also ran Koolers Nightclub and Club Cardiff.
Steve and Jason had been together for 28 years and close friend Jade Smith said: “Steven died of a broken heart six weeks after Jason.”
Jade, who was the keyholder for the Shiphay Chippy said: “Steven will be sadly missed by each and every one he met.”
The Welsh dragon flag and the green Devon flag were both flying outside the Shiphay Chippy where flowers had been left by the shocked community. Steven’s sister Vicky Roffi said: “Steven was an amazing man, amazing friend but most of all he was loved by so so many people. I for one will greatly miss him.
“Wherever they went Steven and Jason made a massive impact.
“They were very outgoing – especially Steven. He loves a party.”
Tragically Vicki’s only other sibling, her sister, also died at the age of 52. Jason was originally from Stoke Gabriel and the couple moved back to live in Paignton when Jason became unwell.
The pair opened the Shiphay Chippy in 2017.
A ‘Remembering Steven Collyer’ Facebook page has been set up for people who knew Steven both at the ‘Shiphay Chippy’ in Torquay and in Cardiff.
Former councillor Darren Cowell, said: “I know so many people have had many a meal from him. Very sad news and my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Steven leaves a daughter, Stacey. Funeral arrangements are being made in Wales but Jade said there will also by an event in Devon for the couple’s many friends here.
Jade said the Shiphay Chippy will now be sold.