We were devastated to learn of the death of our friend and fellow co-op member, Steve Drake, on Monday. Steve, a ‘shortlife’ housing co-op resident for over 30 years, was ebullient and vibrant, a passionate spokesman on behalf of co-op living, and resolute in his opposition to Lambeth’s eviction of housing co-ops. It was huge shock to everyone when Steve collapsed with a heart attack four days before his eviction trial in April 2013. After his heart attack Steve spent months in a coma before his difficult journey through hospital to hospice to care home. He lost his hearing and the ability to speak, but Steve never lost the ability to smile. Steve’s father had been a councillor (in Lambeth) and an interest and politics and, more importantly, a strong sense of right and wrong, were among the qualities Steve inherited from him. This made Steve a vociferous campaigner against Lambeth Council’s eviction of housing co-ops. Everyone who knew Steve during his involvement in the campaign was buoyed by his tenacity, so his incapacitation was a huge loss to us. A few days before his heart attack Steve attended a meeting of Lambeth United Housing Co-op where he admitted he was extremely anxious about his court date. We believe that Lambeth Council’s threat to Steve’s home of over 30 years was undoubtedly a factor in his collapse and decline, and we are sickened at this tragic and unnecessary waste of life. RIP Steve. We will never forget you.