Tributes have been paid to a popular DJ who appeared at venues across North Ayrshire as well as on hospital radio.

Steve Graham, who turned 48 last month, had fought a health battle over recent years after a spinal infection affected his mobility.

Steve, from Largs, passed away at Crosshouse Hospital on Friday, February 2 following a short illness.

Born in Rankin Hospital in Greenock, Steve grew up in Blythswood Crescent in Largs with parents Lorna and Brian and brother Alan.

Brian was a mechanic and opened up Brian Graham Motor Engineers at 18 Waterside Street in 1986.

Steve always had the 'gift of the gab' and was popular with classmates and teachers at Largs Academy, with a sense of humour and quick turn of phrase which made everyone laugh

He became a Cub Scout volunteer leader in Largs and was fascinated by CB (citizens' band) radio.

His bubbly nature, combined with his interest in computing technology and communications, resulted in him setting up his first DJ gig at the Brisbane Centre at the age of 16.

The Stevie G Disco club was a popular night out amongst teenagers in the town.

He also turned his hand to mechanics, and at the age of 18 attended James Watt College and did his apprenticeship, going on to work full-time at his father's business.

Steve's passion for, and encyclopaedic knowledge of, the music of the 1980s and 1990s saw him embrace the internet revolution by becoming an online DJ in 1998. 

Two years later he became a presenter on hospital radio, based in a cottage at the entrance to Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine and broadcasting to both that hospital and to Crosshouse, and his bright and cheery personality soon won him big audiences.

In 2006 Steve left his father's business, first to work in sales for a utility company and then in IT support, two jobs in which he thrived.

Brian, a well-known businessman and friendly face in Largs, passed away in 2009.

Steve's DJ skills were well known around the district. 

Brother Alan said: "Steve would quite happily tailor the music to the 70s, 80s or the 90s. He could read the room and had the music at the ready, and knew how to get the party started before people went out clubbing.

"He also did DJing at private events and functions, and was much in demand."

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Steve Graham and brother Alan on his wedding day at The WatersideSteve Graham and brother Alan on his wedding day at The Waterside (Image: Emma Sanderson Photography)

It was at one of his regular DJing venues, the Albion Bar in Saltcoats, that Steve met the love of his life; he and Catherine were married at the Waterside Hotel in Seamill in 2016. 

After tying the knot, the couple, who lived in Irvine, took a honeymoon cruise that included a scenic trip to Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands and Shetland.

At the age of 42, Steve suffered a spinal injury that required surgical treatment, and underwent rehab at the Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, part of Ayrshire Central Hospital, to regain his mobility.

He was admitted to Crosshouse Hospital on January 4, and passed away peacefully a little more than four weeks later, surrounded by his family.

Alan said: "Despite his health issues, I genuinely don't remember him complaining once. It wasn't in his nature.

"He was warm, generous and funny, and very much the life and soul of the party, and he always wanted to help others."

Steve's funeral will be held at the Clyde and Garnock Valley Crematorium near Largs on Thursday, February 15 at 11am.