A Yackandandah father with a “contagious love of life” had received the keys to his dream home just days before he died in a head-on collision.
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Steven Dows, 43, and his wife of two years, Maggie, had planned to spend their life in their new home, before tragedy struck last Friday.
Mr Dows was one of two men killed in a fatal collision at 9.25am on the Beechworth-Wodonga Road, Wooragee.
A 41-year-old from Wangaratta was also killed in crash.
Maggie posted a photo of herself with her husband two days after the crash.
“My soulmate in my heart forever … I can't believe you're gone my gorgeous beautiful man. I miss you so so so much,” she wrote.
Messages of support and condolences followed beneath the picture.
Another angel in heaven, the world is poorer without people like you in it.
- Sas and Sarah Okeefe
Maggie's best friend Amanda Davies has since established an online fundraiser to help finish the couple's dream home.
“My best friend now faces life without her husband,” she wrote on the page.
“I want to be able to raise this money for her as her family and friends are from Melbourne and she has chosen to stay in her dream home and keep Steve's memory alive.
“Maggie needs the fencing, retaining walls and landscaping to be completed.
“This was meant to be a project they shared together, but now she will have to complete this on her own.”
Mr Dows, who also has a daughter, Stephanie, was described by friends as an adventurous, genuine and kind-hearted person.
Anna Arcuri wrote she was “gutted” by the news.
“Sometimes life is so unfair,” she commented.
“Hold onto the memories Maggie and I hope they give you some comfort.”
Katrina Julie Laughton wrote: “Steve was such a lovely person and genuine soul”.
Sas and Sarah Okeefe, of Melbourne, left a tribute on The Border Mail memories and condolences page.
“Another angel in heaven, the world is poorer without people like you in it,” they wrote.
“All our love to little Stephanie and your loving partner Maggs … watch over us, until we meet again.”
A funeral will be held at the Lester and Son chapel, Wodonga, from 2.30pm Monday. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash and will prepare a report for the coroner.
Support Maggie at gofundme.com/2737m84s.
