It’s taken me a while to write this message as not really sure how to approach it. Just so sad to hear this news of Neil’s passing. Although we never worked together, I had the pleasure to serve alongside Neil as part of the Picon Council. It was always easy to be in Neil’s company. Such a lovely warm and genuine guy – a larger than life character. Conversation was always easy with Neil and spending time together always a pleasure. A ‘face’ in the industry he will be missed not only by his ‘Bobst family’ but the industry as a whole. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Thinking of Nicki and the family, and all colleagues and friends – you will be sorely missed big man! M & M…

My deepest condolences go to Neil’s family, my thoughts and best wishes are with you all at this time. I know words will not be able to take away the pain but I hope you find comfort in the love, support & affection that so many people had for Neil. He was truly one of the nicest gentlemen I have met in my time. I have known Neil for the past 25 years, and we have had difficult discussions in the past over work related challenges, but also shared some great times together. He was one in a million and will be missed by everyone who met him, of that I am sure. RIP Neil, you will always be in my memories. Paul Barber VPK Packaging….

It is with great sadness that we add our condolences to Neil’s book. From all at DMRC Benevolent Fund, we send our love to Neil’s family, friends and colleagues around the world. Neil was a big personality with a big heart to match. He provided unwavering and inspirational support to our charity from 2014. We are forever grateful to you Neil for Helping Those Who Serve Their Country, we salute you. Much love George, Nicola, Nobby and the DMRC Benevolent Fund team.   …

First my sincerest condolences to Nicki, Spohie and all the Jones Family, our thoughts and love are with you all. What can I say about Neil?  A force of nature, a trusted sounding board, a friend, raconteur? all of those plus more!!  I first met Neil over 30 years ago after I had Joined Oscar Friedheim and was on a visit to Linpac Devizes (as it was then), he was stuck under an old SPO 1575 covered in oil, dirt and board dust and I remember thinking ‘what a character’. Neil was such a huge influence as he always wanted to look after the people around him and in the company and get the best out of them as Bobst people and human beings. He saw everyone in BGL as family and if you ever needed help or were stuck for somthing he would find a way to make sure you were ok, especially if it effected your family. He did this for me many times over the years and I truly appreciated it. He will be missed by me and everyone. RIP Neil. …

Hi Neil, It is difficult to accept that you are no longer with us. During more than a decade of working together, I had the privilege not only to know a great colleague and leader, but also a true friend. I will always remember the many moments we shared, filled with laughter, good humour, and unforgettable fun. Your warmth, kindness, and ability to bring people together left a lasting impression on everyone around you. The memories of those years will stay with me forever. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace, Neil. You will never be forgotten….

My Dear amigo Neil It’s hard to believe that we only met less than three years ago. Some people come into your life and leave a mark that lasts forever. You were certainly one of those people, and I will never forget you. The moments we shared were truly special, always filled with laughter, humour, and that wonderful ability we had to take the mickey out of each other. There was never a dull moment with you. And professionally, no matter how challenging things got, we always managed to find a way forward together. I will also never forget our little birthday tradition. Mine is on the 28th and yours on the 29th, and we always made a point of congratulating each other. Just one of those little things that suddenly becomes so precious when someone is no longer around. I guess I will always think of you when my birthday comes around. But beyond business, what I will remember most is your friendship, your personality, your sense of humour and the genuine pleasure of spending time with you. I wish we had had more time together, my friend. You will be deeply missed, but you will certainly never…

I met Neil 10 years ago at our son’s 50th birthday party, a charming man. We spent over an hour just chatting, he was both interested and interesting, an unusual  combination. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family….

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of your passing. I had always imagined you somewhere in the world, enjoying the retirement you so richly deserved. It was a real privilege to have known you. You were not only a great colleague but also a genuine friend. I will always carry with me the memory of your wisdom and humanity, and of your remarkable ability to always find just the right words, whatever the circumstances. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to your entire family. Massimiliano Manara…

Many thoughts at this time are with Nicki and Sophie from us and deepest condolences to them both, we are truly stunned at the passing of Neil. He was always amiable, humerous, supportive and very kind to me. Whether it was on the social side, parties after work events back at his house or other events of which over the 25 years I worked at Bobst, there were many. I first met him on the day I started with Oscar Friedheim in the car park at Waterloo rd, when his job was as a corrugated product specialist. He crossed the car park to speak to me and said ‘ as I work for the corrugated section i probably will never have anything to do with you but welcome to the company ‘. Things progressed for him afterwards . I always said that it was the mark of the man that he took the trouble to do this.. He led Bobst UK upon his return from Japan with his head and his heart. Everyone was treated fairly and equally.  He will be missed by all that knew him and certainly by the Bobst family,  old and new.  …

Dear Niel, We only met briefly when you visited our office in Antwerp.You always had a smile on your face and took a genuine interest in our wellbeing. Rest in peace. You will be missed.  …

Some people leave a mark on our hearts that time will never erase and you were this kind of person Neil. You were a true gentleman, a wonderful example of humility and wisdom. A man with a heart of gold, always ready to help others, always wearing a smile, and blessed with an incredible sense of humour and an exceptional charisma. Sending strength and love for your family & friends.  Rest in peace, dear gentleman.  Melanie Ghieu…

Well Jonesy, what can we say. We are so sad to have lost such a great friend. We have had so many fun times with you and Nicki, first through PICON and then on a personal level, usually involving a few drinks and lots of laughs. You have left a big hole in our lives and we will miss you very much. We are so very lucky to have had you as a friend and to have so many great memories which we will keep and remember with great fondness. Our thoughts are with Nicki and Sophie and we will always be here when they need us. Farewell our dear friend….

Neil, such terrible news of your passing. I’ll always remember our conversations about English and South African Rugby, we always seemed to find a reason to talk about the game, share opinions and have a bit of Banter when one of our teams lost. It was an absoloute pleasure knowing you, and I’ll remember you for the wonderful person you were. Life is far too short, and its incredibly sad that you are no longer here. Rest in peace Neil. I’ll certainly raise a glass and think of you the next time I’m at Twickenham. My sincere condolences to Nicky and Sopie. Cheers for now. …

You were more than a mentor-you were my anchor, my brother. In moments when I felt lost or swallowed by confusion,you were always there, steady and unwavering. Your wisdom shaped my path, and your kindness gave me courage. Though you are gone, your presence lives within every step I take. I will carry you with me always. Rest in peace….

I was so shocked & upset to hear of Neil’s sudden passing.  I first met Mr Jones when I joined Bobst in May 2012 as a temp. He made an effort to introduce himself  to me even though I was only supposed to be there for 2 weeks – that speaks volumes about the man. Supportive, interested and always ready to help.  He always tried to find solutions to issues. Last year as he helped me plan and execute my early retirement from Bobst, we spent quite some time discussing life as retirees – I’m just so sorry that you didn’t get to your plans.  Sending our sincere condolences to Nicki & Sophie – Neil always spoke about you both with such love even if it was disguised as ‘mickey taking’ ❤️. From the Red to the Blue side of the office  with love & hugs xx Mrs Cull  …