Many people have commented on Simon’s kindness as one of his strengths – his kindness came from a genuine interest in others and a healthy respect for everyone and a keen interest in what everyone had to say and what they could bring to the table – regardless of their background or viewpoint. He managed to combine this kindness with a razor sharp intelligence and healthy scepticism, he truly was an exceptional scientist and a wonderful colleague. 

He had a knack of viewing problems from just the right angle to get you to think about things in a new and different way, and ind doing so, often resolve them. His work on the bycatch of cetaceans and other protected species will leave a lasting impact and his commitment to finding practical and workable solutions will live on in the team he inspired and mentored for so many years.

I have known Simon since I was a PhD student in SMRU in the late 90s and always admired him and the real world impact of his work, but I had enjoyed getting to know him so much more in the last few years since I came back to SMRU as Director in 2020.

I was particularly enjoying a new aspect to our relationship since he’d become Head of School – we would often sit together in his office discussing the challenges and opportunities that positions of leadership can bring, sharing experiences and advising each other on the latest curveball that life had thrown our way. He had no ego or wish for glory, he took on the leadership of the School in the way he tackled much of his endeavours, humbly and out of a real desire to make a difference, help people and change things for the better. I am very sad that many of his ideas and plans will not now come to fruition.  He leaves a very large hole in the Sea Mammal Research Unit and in the School of Biology. I am proud to have known him.

I can hardly begin to adequately express the impact that Simon has had on me personally, as a scientist, as a leader and as a human being. He was a mentor, a friend and an inspiration. He embodied everything I admire and I will hear his voice and feel his guiding hand in all the work I will do from now on.