Simon’s research with Dan Cosgrove was superb – finding and working with expansins that are now in ‘textbooks’ and no longer molecules awaiting discovery. Simon adored the natural world however large or small, with a totally open and uncluttered mind. 

It was great to get him home from the US to York with a Royal Society Fellowship. Greater to have him as a creative, kind and genuine colleague in the Plant Lab and in CNAP.    Greatest to have him as a friend.

I remember clearly the laughter in his eyes – they seemed always to sparkle with a mixture of good humour and potential mischief. He has been one of the most creative scientists I’ve known – anything possible – simply define a question and realise a solution. 

I am so, so sorry that he so suddenly and tragically left all the very many who appreciated him and loved him. My thoughts go to Simon’s family, friends and colleagues.  Grief is never gentle.