Where do I begin, I have known Bernard for so much of my managerial career especially when he was the DPH for Leicestershire. I remember so many meetings where we were planning new Health services that crossed county boundaries. When I joined the NHS Institute it was such a delight to work with Bernard again. He brought such strong leadership always setting a clear strategic direction and ensuring his team had the skills to deliver and succeed, I learnt so much from Bernard his huge intellect and his passion for high quality patient care. My last work with Bernard was evaluating the impact of the Virginia Mason programme within the NHS. His logic, huge brain and passion for improvement made it a delight to join forces again, but my fondest memories come when we socialised with other Improvement and NHS friends sharing excellent food and wonderful wine, my thanks Bernard RIP.