Simon, a year has passed and today I told another client that you were no longer with us. I do that quite a lot, even now. She first saw you many years ago and remembered how helpful you were to her then and sought your further help in a newly distressing situation. She was comforted to hear that your work goes on and that others are here to help. Rest in peace dear friend.

Simon's memorial raised £2,250 which has been received by the Asia Monitor Resource Center. They are very grateful for the generous donation and send great thanks to all. With love and thanks Mandy

Goodbye Simon. You were a great man, and your legacy lives. Timo Partanen, Finland / Costa Rica

simon helped so many patients from my practice and his wise guidnace was invaluable to myself and my colleagues

Sorry to hear of your death and the loss of such an incisive former Northfield Friend. Richard Thompson.

Our memories of Simon are as a fantastic campaigner, passionate and enthusiastic for accessing justice for victims of industrial disease. It was an honour to work with him over the years. He will be sadly missed. Joanne Gordon (Trade Union Safety Team/Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team)

I sang with Simon in the choir and wish I had got to know him better. A few in my family suffered the pain of poor working conditions. His work was of great importance.May his legacy endure. Dick Williams

it was so sad to hear of Simon's death and we wish we could have been there on Tuesday to celebrate his life. We have fond memories of Simon and Mandy as neighbours when Sol Bella and Benny were so young and of course years of working with Simon and SOHP. Simon was one of the likeable and approachable people I worked with in my years in Sheffield. When someone writes a history of public health in Sheffield, Simon's name will be up there as someone whose expertise and knowledge commanded respect and his quiet and methodical approach progressed the agenda of fairness and justice for the workforce in the city and beyond. One learnt so much in his company and I hope the city remembers one of its greatest advocates for health. He was simply a good person. Our thoughts are with Mandy and the family Steve and Teresa Pintus

Thanks to everyone who organised and spoke at Simon's memorial ceremony, especially Mandy and the family. I will reread - and maybe finish! - the Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric, which Simon recommended to Mandy and she to our book group, long ago.

Mandy, A toast and a big thank you to you and your lovely family. I shall open a bottle of "Barnsley Gold" to Simon and send you love and hugs. Ian

I've been thinking of Simon, his family, friends and many colleagues since I received news of his death. Simon was an inspirational figure for many of us. What he did made a difference, and the way he did it was important too. I was always impressed by his brain. He took a scientific - in the best sense of the word - approach to everything he did and that's what gives his work such lasting value and impact. On top of that he always made his case so well. He was a great communicator, and people listened to him. He was always generous with his time and his ideas; he was good man and I will miss him. Becky Allen

This note is from John Flanagan: Simon was a founder member of the Construction Safety Campaign (CSC) amongst the myriad of the other work for and in support of workers worldwide. He was instrumental in the formation of the Liverpool Occupational Health Project (LOHP). Other eulogies contain the wealth and breadth of his work which will continue with the baton of knowledge he left for all of us to carry. His greatest legacy is the countless number of lives he saved because of his work and dedication to his class. Those workers and their children will probably never know of Simon’s work but we will remember. Simons CSC Robert Tressell citation reads. Robert Tressell Award for services to working people. Mr. Simon Pickvance was presented with this award in July 2011 for his services to working people and in recondition of his work on Occupational Health, his editorship of WHIN and founder member and supporter of the CSC.

Simon worked for the good of patients in the Burngreave Area, working out of Burngreave Surgery for many years. He was known for his tenacity and patience and we know that many of the patients he helped will be eternally grateful to Simon. We as a practice are extremely saddened to hear of his passing and would like to send our condolences to his family.

I remember Simon as one of the founding members of the UK hazards movement in the 1970's. His decades long commitment to workers' health has been an inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. He will be sorely missed. Marianne Craig

On behalf of GMbi would like to pay tribute to Simon who will be a great loss to working people. He was inspirational in using his knowledge and experience in an altrustic approach to research, campaigning and advocacy, particularly in regard to occupational cancer. He will be much missed and his family should grieve well and remember him as fondly as we all do, John McClean

I have such good memories of Simon as a wise, inspirational and dedicated colleague. My thoughts are with his family and all those he worked for and with. Julia Haseldine

I did not know Simon well, but well enough to know that his passing is a tremendous loss for the Hazards movement and the fight for justice for workers and their families. I saw him speak many times, and was privileged to share several platforms with him, where I was always struck by his empirical rigour, analytical acumen, and political insight, all of which he combined with an engaging and warm manner. He will leave a great legacy, and is a reminder that we can all aspire to combine making a contribution with retaining a throughgoing decency, humility and generosity. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and comrades, steve x Steve Tombs, Professor of Sociology, Liverpool John Moores University

Simon, friend, comrade and workmate. I have had the privilege of knowing Simon from the beginning of the Occupational Health Project and working in Darnall Road Surgery with him for roughly 13yrs. In all of that time both he and indeed Mandy have been nothing but supportive and true genuine friends to both me and John. I shall remember him as a caring, gentle person, passionate about helping to better the health and working conditions of working class people. Also, for the unselfish way he shared his vast amount of knowledge (without being boastful or talking down to people), not just what he knew about occupation health but a whole host of other subjects. I remember a time John and I went camping in the Lake District with him and some other friends and he would point out to us and name the birds we saw or heard or point out wild flowers with such enthusiasm, that ever since it has made me open my eyes and enjoy nature much more than I did before. Although I must say that at the time, I found it difficult to join in Simon’s enthusiasm as it was throwing it down with rain. ! I was soaking wet and what was to be a steady 15mins walk to the pub turned into a 2hr trek. I don’t think we ever got to the pub, instead we arrived back just in time to see some of our tents floating down the river, but we enjoyed a good laugh about it later. I regret losing contact with Simon and Mandy but when we met up again it was so lovely and relaxed it was as if we had never lost contact at all. The hugs meant more to me than any words could express, and I was deeply touched by their concern for me especially knowing what they must have been going through. Proof indeed of their kindness and consideration for others despite what they were going through themselves. Sue Lawson My Love and thoughts to Mandy,Sol,Bella,Benny

I am very sad to hear of Simon's death tonight. I send his family, friends and colleagues my deep condolences. The world is a worse place without him. I first knew him a long time ago when the hazards movement was beginning, tghrough Charlie Clutterbuck and others, when the work in Sheffield in particular was taking off, and when I lived in the North. What a good man and what a great contribution. As we review his life and our collective efforts, we know there can be no assumption of justice at work unless people combine to pursue and maintain it. But we also know that the chances are massively increased when people like Simon work their socks off in its pursuit. His entire life was dedicated to that. What a great man. What a terrific contribution. I salute him. TIM LANG

Dear Simon: my first cousin whom I never got to know as well as I should have. I shall always retain a happy memory of the day we spent together with Mandy in Sheffield this time last year. So sorry you never made it down to Cornwall to show me those rare plants on the Lizard! My love to Mandy and your children. Dougal

Dearest Mandy, Sol, Bella and Benny We will miss Simon so much. He was an exceptional friend: gentle, kind, sensitive, and invariably generous with his time and energy even when he became ill. It is difficult to capture in words the very special combination of qualities he possessed – his passionate curiosity and love of life; his steadfast, principled and utterly unselfish commitment to improving the lives of working people seemed always to be sustained by an inner calm and stillness. This quality gave him an unusually powerful yet understated presence that nourished and enriched our lives immeasurably. We knew him for far too few years, but we treasure the memories of our times together – meals, conversations, films and walks through the woods. We could never be bored in Simon’s company – his sharp intelligence, independence and wry humour always seemed to be offering a fresh perspective. He was so modest about his professional work that, until recently, we only had glimpses of the huge difference he has made to so many lives, but we are delighted that his contribution has been publicly recognised by those who would have mattered to him most. For ourselves, Simon will always be remembered lovingly as an amazing friend and comrade at the heart of a wonderful family. Love, Sheila and Chris

Although I've known Simon on and off for many years, it was, regretfully, mainly as an occasional but inspiring colleague. His knowledge and fierce commitment were underpinned by an immense sensitivity and kindness. He was unfailingly helpful, even when times were difficult. More people are in his debt, not just in South Yorkshire but far beyond, than he ever could have known.

I am so sad to hear of Simon's death from a cancer that should have been prevented. He made an enormous contribution to the cause of the protection of health at work, and will not be forgotten. Diana Kloss, Chair, Council for Work and Health

I'd like to add to all the many wonderful tributes that Simon was such a lovely and inspirational person, whom we'll all miss immensely. We've been friends for many years and I've enjoyed working with Simon on the various articles and commentaries he has written for the journal 'Occupational Health at Work' (as well as in my previous job) and the many phone chats we've had of an afternoon discussing our various ideas (and frustrations!). He and I once arranged to stay at the same (budget) hotel in Milan for an international OH conference and while I took the lazy route by plane, Simon stuck to his principles and took the train; and still arrived in time for beer the same night as me. He enjoyed his journey far more than I did mine, having met some interesting folk on the way. Perhaps that was his secret to success - solid principles and never one to take short cuts. I shall miss him. John Ballard, with special thoughts to Simon's family and friends from all of us at The At Work Partnership

Simon - a lovely man who will be sorely missed. He has been such an inspiration to all of us working in the field of occupational health and safety, and I greatly value all the practical research he did, from occupational cancers to stress at work. His dedication and tenacity has helped so many people around the world, and he leaves a lasting legacy through all that he achieved. My love and thoughts to all his family. Caroline Bedale, Greater Manchester Hazards Centre

I have known Simon and Mandy and Sol and Bella and Benny for many years and we, Selina, Tommy and I, have shared many enjoyable camping trips, long walks and New Year festivities over these years. Simon always brought with him an air of calmness and tranquility, tempered with a great sense of humour and you always felt that nothing could go wrong when Simon was around. He was just someone who was lovely to be around and he will be sorely missed. Tina

With much appreciation for all your hard work, support and dedication to the patients of Mill Road Surgery and the friendship you showed to everyone who worked with you - you are very much missed by everyone here

Through his advice and suggestions, Simon informed our Institute’s health and safety work from the very beginning. He was a huge contributor to our chemical hazards network, and the development of our proactive union position on REACH. He was a big-hearted man driven by a firm belief that deep reaching change could only come from organized action by workers, their collective fount of knowledge and solidarity across borders. I first met Simon at a meeting of a European network of occupational health activists in Sheffield in 1992. I still vividly recall the passion with which he spoke of the blast furnaces that still cast a pall over many parts of the city, the pride of the working class, his admiration for the daily work of union activists. The loss of Simon takes from us a friend, a rigorous researcher, and an activist of outstanding integrity. His resolve, his smile, and his kindness will be sorely missed. Laurent Vogel, Director, Working Conditions, Health and Safety Department, ETUI

I am very sad to hear the news that Simon Pickvance lost his fight against Mesothelioma. Simon was a gentle caring man, he spent his time listening to the concerns of workers and trying to improve their health by making connections with their ill health and their working conditions. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of ordinary workers, I always found him to be encouraging and supportive, a true hero, he will be sadly missed.Carol Duerden Bradford Workers Health Advice Team (Formerly BOHP)

I only had the opportunity to work breifly with you Simon. However I was impressed by your passion and commitment on health & safety and I know my colleagues greatly valued your work.

Dear Simon, you taught me a lot about preventive medicine and fighting for people who have been damaged by work-related diseases... I remember those early days of the Occupational Health Project, sitting in the corner of various working men's clubs waiting for people to come and tell us their stories... more recently I really enjoyed our time together last New Year, and it's those memories of seeing you with your family that I will remember most.

I first met Simon in October 1989 when he was part of the interviewing panel for the post of development worker, the job I applied for, for SOHP as it was then. I got the job and remained with the project for 10 years or so working with Simon at Darnall Surgery for some of that time. Simon was a founder member of SARAG (Sheffield and Rotherham Asbestos Group) way back in 1994 and we are still working on behalf of asbestos sufferers and their families. Simon was an inspiration to me and the dedication to his work was unquestionable. I always said that I would be pleased if I had half his brain power and dedication. There will be many people and families who have benefitted from his knowledge. We at SARAG thank him for his help and comradeship over the years. He will certainly be missed. Mick Firth, friend and SARAG Trustee.

Simon, my dearest friend, with whom I have loved to walk, talk, sing , pick mushrooms and watch for birds and wildflowers. Comforter in times of sorrow, companion in times of joy, fount of wisdom and knowledge. I will forever miss you; always cherish your memory. Steve

I feel immensely privileged to have known Simon. I had known his sister Debbie in Bristol when we were radicalized by the student politics of the 1970's. I came to Sheffield in 1979 just as a whole cohort of radical people were thinking about health and health care in different ways. I came to Darnall where the Occupational Health Project was already reaching people in their own environments, working men's ! clubs and then GP practices. I worked with the pioneers of the project who became my colleagues in the practice and indeed Simon continued to work at the Darnall practice for the rest of his working life. In the days of the Darnall equal pay practice collective he was immensely influential in guiding our thinking and giving me the confidence to continue. We created a practice culture that was at the same time professional, equal, collaborative and respectful and we were friends. Mandy and Simon, of course met at Darnall when Mandy came there as a doctor and stayed during one of our heydays. I feel honored to have been part of their lives from the very early days. Of course being friends with Simon did not mean that our lives were necessarily very close but I feel especially pleased that I was able to join the book group with Simon in the last years of his life. It reminded me of a conversation we had many years ago about the author Milan Kundera and how well read, thoughtful and intelligent he was. This was a person who could have easily been Professor of Occupational Health in any prestigious institute of learning anywhere in the world yet he chose to spend his working life in Darnall. I cannot think of anyone who gave a greater commitment to ordinary working people in a deprived area of Sheffield that most people have hardly heard of. I think this is a great person who should be remembered and cherished and I shall miss him terribly. We must all somehow continue the work he was engaged with, to advocate for ordinary people, to promote their health and fight against the people who make money at the cost of people's lives. Jack Czauderna

Such an inspiration…I am reminded of your work and the legacy of this every single day, as are all of the people you have helped. Much love, my thoughts are with your family. X

I am sorry that I am unable to attend Simon's funeral and memorial ceremony. I have known Simon for many years, but never knew him very well. I found him to be a kind, attentive, thoughtful and gentle man. He impressed me with his strong commitment to the things he believed in, his passion for the work he did,and his integrity. It is a very sad loss, and I will miss him. With love and many thoughts to his family. Lisa Heller

Simon was a true pioneer in the field of Occupational Health, an inspiring speaker and a good friend. He will be greatly missed. Bob Grove

Simon, I will always remember you as driven internationalist for healthy and better workplaces to be realist by cooperation of workers and experts together. Meeting eachother on the EWH-conferences and the steeringgroupmeetings it has been inspiring to work together. Klaas Zwart, Trade union activist, Steelworker at Tata Steel IJmuiden (Netherlands)

In 90 or so I received issue of WHIN which carried news introducing our organization-activities-problems and in addition it carried Appeal to its readers to contribute. Later,I knew that it is Rory and Simon behind it. I then contributed few articles for WHIn. In 1992 I traveled to UK and had opportunity to attend HAZARDS conference at Shefield. I wanted to spend one more day after the Conference is over so that I can visit SHOP office and know more about them. I did not know where to stay and Simon solved the problem by inviting me to stay with him. I learnt a lot from the experiences shared by him. He also took me to a surgery to see the work being done. How committed, innovative and courageous he was! I was shocked to know about his suffering some time back. Simon, I would never forget the time spent with you and what I learn t from you - solidarity.

A first class first bass, and indomitable pairing with Steve in the tenors - I shall miss singing with you Simon. Rebecca x

Simon had a massive influence on the way my working life panned out. He supported me in the early days at SOHAS and continued to offer help advice and a friendly ear whenever i needed reassurance.I feel privaliged to have had the pleasure of working alongside him for many years. Simon you will be sadly missed by so many as your unrivalled knowledge on workplace ill health helped numerous people. Simon i am pleased and proud to be able to call you a friend. Colin

simon so loved by all his family, immensely considerate and a quiet listener - always allowing others an opportunity to speak, dignified and never boastful of personal achievements; selfless, with an immense love of the countryside , and his beautiful family- he will be greatly missed

I met Simon through the Hazards Campaign group when I got RSI, and he was an inspiration to us all on effective campaigning. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Wendy Lawrence, Nottingham.

I was very fortunate and privileged to have known and worked with Simon. Simon was an inspiration to many thousands of people across the world and made the world a better and safer place for so many people. I will never forget the support you gave to me both as a friend and a colleague. Simon you will be missed.Andy Turner

Still can't believe Simon is gone. During all the time we worked together he always found time in his busy day to help and advise (even when I threw him questions just as he was donning his cycle helmet ready for the trip to his next meeting). He always knew the best way to approach issues, but most of all he was genuine and kind and full of wisdom. Adel Taylor

I would have first met Simon around 1989, just after I started in health and safety with COHSE. Now, working in safety and health at the European-levle, I am still telling others in different member states about this unique occupational health project from Sheffield in the UK. Simon was not only extremely dedicated, but also truly inspirational and innovative. He made a huge contribution to occupational safety and health, and will be greatly missed. Sarah Copsey, Spain

Simon has been one of the first resarchers and activists in workers' health that I met in the early 80'. In the European & international neworks, he has been very open to our different ways in acting for changes in conditions of work and for worker's rights. He was a friend and a reference in our struggles. I will ever remember of our meetings and how he was able to listen to us even when we had some difficulties to express our thoughts in English. Simon, our international network will miss you too much.

Simon, you will always be in our memories - Mohit, OEHNI, India

Simon made a real difference to many people in Sheffield, and probably the world over, whether by campaigning for them as individuals or for their rights in the workplace. It was a privilege to work alongside him at Birley. Charles Heatley

Simon, you are missed here, missed everywhere. Messages are coming in from all round the world; so many people so deeply affected by your work and now your loss... you did so much so well and I'm not sure how we'll cope without you. Rory.

You did good work Simon, and though I didn't know you too well, your warm and supportive nature shone through. You'll be missed. Vincent.

My thoughts are with Mandy and Simon's children who have to survive such a blow. I hope you will be lifted up by all the praise and gratitude from so many people who Simon has touched in his life. It may have been cruelly cut short, but the enormous impact he made will go on living.

I have known Simon many many years, but had the great luck to work with for the last few years, always helpful, funny, but overall supportive, i will miss him ..... Noreen

Simon - a great guy who made such a contribution to putting Occupational Health on the map. The TUC Occupational Health workbook was one of the many publications that benefited from his vast knowledge of the subject. Graham

Simon was kind and generous and I am immensley grateful for the advice and guidance he gave so freely. All of us in the Asbestos Forum are indebted to Simon for the work he has done on occupational cancer. Tony Whitston

Hilda Palmer Simon was a giant, a gentle giant, who inspired so many of us, with his research his talks, his teaching, and showed us a way to work on occupational health issues of all sorts. We have all lost a great friend and fellow campaigner, one of our brightest lights and we will all have to work harder now to illuminate the darkness. While his life was a gift to us all, his death a great blow to all of us his comrades, we all know that the greatest loss is to Mandy and their children. I send them much love and sympathy for the days ahead, having travellled that road I know how hard it is. Much love Hilda Palmerm GM Hazards Centre and Hazards Campaign

Simon was a presence that was always there in the background; someone whose name came up wherever and whenever occupational health was discussed amongst British campaigners. I had the chance to meet him in person only once - at a meeting in London. It was great to finally have the opportunity to talk to him in person but I regret that my time with him was so short. When I first heard that Simon had mesothelioma I found it very hard to process this knowledge. Unfortunately, even though his exposure to asbestos was short, it was deadly. It seems impossible that someone who spent his life fighting for the rights of people to be protected from hazards at work would die of this disease. I would like to extend my sympathy to Simon's family and friends in the UK and abroad. Simon was a rare individual - his work has benefited so many people, most of whom will never know that their working conditions had been improved thanks to the unstinting efforts of a man named Simon Pickvance.

Such a tragic loss of life. It makes me so sad. I will think of Simon on International Workers Memorial Day whilst fighting for the living and mourning the dead. Jane Howie, Workers Health Advice Team, Bradford.

Simon was a prolific occupational health specialist and was very inspiring for me.I will never forget him.The advice and support he gave to the ROHAS service and its advisors was second to none.Simon will be sadly missed. Karen Hobson

We have lost a giant. Simon was a highly intelligent, gentle, dedicated, creative, inspirational and passionate person. He made a real difference to the lives of many, many thousands of people. Talking with him and seeing the ideas emerge was a joy. He was a unique talent. I consider myself very fortunate to have known him. I am truly gutted.

The world has lost another great person, you did so much good for others Simon. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.

Simon, dear colleague, dear friend to so many. Taken too soon. We will miss you. Helen

Thank you for setting up this memorial to simon pickvance. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.