At my father’s funeral, his best friend concluded his epitaph with the “Man in the Arena” quote from Theodore Roosevelt.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I had never heard it before and, given the context, it really struck a chord with me. I subsequently used it as part of the closing segment of the Rolls-Royce specialist academy to hopefully inspire the delegates. My testimonials are not quite in that league but I believe it reflects my approach to doing things. Thank you to everyone below for their words.
Neill, Much will be said about you over the coming few days. On a personal note, thanks for ‘being there’ always giving wise advice and a balanced perspective on things. I think back to your comments on Trent 1000 risks and realise how much we’ll miss that huge breadth and depth of experience. However, none of us can carry on forever and perhaps another testimony to you is that you’re leaving behind some great talent in test and measurement who you’ve taught your trade.

We’ll stay in touch, I hope. Paul

Paul Stein

Chief Technology Officer at Rolls-Royce

Neill, Thank you for your huge contribution to the success of the company. We’re going through tough times but we will recover and the world class facilities you helped build and establish will remain as a tremendous legacy. The recent Pearl 700 MBS test is a fitting career finale! Whatever you do next, I trust you find it fulfilling and satisfying., Thanks again and the very best for the future.

Simon Burr

Engineering and Technology Director Civil at Rolls-Royce

You’re such a good person Neill, massively experienced, well recognised in the entire company and I was always looking up to you like a paragon. Looking back to the Next Gen and also/mainly to our PGB and Ultrafan™ times it was always good to ask you about your opinion and judgement. I would really like to stay in touch and despite the pandemic which is the biggest challenge we have to deal with I’m confident that we can go through this to make our loved Rolls Royce strong again.

Martin Mohr

Chief Development Engineer at Rolls-Royce Deutschland

Neill, Fascinating reading your e-mail below - an amazing career! I knew some of it but there is much you have done which I wasn’t aware of. Over the years, you’ve helped on various things in CAOPs and T&S I have been involved in - as soon as I know you’re involved, I know there is not much more I can do as I know “the best there is” is on the case! After all, I know that anyone who has been Chief Dev Engineer knows how to pull off miracles!

Gareth Davies

Project Director Airbus at Rolls-Royce

Dear Neill, Some people say “Everybody can be replaced”. Wrong statement, at least in your case. I only know a few people in RR that have really demonstrated that they make a difference. You are one of them. Thank you for all your valuable contributions and for the time you have spent with us here in Dahlewitz. And thank you for the doors you have opened: (i) in the heads of people by encouraging them to think differently and (ii) physically by helping us get access to unique test beds around the world, e.g. AEDC.

Andreas Buss

Head of Indirect Procurement at Rolls-Royce Deutschland

Neill it’s been a great pleasure and honour to work with you. Thanks for being great back up whenever I’ve needed it and for all the help and coaching you’ve given me to get where I wanted and needed to get to. We’ve worked on some fantastic projects together over recent years, projects which needed your drive and charisma to get launched; it’s certainly been my favourite era of a long career at RR. Great quote at the end by Roosevelt by the way. In fact I’ve forwarded to my 3 sons, another great life edict of yours that I hope they embrace! Take care.

Ady Stanley

Test Facility Project Lead at Rolls-Royce

Hi Neill, Thanks for the note. I’m very sad to see you go with so many new opportunities coming over the horizon in Defence. Thanks for everything you’ve done and the support you’ve given me in different roles. I hope you enjoy a bit of respite as of next week and take the time to enjoy the finer things in life! I’m sure I’ll get a chance to see you again but until then, have a blast!

Gareth Jones

Engineering and Technology Director Defence at Rolls-Royce

You know you’ve had an awesome career when you can see the products of it from space ! A long time since the Trent 800 days but yours has been a tremendous contribution to what RR has become. I'm going to miss your coaching, support and directness of thought Neill – some tricky times to navigate over the next couple of years for those of us that remain. Enjoy some down-time and then I’ll look forward to your input from a slightly more remote perspective in the not too distant future ……

Andy Geer

Chief Engineer and Head of Programme – UltraFan Demonstrator at Rolls-Royce

Neill, It’s been a pleasure working with you over so many years and I for one have benefited immensely from your knowledge and support. All the very best for you and the family in whatever comes next.

Alan Newby

Director, Aerospace Technology & Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce

Neill, Congratulations for such a great career! Brilliant to read all the achievements and your perspective on working at Rolls-Royce. I recall vividly working for you on the Trent 800, which was such an amazing time, and as you say a great team. I read the org chart now with fond memories of everyone on that team. That was just around the time computers were coming in and Microsoft Office was the big innovation. Remember the first run when we all had to monitor a strain gauge each?!

I recall the dilemma we had on the 7000 when we had a clash with the RRD programme and you helped, as the CaLT didn’t really want to make a priority call. I enjoyed visiting Stennis and seeing our 7000 test out there, and going back further loved all my time in Development, where you have spent much of yours also. It was a real pleasure working for and with you Neill and I wish you all the best.

Chris Davie

Formerly Project Director Trent 7000, now Regional Director Asia at Rolls-Royce

All I can say is that in all the issues where there was serious technical challenge you were there in the middle of it with your sleeves rolled up. I do worry that there isn’t enough of that today – was it Hives who said “too much slide rule and not enough engineering”? Anyway, it's been a long journey for us both since EK. Got the feeling we both did good! No doubt our paths will cross again so, until then, take care chap!

Alastair McIntosh

Engineering and Technology Director Rolls-Royce Deutschland

Congratulations on a brilliant career in Rolls-Royce Neill. You made a huge contribution over many years and helped a lot of people. I know that I was always grateful for your help and support so thank you. Good luck on the next mission.

Keith Howells

Managing Partner at Project4 Learning Lab

Neill, what a glittering career spent mainly in the best part of RR! It was a pleasure working with you, and I wish you all the very best for the future.

Steve Hyde

Chief Development Engineer at Reaction Engines

Neill, a great move into your next professional chapter. As the story goes, as a young development engineer in Montreal I was reading and learning from the great Neill Forrest already, reading through his reports from the Trents in Derby to inspire what we would do on the Trent 60. Little did I know that I would have the privilege to join a table of legends in Development as a representative for Energy, then furthermore as I landed in Derby on the UltraFan. You have always been of good counsel and a sounding board but most of all, a good friend. Good luck on your new endeavours!!

Chris Pin Harry

Global Head of Carbody - Engineering and External Sub-Systems at BOMBARDIER

Neill - Been great working with you in a range of roles; boy do we have some tales. Sincere thanks and looking forward to our next glass to celebrate the end of Phase 1 and the start of Phase 2 !

Luke Logan

Engineering Director Europe and International (Air) at BAe Systems

Congratulations on a job well done! My brief interaction with you on the data system discussion at RR was inspiring. I have worked with a lot of smart people in my years in the industry. You are in the elite class of brilliant engineer who is also a simple man. Your passion for advancing technology is clear, your communication of ideas is spot on, and your humility is always present.

Jim Black

Sales and Business Development Manager at Jacobs Technology

I remember our paths first crossing on Trent 800 and it was a genuine pleasure interacting with you through my whole career. You can be truly proud of what you have achieved and excited about what is yet to come. Have a wee dram on me and I am sure we will connect in the future! Warmest regards, Chris.

Chris Barkey

CTO Baker Hughes, NED, Independent Advisor, formerly Group Director, Engineering and Technology at Rolls-Royce

Neill, it has been a great pleasure and a privilege working with you. I was very lucky to have you as a mentor and I am truly grateful for all your support and help with my career. You leave a behind a great legacy . Those of us entrusted with picking up your tasks have some very big shoes to fill. I wish you all the best with your next steps. No doubt we will meet again…soon.

Ibrahim Sever

Engineering Associate Fellow - Experimental Vibration at Rolls-Royce

As well as creating a legacy of great products and incredible facilities, you also set an incredible example for others to follow along the way. Looking forward to hearing about the next step in the adventure Neill.

Adam Holland

Product Director - Excavators and Power at JCB

A great career, and your amazing things you did for RR will speak for you in the years to come. All the best.

Günter Kappler

Sr Advisor for Aircraft and jet Engines, former E&T Director for BMW Rolls-Royce

Neill, your drive, energy and enthusiasm has influenced many projects and many more people - I’m sure you will make sure you enjoy your own future….

Colin Tomkins

Director at Maber Architects

All the best Neill. Always a pleasure working with you. Enjoy a break, then hope our paths cross again in the next phase.

Ian Ritchey

Independent Advisor, formerly group Chief Engineer at Rolls-Royce

All my best wishes to you and enjoy the challenges and have fun doing the things which are comming. I am sure there will be a lot of opportunities for further amazing things you can do.

Carsten Stein

Member of Executive Board at Werum Software and Systems AG