Book of condolences - Bill Neil
The University understands how difficult it can be when we lose someone close to us. We have opened up this online book of condolence to bring together tributes.
If you would like to offer your condolences or pay tribute you are invited to leave a message on this page.
Nottingham Trent University regrets to announce the passing of Dr. Bill Neal.
Dr. Bill Neal spent his entire academic career helping staff and students to fulfil their potential. He studied for his undergraduate degree and PhD at Durham University before joining Trent Polytechnic as one of the youngest lecturers in the sector in 1986. His approach to undergraduate teaching was popular with staff and students from the start, and he is warmly remembered by graduates of the science courses more than three decades later.
In 1988, Trent Polytechnic became Nottingham Polytechnic and then Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in 1992. Bill taught students across the breadth of the science courses. He was a key player in the development of new physics courses and new degree schemes. His novel ideas and insights took the physics team from strength to strength. When NTU Physics first appeared in the National Student Survey (2013) it was at the top of the table, with 100% student satisfaction (first in the UK). Under his guidance, the physics team won the NTU Team Award for Achievement in Teaching (2019).
As well as being an exceptional lecturer and leader, Bill was an accomplished researcher, using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique to deposit thin films for study.
Bill always put the needs of the students first. Perhaps the best insight into what he achieved is given by this anonymous comment from one of his students: “Pros: this man is a legend. Great notes, great support and incredibly funny. Cons: nothing.”
Outside of the University, Bill enjoyed socialising with friends at the pub, he was a keen golfer for many years and he was married to his loving wife, Nik.
Like many students before me, I will forever be indebted to Bill. His kindness and understanding enabled me to over come challenges of life and to succeed at university. He was an engaging and knowledgeable teacher, and a caring course leader that always put the individual student's interest first. I will always remember the positive impact that Bill has had on my life and career, and the wonderfully kind person that he was.
Posted by Stuart, 31 May 2021
Bill was one of a kind. He was a very dedicated, warm and caring lecturer who always put the students’ interest first. I couldn’t have hoped for a better colleague; he helped me find my own feet when I joined NTU and was a mentor, an inspiration and above all a very dear friend. I could always rely on him to help me find solutions to seemingly difficult problems, including the all too often challenge of being locked out of my office!
Bill bore his illness with grace and dignity. The Physics department will not be the same without him. Bill was the glue that bound us all together. I will miss him greatly.
Posted by Fouzia Ouali, 08 Feb 2021
Bill's dedication to his job made all his colleagues work so much easier: he was a great man to work with. But more than this he was a good friend who always made time for you.
A few beers with him was always a delight, and I wish I could have been able to supply him with much appreciated, fresh gooseberries for many more years.
Posted by Nicolas Sawyer, 06 Feb 2021
Bill was one of the nicest people I had ever met in my entire life, sometimes he'd stay at uni way after lecturers were finished just to have a general chat with us. He had such a deep understanding of the universe, may he rest in eternal peace.
Posted by Dylan, 28 Jan 2021
Bill was one of those guys you could chat with for hours having not met up with for years. A great loss.
Posted by Paul Roach, 27 Jan 2021
Bill was a kind and caring person, and a wonderful colleague. He gave me my induction on the very first day that I arrived as a new lecturer at NTU. He made sure that everyone, strong and weak players alike, enjoyed team sports sessions. It is testament to Bill's caring and considerate nature that he often seemed more concerned about the impact of his illness on others than on himself. My most sincere condolences to his wife, friends and family.
Posted by Carl Brown, 26 Jan 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss, Bill was an amazing person.
Posted by James Fellows, 25 Jan 2021
It is sadly the case that too often you don’t appreciate the best times of your life in the moment, nor thank those around you for making those times special until it is too late. Bill’s passing is one of those times.
I hadn’t realised that Bill began lecturing at the then Trent Poly in the same year that our cohort started. At a time when so much was new to us as first years, Bill put us at ease, and became a friend as we shared those three years. I remember Bill’s smile, his energy and his approachability. Bill was my final year project supervisor, and passed his enthusiasm for the subject to me without me even realising. Able to engage and relate to all students, regardless of their ability or personality, and always making time to listen, Bill also recognised the value of life balance – often seen in sports kit from a game of squash or football, or the really tall person in The Bell holding a pint of real ale – he was a true all-rounder.
I feel privileged to have known Bill, and will remember his gentle, smiling demeanour always.
Posted by Gareth Hall, 24 Jan 2021
I first met Bill in the summer of 2003. He gave me a tour of the Clifton Campus, still wearing his football kit from a lunchtime 5 a side session. I probably wouldn't have attended NTU if not for his warm personality and friendly nature. I did not regret that decision, in large part due to having Bill as a lecturer. When I started teaching physics at NTU eight years later his mentorship helped me find my feet and grow into the role. I was privileged to have Bill as a friend and colleague and Beer Festival drinking buddy. He will be sorely missed and the world is a poorer place for his passing.
Posted by Shaun Atherton, 22 Jan 2021
Bill had a large impact even on people he had little contact with. I met Bill, albeit briefly, through my partner before studying at NTU, and without this meeting I may never had the courage to transfer to NTU, resulting in a big positive life change. As a kind, generous and patient colleague, teacher and friend he managed to make my days a little brighter and will be sorely missed.
Posted by Jen Evans, 21 Jan 2021
I had the pleasure of being taught by Bill as an undergraduate. He encouraged me throughout my studies and supported me to become a course rep every year (even though we probably had too many!), he gave advise with studies and shared stories about life and was genuinely amazing to be in the same room as. He did a lot to make sure our time at university was enjoyable.
My favourite memory with Bill was going out for drinks with the physics team during the summer of my 2nd year, to celebrate the completion of the progression meeting and results for us students, it didn't feel like we were just students, we felt like friends.
I got to continue to work at NTU after graduating, I would just drop by Bill's office to have a chat or a catch up. He was just such a wonderful person to be around. Thank you Bill for being such a huge influence on my life, I'm going to really miss you.
Posted by Elizabeth Dye, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was a "gentleman" in both senses of the word; also patient and supportive of both colleagues and students. And a great administrator as well as a respected academic. (Two qualities not always found in the same person.) I have fond memories of several trips to France with Bill (1999-2004) visiting Erasmus partners including the one his brother Nick mentioned during the service. He faced having a truly grim bout of food poisoning in a plastic palace hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, with great stoicism. My very deepest sympathy goes to his wife, friends and family. He will be much missed.
Posted by Stevie Mudd, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the nicest people I worked with in 30 years at NTU. He was professional, funny, kind, compassionate, and a great person to have on your side. He always made time for people, and looked for solutions to any problems in a pragmatic, sensible and sensitive way. I consider him a friend and will miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Bill.
Posted by Sandra Kirk, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was a fantastic colleague and welcomed me to NTU, providing me with excellent advice when I first started. He was always supportive when discussing difficulties with course administration! He always had time for a chat in the corridor on any topic, which I will certainly miss.
Posted by Caroline Sunderland, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the first academics I got to know after starting at NTU, as my tutor he always encouraged me to believe in myself and always had confidence in both my physics ability and personal strength when I did not. The memory of his beaming smile when I told him I would be pursuing a PhD with Alan as one of my supervisors will always be incredibly special to me as without the ongoing support offered to me (and all students under Bill’s care) I truly believe I would not be both who I am and pursuing (and enjoying!) a career in physics.
The welcoming, encouraging and supportive feel of NTU Physics is a testament to a man who will be missed by everyone who had the absolute pleasure of knowing him.
Posted by Elizabeth Donegan-Lawley, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the most genuine individuals I've ever known. He was always open and honest, ready to help his students with a smile and a joke and he never stepped back from a challenge. He made my time at NTU, and surely many others, enjoyable and he was an inspiration. Rest well Bill.
Posted by Marc, 20 Jan 2021
When I think of Bill, I always picture him with a big smile. His positive demeanour was just what was needed when sorting out policies to support students! Even though I wasn't in Bill's department, it was clear that his students adored him as he was one of the good guys. Students knew that Bill was dependable, fair and on their side. Bill was great at his job and we loved working with him. He will be sorely missed. Sending my sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Posted by Jo Hartley, 20 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the finest academics that I have ever met. He was someone who cared passionately about doing the very best for the students and looking after his academic colleagues. He is the person who has had the single greatest influence on my teaching style and practice. It was fantastic to sit with him in his office kicking round ideas and he refined some of my more crazy suggestions into something that worked. He also introduced me to the delights of Plum Porter and I’ll always think of him when I raise a glass of this wonderful brew. A great man, a wonderful colleague and someone who will be greatly missed.
Posted by Alan Wood, 20 Jan 2021
I'm very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I can remember how kind, caring and supportive Bill was to students and staff alike. Not only were his lectures amazing, but the support he gave to everyone went above and beyond the extra mile. Being around Bill was always a pleasure, especially when drinks were in hand, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without Bill's guidance. All I can say is thank you to Bill and that he will be sorely missed.
Posted by James Daw, 19 Jan 2021
It is with great sadness to hear about the Bill's passing. He was fantastic at offering support to everyone. Not only was he a great teacher, he was a great person. I don't think there is any doubt how many lives he has influenced for the better including my own. Thank you Bill, may you rest in peace.
Posted by Ryan, 19 Jan 2021
A great friend and colleague.
Posted by John Crookes, 19 Jan 2021
There will never be anyone quite like Bill - it was an honour to have been taught by him and supported when I was struggling with both my studies and my personal life. His door was always open, metaphorically and literally. My deepest condolences to his family.
Posted by Lena, 19 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the first academics I met at NTU and was always a very friendly, approachable and helpful man. It was a pleasure to work with Bill - he will be greatly missed.
Posted by Laura, 19 Jan 2021
I first met Bill on my induction day as a student back in 2008, when he approached me to compliment my choice of drink at the student meet-and-greet. I can still see the first beaming grin he gave me as we spoke and remember becoming instantly excited to be taught by the lecturers at NTU, if they were all like this man. Throughout my years of study Bill was always kind, encouraging and overtly proud of each and every one of his students. I was lucky enough to work alongside Bill later on and realise, from that privileged position, that he somehow cared even more about students than I had witnessed before. His dedication and warmth had such a positive effect on so many, and he will be sorely missed as a tutor, colleague and friend. Thank you Bill.
Posted by Ed Breeds, 19 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever met. He made my job so easy for me as he was approachable, understanding and helpful in every way. Bill always had the best interests of his team and students at heart, and was so genuinely kind and supportive in his approach to everything and everyone. I will miss working with him. Thanks for everything Bill.
Posted by Ruth, 19 Jan 2021
Bill was absolutely fantastic. His love and dedication to both the course and the students were second to none. He has helped, encouraged, and supported so many people, and made such a positive difference. He will be missed.
Posted by Cameron Irwin, 18 Jan 2021
In my first lecturing post I couldn't have asked for a better mentor or manager than Bill. His dedication to student and staff support is the greatest I have seen in any organisation. He was liked and respected by all who met him (no mean feat in a university!) I personally will miss him and will do my best to carry on his excellent work and approach to students. I only wish I could have spent a few more years (and some more beer festivals) with him.
Posted by Ian Whittaker, 18 Jan 2021
Back in 1998 when I started my sport science degree at NTU, Bill took the reigns as my Biomechanics lecturer - he was amazing, extremely supportive and approachable with a talent for turning complicated content into something simple and enjoyable (and I know many of my fellow students really appreciated that!). Then, as a work colleague at NTU, my interactions with Bill would always highlight, without fail, his supportive, approachable, and unfailing kind nature. Thank you Bill - you'll be greatly missed.
Posted by Mike Johnson, 18 Jan 2021
Bill was an incredibly friendly and approachable man. He supported me in reaching out for help and I will be forever grateful for that. He was an excellent lecturer who put a lot of time and effort into teaching and I’m glad to have been one of his students. Thank you Bill.
Posted by Max Howkins, 18 Jan 2021
Having been privileged to work with Bill from when he joined the staff of Trent Polytechnic (at such an early age that he was mistakenly assumed to be a student sometimes) I knew him as an inspiring, highly conscientious and caring colleague who was a wonderful friend to those he worked with and deeply committed to doing his best for the students. But Bill was much more than just an especially excellent colleague: he was an especially lovely human being who will be massively missed by all who knew him in any context. Heartfelt condolences to Nik.
Posted by Robin Turner, 17 Jan 2021
I always found Bill to be an excellent colleague (in my role as acting Deputy Dean and before that going back to days when we were fellow PLs.) He was incredibly conscientous and considered in his approach, working tirelessly for his students. His collegiality and support for his colleagues was outstanding. He will be greatly missed at NTU. I am extremely saddened at his passing and send sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Posted by Heather Powell, 17 Jan 2021
As one of Bill's first cohort (86-89) I can honestly say that he was great from the beginning of his career. I remember him as accessible, fun and challenging. So good to be able to pay my respects. Love and prayers to all the family.
Posted by Adrian Stone, 16 Jan 2021
Bill was incredibly kind, one of the most approachable people I have ever met. I feel privileged to have been taught by, and to have known this brilliant man, thankyou so much Bill.
Posted by Simon Mendum, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was, and always will be, an absolute star - as a friend and as a colleague - and a nicer guy you could not hope to meet. He bore his final months with a dignity, fortitude and humour that should be an inspiration to us all. But he'll be so missed by so many. It was an honour and a privilege to know him and work with him for so long. Physics@NTU has so, so much to thank him for - his legacy is there for all to see. Rest easy Bill.
Posted by Christian, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was an incredible lecturer, physicist and person, he will be greatly missed
Posted by David Rivers, 15 Jan 2021
Bill is without a doubt the reason I am who I am today. Without the support he provided me I would not be where I am today and would very likely not have a degree either! Many a time I knocked on his door in tears and he was there to save the day.
I may never have had the chance to thank you in person but rest assured your legacy will live on through your students and the NTU corridors will feel a lot emptier without you. May you rest in peace.
Posted by Andrew Littler, 15 Jan 2021
It is a massive shame to hear what has happened. I didn't get a chance to learn from him.
Posted by Guy Hirst-Styles, 15 Jan 2021
Such a kind and warm-hearted man. Had some great chats in the corridors of NTU, usually about real ale :). Will be sorely missed. My condolences to Nik and all his loved ones at this time. God bless.
Posted by Dr Alex Robinson, 15 Jan 2021
One of the first people I met at NTU, Bill was just a genuinely lovely person. I will miss him.
Posted by Emma, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was an incredible teacher and wonderfully kind man and I feel honoured to have known him. Rest in peace Bill
Posted by Ben, 15 Jan 2021
Bill’s passing deals a devastating blow to the whole NTU community, but it’s also important to remember his amazing role in everyone’s journey, both past and present. A true inspiration to everyone he helped along the way and he’ll always be remembered as a cornerstone of physics at NTU. Thank you for everything, Bill.
Posted by Jake, 15 Jan 2021
Rest in Peace Bill. You were a great lecturer and you always said hi to me when I saw you around the University. That meant more to me than you'd think. I'm going to miss that
Posted by John Gynn, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was a inspiring lecturer and always made time when students needed him. He was also a wonderful person and I'm glad to have had the honour of knowing and being taught by him. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Mark Bond, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was one of the kindest and most understanding people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He always put the students first and personally helped me so much whilst studying Physics. He will be greatly missed, but I am so lucky to have known such a wonderful person.
Posted by Kirsten McCormick, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was the one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever worked with. He will be very sadly missed
Posted by Karen, 15 Jan 2021
Bill would always go out of his way to provide extra support for students at NTU. You could see his passion for Physics and teaching. He helped me to enrich my university experience and gave me the tools necessary to better my future career, he was great at nudging people in the right direction. I am happy and grateful to have known such a kind person.
Posted by Kaid Mavrou, 15 Jan 2021
Having worked as an admin colleague of Bill’s for many years, I was always grateful for his approachability and kindness. Whenever I was struggling with something vaguely mathematical, I knew I could knock on Bill’s door to ask the most stupid of questions and he would always take the time to patiently explain. In fact, rather than accept my profuse gratitude for his help, I remember Bill saying how pleased he was that I felt I could ask him. So happy to have known him.
Posted by Elaine, 15 Jan 2021
Bill was one of our best lecturers, I spent 3 years working with him as a course rep and it was a pleasure to of worked alongside such an awesome person. There needs to be a plaque on the grounds of the university to honour his memory. Gone but not forgotten.
Posted by Chris Hall, 15 Jan 2021
I was honoured to have been taught by Bill and he always supported me and guided me with my studies and future, helping me pursue anything I wanted. It has really made me into the student I am today for which I am extremely, extremely grateful for. You have my deepest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with all his loved ones. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by Ruhani Khanna, 15 Jan 2021
A fantastic, supporting and inspiring teacher to all during my time at NTU. Thank you for the good memories, Bill.
Posted by Luke, 15 Jan 2021
I am glad that I have had the opportunity to have Bill as my lecturer. As others have said, his notes are excellent and he always made topics he taught in lectures very interesting. Bill created many physics courses here at NTU, without him I may not have been able to fast track to the MSci course I am on right now, where I am doing what is meaningful to me, and for that I greatly thank him.
Posted by Andrei Muresan, 15 Jan 2021
I would like to say how welcome Bill made me feel. He was very kind in the few times I met him, and he was always attentive to his students. You have my condolences and I hope he has the wonderful send off he deserves.
Posted by Mackenzie Forster, 15 Jan 2021
As a bioscientist, I knew Bill from Physics at work and from the Crown, our local. As a colleague, he was a rock – a voice of reason and positivity. As a BSc Leader, I wanted Bill to be the one reviewing my annual report, because he was always supportive, but also critical – in the best possible sense – and helped me to improve the course. As a friend, he was just that – down-to-earth, kind, funny… he was just one of the best people. A true gent. What a loss. I miss him.
Posted by Rachel, 15 Jan 2021
Bill taught me on my degree from around 2001, he was a huge influence, so enthusiastic and really invested in communicating all this amazing science. He was one of the lecturers that inspired me to become a lecturer too and I was his colleague for 12 years after my PhD. He was also a good friend down the Vic (and a few other pubs) - he had a brilliant quality of getting more happy the more drunk he got. If you joined the table late you could use his grin as a measure of how many rounds you had missed! He was always the first to buy a drink for students after graduation and he was always the one they wanted to have a drink with. I thought he was crazy to keep working through his illness but really, he loved his work - it would have been crazy for him to stop. In the bitchy world of academia I don't know anyone who didn't speak well of Bill, not students or staff.
Posted by James Hind, 15 Jan 2021
When I started working at NTU Bill was a shining example of how to operate. He helped teach Sport Biomechanics back then and he always went above and beyond to help the students. Bill was a wonderful, kind-hearted man and I'll miss him.
Posted by Graham Sharpe, 15 Jan 2021
Bill taught me first as an undergraduate student in the late 1990s and then he became a colleague when I began working at NTU in 2006. Both as a lecturer and as a work colleague he was kind and patient and always willing to give you his time and knowledge whenever he could to help.
Posted by Lucy Murdock, 15 Jan 2021
I only met Bill a few times, but that was enough to be very impressed with his enormous professional pride and his dedication to delivering his best when teaching students.
Posted by Nick Evans, 15 Jan 2021
As a colleague and friend since the 1980's, and having shared an office for many years, I can say that Bill was one of the nicest men to ever walk the earth.
Posted by Mike, 15 Jan 2021
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Bill was an incredible professor, and an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to meet him, work alongside him, and study under his guidance. I am grateful to have been taught by him, and will remember his teachings for life.
Posted by Curtis Whyte, 15 Jan 2021
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Bill at NTU. He was truly one of the most kind people and always lovely to chat to. He will be missed in the SST community.
Posted by Pippa, 15 Jan 2021
Bill will be so dearly missed by the students at NTU. During my time here, Bill has been incredibly supportive and helped me through some tough times. His teaching always spanned such a breadth of knowledge and his notes were some of the best around. He is someone who reminded me of my passion for the subject when faced with hardship and I know this is the case for many others too.
Posted by Ella Marcham, 15 Jan 2021