Obituary: Axion Recycling announces the death of Simon Wilkinson

Axion Recycling has announced the death of their Principal Engineer Simon Wilkinson, who passed away aged 41 on August 24 2016 after a battle with cancer. He leaves his wife Deb and four children.

A Birmingham University graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Simon joined Axion Recycling in August 2009. A popular figure in the resource recovery sector, his influence reached well beyond Axion and he was highly-respected by everyone he worked with.

Simon was the main mentor and a strong guiding presence to over 20 young graduates who passed through the company as full-time recruits or placement students over the past seven years.

Axion staff, former employees, associates and clients have paid tribute to Simon. Axion Director, Roger Morton, said: “Simon was intelligent, astute, competitive, professional and wickedly funny; we were very lucky that he agreed to join us. It was a privilege for all of us at Axion to work with Simon.

“He had a matter-of-fact attitude to life and was wise well beyond his years…this was reflected in the remarkable way he dealt with his illness. It is tragic that Simon has been taken away from us all at such a young age and after living his life so positively. We can never replace him, but we will always remember him as a wonderful person and a great role model.”

Keith Freegard, Axion Director, added: “I really enjoyed working with Simon because he always took a 'glass half full' attitude to life's problems and could see the humour in any situation. Amazingly he kept this approach going right through his illness, I will miss him.”

Simon’s funeral took place on Tuesday 6th September at St Monica’s Church, Urmston, Manchester, followed by Altrincham Crematorium, Manchester. Any donations made directly to Macmillan Cancer Care or The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital would be gratefully received.