I first met Neil circa 1992 in his elegantly presented graduate course on Statistical Physics. It was a distinct honour (and appropriately inspiring, if not intimidating) for him to act as Ph.D. thesis advisor. Neil taught me how to think at a time when my young head needed it most. He was generous with his time, always kind and thoughtful, and of course a pillar of the department and the condensed matter world.  

He was always 'Professor Ashcroft’ to us students, and I was proud when, on graduation, he penned a rite of passage note allowing the switch to simply ‘Neil’ in future correspondence.

He lived a life of positive influence on many - both directly and (through his publications and book with D. Mermin) indirectly.

He will be sorely missed and admired.