Roald Owen Dickens
Obituary
Roald Dickens passed away unexpectedly in February 2025 at the age of 45, survived by his partner Sravya, his children Sam and Emma, and his parents Ronald and Jean. Roald had become unwell following a severe head injury in 2021.
Roald grew up in Harrow, London where he excelled academically and at sports. He completed undergraduate and Master's degrees in Economics at the University of Manchester. Roald then worked as a government economist for nearly 25 years, across departments including HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, and the Department for Trade and Industry. He spent the bulk of his career in the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, where amongst a wide range of contributions he pioneered analysis on valuing the impact of government policies on air quality and which has reduced harmful emissions in towns and cities across the UK. During this time he graduated with a Distinction in the Executive Master in Public Policy from the London School of Economics.
Roald's defining trait was his care and compassion for others, applying his great intelligence and pragmatism to solve problems and find ways to help people. Despite his shy nature, he built many close friendships and inspired loyalty and affection from those around him. He was open and curious, continually educating himself and able to converse on topics from politics to physics to philosophy. He was adventurous and fun-loving - notably passionate about sampling new and interesting (and spicy!) foods, watching and playing sports, playing video games, and seeking our new experiences. Despite many setbacks, he maintained his positivity and a strong drive to get better and enjoy life to the fullest. He was a loving and devoted partner, parent, son, colleague, and friend - he will be missed.
Roald's funeral took place on 13th March in London. A recording of the livestream will be available until 11th April 2025:
Website: https://watch2.obitus.com
Username: joru2860
Password: 971046
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March 19, 2025
I had the privilege of working with Roald at Defra. He was a true gentleman, exuding kindness and a fatherly warmth in his leadership. My heartfelt condolences to all who knew him.
March 19, 2025
I am so very sorry to hear that Roald is no longer with us. Roald was a real intellect, simultaneously a strategic, deep and agile thinker and committed to securing the best outcomes for society. I remember coming to him with problems to solve and he’d always find a good way through (and always with a smile and good dose of humour). Most of all though he was an extremely kind and thoughtful human being. I wish Sravya and family all courage and strength at this difficult time. Ed
March 18, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of Roald's passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends and I am so very sorry for your loss. Roald was one of my first managers in the Government Economic Service and it was an absolute privilege to work with him. He taught me lots about having a humble and curious approach to problems, and the power of being the calm but sensible voice in the room. I often think about what a great line manager he was and I am confident his legacy lives on through the people that were fortunate enough to know him. I hope this gives you some comfort during the no doubt difficult months and years ahead. My thoughts are with you. Vic
March 18, 2025
I was sad to hear of Roald's passing. We did our Masters at Manchester together - I did Development Economics, but we overlapped in some classes. We then overlapped in the Government Economic Service. We lost touch after moving on from the Civil Service, but I always had good chats with Roald. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace, Roald.
March 18, 2025
Roald was a colleague, manager and friend to me at Defra. He was one of the most warm and kind people I've ever worked with. Everyone loved working with him and he had such a big impact on so many people. What an unbearable loss to the world - thinking of Sravya and all Roald's family.
March 17, 2025
So sad to hear about Roald. Working with him on air quality was one of the highlights of my career. Roald was endlessly patient and kind as well as incredibly calm under pressure and one of the most supportive people I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
March 17, 2025
I worked with Roald during my formative years as a government economist, before enjoying taking it turns to be on each others’ recruitment panels in the years since. In those early days he stood out as the experienced colleague you aspired to be like - a real expert, influential, and everyone in his team loved working with him. In the years since he was a hugely respected colleague who always had a smile on his face and was fun to be around, whether at the pub or in a work setting. I will miss him and always be grateful to have known him.
March 16, 2025
So sorry to hear this very sad news. I worked with Roald at Defra and found him a kind and friendly colleague, always looking to support those around him. He was also a first class economist who leaves a legacy with the colleagues he worked with as well as his impact on people he will never meet through the work on air quality and other areas. My thoughts are with Roald's family, friends and all who loved.
March 16, 2025
Dear Roald,
Even as I write this I can vividly see your big warm smile in front of my eyes. You have been so kind to me, guided me through the civil service maze and ever so generous with your time. I wish I was better at keeping in touch in recent years. I will think of you with a lot of fondness and treasure everything you taught me. I wish strength to your family so that they heal from this great loss. Lots of love. Thank you for everything.
Even as I write this I can vividly see your big warm smile in front of my eyes. You have been so kind to me, guided me through the civil service maze and ever so generous with your time. I wish I was better at keeping in touch in recent years. I will think of you with a lot of fondness and treasure everything you taught me. I wish strength to your family so that they heal from this great loss. Lots of love. Thank you for everything.
March 14, 2025
Roald was always calm, with curiosity about his subjects and confidence in his team. I fondly remember the nine months I spent working for him at Defra, especially because of his cheerful perseverance at working through all the obstacles we faced together. He was a great leader.
My love and best wishes to everyone close to Roald. Tom x
My love and best wishes to everyone close to Roald. Tom x
March 13, 2025
Roald was such a kind and generous man. He was a great mentor to me at a formative stage of my career and became a great friend over the years. He had a wonderful calmness to him, and such a wide range of interests that you could have a great conversation with him about anything. Sadly, I’d not seen as much of him as I’d have liked to in recent years, but I’ll always keep such fond memories of all the times I was fortunate to spend with him.
March 12, 2025
Roald's warmth, generosity of spirit and intellectual curiosity all shone through the moment you first met him. I can remember feeling instantly like I'd found a kindred spirit when first meeting him and chatting to him at one of the first face-to-face sessions of the EMPP at LSE.
Throughout our classes, discussions in the margins of lectures, our sadly too infrequent pub trips, and the poor Covid analogues like virtual Christmas quizzes I got to see - lamentably briefly - a window into a truly special man.
Although sadly the pandemic and his illness meant our friendship didn't have the depth it deserved, I'm honoured to have met and shared time with a wonderful and unique person, and am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of his death. He will forever be in my memory, and his family, friends and loved ones in my prayers.
Throughout our classes, discussions in the margins of lectures, our sadly too infrequent pub trips, and the poor Covid analogues like virtual Christmas quizzes I got to see - lamentably briefly - a window into a truly special man.
Although sadly the pandemic and his illness meant our friendship didn't have the depth it deserved, I'm honoured to have met and shared time with a wonderful and unique person, and am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of his death. He will forever be in my memory, and his family, friends and loved ones in my prayers.
March 12, 2025
I find myself writing this message in a state of disbelief.
For most of our primary and adolescence years Roald and I were thick as thieves! From computer games, Anime, Stars Wars, Super heroes, first girlfriends and sporting achievements, our plans of world domination formed.
Unfortunately, I am out of the country so cannot attend his funeral tomorrow. But I will be watching the livestream that his family have arranged with the deepest sadness.
Ron, Jean, Arron, your son and brother was truly one of a kind. Courageous, brave, mischievous, and a little impetuous, there wasn’t a challenge or obstacle that he wouldn’t shy away from (which always got us both in a lot of trouble).
I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, his partner and his children. I hope through the pain you can all remember his cheeky smile and the joy he brought to your daily lives.
When I return back to the country and when you feel ready, it would be great to catch up in person to pay my respects and reminisce on the happy times we shared.
Rest in peace Roald, and save some coins at the Arcade for me.
Nehl
For most of our primary and adolescence years Roald and I were thick as thieves! From computer games, Anime, Stars Wars, Super heroes, first girlfriends and sporting achievements, our plans of world domination formed.
Unfortunately, I am out of the country so cannot attend his funeral tomorrow. But I will be watching the livestream that his family have arranged with the deepest sadness.
Ron, Jean, Arron, your son and brother was truly one of a kind. Courageous, brave, mischievous, and a little impetuous, there wasn’t a challenge or obstacle that he wouldn’t shy away from (which always got us both in a lot of trouble).
I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends, his partner and his children. I hope through the pain you can all remember his cheeky smile and the joy he brought to your daily lives.
When I return back to the country and when you feel ready, it would be great to catch up in person to pay my respects and reminisce on the happy times we shared.
Rest in peace Roald, and save some coins at the Arcade for me.
Nehl
March 12, 2025
There was something so calm and quietly intellectual about Roald, I loved spending time with him whether it was out on a long walk or sitting around and chatting about gaming or our kids.
He loved talking about his children (as I love talking about mine), I really enjoyed swapping dad stories with him and celebrating the successes of them. He was so proud of his children.
Perhaps the most important thing to me is that he brought such a huge amount of joy and love into Sravya's life.
Rest in peace Roald.
He loved talking about his children (as I love talking about mine), I really enjoyed swapping dad stories with him and celebrating the successes of them. He was so proud of his children.
Perhaps the most important thing to me is that he brought such a huge amount of joy and love into Sravya's life.
Rest in peace Roald.
March 12, 2025
Dear Roald, I'm so sad not to have a chance to know you more. You were such a lovely part of our family gatherings and hanging out chatting and gaming with the kids.
Once you were fascinated by a cake I made up and you asked me for the recipe to send to your daughter. I also remember us sitting together and calculating the environmental impact of toilet paper vs bidets! I was impressed by your ability to think of every problem as something that can be quantified and calculated.
Our virtual calls during Covid and after were fun, and it was nice to just chat with you on walks.
But mostly, I want to thank you for the love and support you gave to my sister all these years, first as her friend and then her partner. She will miss you so much, as will we all.
I hope you are peaceful now.
Much love, Supraja
Once you were fascinated by a cake I made up and you asked me for the recipe to send to your daughter. I also remember us sitting together and calculating the environmental impact of toilet paper vs bidets! I was impressed by your ability to think of every problem as something that can be quantified and calculated.
Our virtual calls during Covid and after were fun, and it was nice to just chat with you on walks.
But mostly, I want to thank you for the love and support you gave to my sister all these years, first as her friend and then her partner. She will miss you so much, as will we all.
I hope you are peaceful now.
Much love, Supraja
March 12, 2025
Roald was a part of our family and will continue to be so. I remember when I first met him I immediately liked him as he was such a caring, funny and relaxed person. There were many occasions when we were just hanging out at nani and nana's house, sreya pini's and jack's house or our house and we just talked and chilled out. He was also an extremely interesting person who also had so many things to talk about and I loved hearing everything he had to say. Frequently, we would text each other on WhatsApp and he would check on what I had been doing (we mainly talked about video games). I truly loved Roald and I will miss him so much.- Nikhil
March 12, 2025
I worked with Roald in the Natural Environment Economics team at Defra.
Roald was both a superb economist and a joy to work with. Roald’s innovative work on air quality and noise valuation have had a significant impact on economic appraisal. His positive attitude and good humour made going to work fun.
The privilege was ours Roald - we were lucky to have spent time with you.
Roald was both a superb economist and a joy to work with. Roald’s innovative work on air quality and noise valuation have had a significant impact on economic appraisal. His positive attitude and good humour made going to work fun.
The privilege was ours Roald - we were lucky to have spent time with you.
March 12, 2025
I was Roald's line manager over the last year, and got to know him more since the Autumn when he began his phased return. He was a pleasure to work with, his care for others was always apparent, as was his sense of fun and his love of his children. I got to know the grin others have referred to. He showed a real interest in the projects he worked on and engaged with it and the team really well. It was lovely to see how he enjoyed renewing connections with defra colleagues and to sense how well liked he was in the analyst community. Throughout the whole period he showed great fortitude with his health challenges. My only regret is not getting to know him better when I was previously in Defra when our paths rarely crossed - he clearly was not just an intellectual powerhouse but a wonderful line manager and colleague to many. His passing came as a shock and my thoughts are with his family and Sravya.
March 12, 2025
Roald was my first line manager at Defra and was very kind to a Civil Service newbie! He always had interesting solutions to problems and saw things through a different, creative lens. He was very supportive to all who worked with him: I was sad to hear of his death, and my thoughts are with his family.
March 11, 2025
I first met Roald when I enquired about a G7 role in the Defra air quality team - little did I know the world I was about to enter and the impact Roald would have on my career path. Roald my was line manager in air quality, my first G7 role. This remains the most rewarding job I’ve ever done. At times it felt like we went from emergency to emergency – EU infraction, Saharan dust events, establishing a new mechanism for handling air pollution events, carrying boxes of reports to No10… Throughout, Roald’s leadership, support and humour steered us through – somehow he always had a plan that cut through even the most complex and sensitive issues. He was a hugely supportive and encouraging line manager and on more than one occasion helped put me back together when my confidence was knocked. Somehow he always had a smile too; this is how I will remember Roald. I also remember the quirky leaving gifts he would give people – one he gave me when I left air quality included a child’s toy farmyard…my children still play with it now. I was lucky enough to get to work with Roald again recently, on specialist pay and professions work and it was so great to get to catch up and share some funny memories. Roald’s passing has been such a shock; I am sending all good wishes to this family and friends.
March 10, 2025
Very saddened to see this news. Its many years since I last worked with Roald but he was a gentle, kind soul and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him on air/noise pollution while I was in DHSC and him in Defra. I seem to remember a particularly challenging meeting at OECD in Paris where Roald helped to bring things into perspective.
So sorry for your deep loss. Will keep you all in our prayers at this difficult time.
So sorry for your deep loss. Will keep you all in our prayers at this difficult time.
March 10, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Roald's passing. I worked in Roald's G6 team between 2019 and 2021. Roald was always very friendly and interested in my work, as well as in others' working in the Operational Research Hub, which he set up. He also kindly supported me in applying and practicing interviewing for a promotion which I was successful in, even though that meant moving away from his own team. I would like to send my condolences to his family during this difficult time.
March 10, 2025
I wish to send my heart-felt condolences on the very sad occasion of Roald's death. In our dealings at work I always experienced his very constructive, kind and helpful approach. He will be very sadly missed. RIP.
March 10, 2025
We are so sad to hear of Roald's death and that we only knew him such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sravya, his family and friends as they face life without his presence.
March 10, 2025
I first worked with Roald in CO, what seems like quite a few years ago now. I remember him as always cheerful and great to work with. Our paths have crossed over the years since, as we both moved on to other things. Every time we met, he was always pleasant, and friendly, as though no time had passed. Working with Roald was great as he was always constructive and looking for solutions, even when our depts were on different sides of an argument. Through his engaging style he had more impact than things might have appeared. A great role model. And someone who will be sadly missed.
March 10, 2025
I am saddened to know about Roald's passing. I met him at DEFRA for an expert meeting while he was working on Air Pollution report. He came to several of my classes to share his in-depth knowledge and insight on environmental policy and regulations with my students. He was always friendly and helpful. I am so sorry that the world lost such a bright light.
March 10, 2025
Roald was a lovely colleague at Defra and was good to meet again at LSE. He was incisive, kind and firm but fair with a great sense of humour - even in tricky times. He is missed and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
March 7, 2025
I met Roald whilst working at Defra. He was kind, smart and just a had a way of making everyone feel at ease. I was always in awe of how he turned my policy ramblings into something sensible to work on! He was a truly lovely individual!
March 7, 2025
Roald was my wonderful cousin. I have so many fond childhood memories of holidays together in France, trips to London to stay with Jean and Ron, Roald taking me on the London Underground, which was such an adventure and buying Lychees at his local shop.
In more recent years we have met on Christmas family gatherings. He took time to get to know my daughters Lois and Elsie, he was always kind and interested in speaking to them and catching up with me.
It was lovely to see him happy with Sravya at our family meals.
I am devastated at loosing Roald so early in his life and I will forever treasure each and every memory I have of him.
In more recent years we have met on Christmas family gatherings. He took time to get to know my daughters Lois and Elsie, he was always kind and interested in speaking to them and catching up with me.
It was lovely to see him happy with Sravya at our family meals.
I am devastated at loosing Roald so early in his life and I will forever treasure each and every memory I have of him.
March 7, 2025
I was so sad to hear this news. I worked in Roald’s team from 2014-2018, and he was a brilliant leader. I learned so much from him, through seeing him in action in the office but also through his more candid reflections shared with us in the pub! Roald was incredibly supportive of me and my career progression, and at times I felt he had more confidence in me than I had in myself. He always remained so calm, even in the most challenging situations, which had the effect of making those around him feel calmer too. When my team face challenges now, I often find myself thinking ‘what would Roald do in this situation?’ Roald had a big impact on my career and I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
March 6, 2025
I met Roald through my partner and enjoyed every single conversation with him, up to the last one we shared in january about the importance of ice cream! I hope you get all the scoops you want now!
March 6, 2025
I am saddened to hear about Roalds passing. I worked with him in Defra on noise pollution … he was such a lovely colleague to work with … always kind and upbeat. After I left the service 9 years ago and moved to spain I kept up with him a little via facebook and enjoyed seeing photos of his lovely family. My thoughts are with his family in these sad times.
March 6, 2025
Roald was always ready to help and a truly knowlegeable colleague. When I joined air quality 5+ years ago, I contacted him and he spent quite some time sharing information and guidance on things he had worked in the past. He was always ready to provide futher support. He will be greatly missed in the Defra community. All my thoughts are with his family.
March 5, 2025
I was running the Economics, Stats and Research group when Roald first joined DEFRA. Roald was such a kind and accomplished man. He worked tirelessly and brilliantly on analysis of policies to tackle climate change, air quality and noise pollution. Roald made a big contribution across all of them, though it’s air quality where he really made his mark - he became _the_ authority on it, and improved both policy and people’s lives.
As an economist, Roald was highly respected by those of us lucky enough to work with him. His combination of technical skill, policy nouse and his ability to get on well with a whole range of people across the system meant he was influential and innovative as an economist, and someone people really wanted to listen to.
He’s fondly remembered by people who worked for him: he was kind, friendly, funny and inspiring. Roald always championed the cause of his staff with me, and helped proactively to improve the way we ran the group. He had a great way of gently pointing out where the bosses (me included!) were getting things wrong and pushing us to up our game, through a period of quite radical change. He helped me more, I suspect, than he knew.
I hadn’t seen so much of Roald in recent years, and I’m sad about that. He is such a terrible loss at such a young age. I know how much he is missed by his family, friends and colleagues. My most heartfelt condolences to Sravya and family.
Rest in peace, dear Roald.
As an economist, Roald was highly respected by those of us lucky enough to work with him. His combination of technical skill, policy nouse and his ability to get on well with a whole range of people across the system meant he was influential and innovative as an economist, and someone people really wanted to listen to.
He’s fondly remembered by people who worked for him: he was kind, friendly, funny and inspiring. Roald always championed the cause of his staff with me, and helped proactively to improve the way we ran the group. He had a great way of gently pointing out where the bosses (me included!) were getting things wrong and pushing us to up our game, through a period of quite radical change. He helped me more, I suspect, than he knew.
I hadn’t seen so much of Roald in recent years, and I’m sad about that. He is such a terrible loss at such a young age. I know how much he is missed by his family, friends and colleagues. My most heartfelt condolences to Sravya and family.
Rest in peace, dear Roald.
March 5, 2025
I had the pleasure of being managed by Roald when we worked together on air quality. My memories of him are good ones, he was a kind manager with a big wide smile and it was great being in a team with him. More recently we worked together again on professions work.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Roald's death. My love and thoughts are with his family
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Roald's death. My love and thoughts are with his family
March 5, 2025
So sorry to hear this news. I worked with Roald over a number of years on noise and air quality evidence in Defra. He was kind, encouraging and will be a great loss. My condolences to his family, please know he was loved and admired by many.
March 5, 2025
Roald I will miss you. X
March 5, 2025
I am *so* sorry to hear this news. I had the pleasure of working with Roald on various environmental policy projects while I was working at Defra. He was always willing to give his time and expertise when he knew someone needed help, regardless of how busy he was - and always did so in a positive and cheerful way. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this very sad time.
March 4, 2025
I was so very sorry to hear of Roald's death and wanted to send my condolences to all those who were close to him.
Like many others who have contributed to this memory wall, I worked with Roald in the air quality evidence team. He brought me in from another department and promptly asked me to produce a piece of work I didn't feel I was in any way equipped to deliver. And yet I did because, like so many others, I benefited from the faith he had in his staff, his ability to communicate with absolute clarity of purpose, his obvious commitment to the work and his endless patience responding to questions he must have been asked 100 times in a way that made you feel valued for asking them.
I will remain hugely thankful to him and will remember him for his kindness, ability to bring out the best in people and mastery of his subject.
Like many others who have contributed to this memory wall, I worked with Roald in the air quality evidence team. He brought me in from another department and promptly asked me to produce a piece of work I didn't feel I was in any way equipped to deliver. And yet I did because, like so many others, I benefited from the faith he had in his staff, his ability to communicate with absolute clarity of purpose, his obvious commitment to the work and his endless patience responding to questions he must have been asked 100 times in a way that made you feel valued for asking them.
I will remain hugely thankful to him and will remember him for his kindness, ability to bring out the best in people and mastery of his subject.
March 4, 2025
Truly shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news. Roald was such a lovely, lovely man. I first met him back in 2002 when I was a student on a placement year at HMT and Roald was a provisional AE. He helped me enormously, not least by taking me seriously, being interested in what I had to say, which gave me a lot of confidence. We worked together later on when he was at Defra and I was at DfT, figuring out how the UK could be compliant with air quality targets. He was smart without being overbearing, very kind and thoughtful. I remember him very fondly. Best wishes to all his family and friends.
March 4, 2025
Roald
Thank you for being such an inspiring leader and mentor. You've taught me so much, from embracing my neuro-divergence, the power of being softly spoken to how to shorten my name in a cool way.
It was great to bump into you around Westminster and I regret not following up the "let's grab lunch" commitments. This is going to be something I'll have to live with.
My thoughts are with your family and closest friends. A big hug to Sravya.
Thank you for being such an inspiring leader and mentor. You've taught me so much, from embracing my neuro-divergence, the power of being softly spoken to how to shorten my name in a cool way.
It was great to bump into you around Westminster and I regret not following up the "let's grab lunch" commitments. This is going to be something I'll have to live with.
My thoughts are with your family and closest friends. A big hug to Sravya.
March 4, 2025
Two weeks on and it’s still hard to find words that will do justice to Roald. He leaves such a legacy in government – from driving better air quality for all to the countless analysts, scientists and more whose careers he helped shape and grow. He’s undoubtably the reason I stayed so long in air quality, with his capacity to know better than we did what we were capable of (he never did reveal my ‘tell’ for being stressed!) and putting huge trust in us to deliver while ensuring we always felt supported.
From lengthy sessions talking ministers through the finer points of air quality modelling to the never-ending stream of new challenges that came his way, Roald was always calm and smiling and never failed to find time if you needed his input. I am so grateful for all I learned from Roald and that we got to cross paths again more recently.
My sincere condolences and best wishes to all of his family and loved ones.
From lengthy sessions talking ministers through the finer points of air quality modelling to the never-ending stream of new challenges that came his way, Roald was always calm and smiling and never failed to find time if you needed his input. I am so grateful for all I learned from Roald and that we got to cross paths again more recently.
My sincere condolences and best wishes to all of his family and loved ones.
March 3, 2025
I met Roald in 2014 when I joined Defra. I was badly burnt after surviving a toxic workplace. Roald was not only calm and professional, he was compassionate and kind. He helped me heal. Thank you Roald.
March 3, 2025
Shocked and saddened to hear this news. I worked with Roald developing evidence for air quality policy for Defra. He was always kind, considerate, attentive and curious, and lovely to work with. My condolences to all his family and friends.
March 3, 2025
I couldn't quite believe the news when I heard them and I still struggle to make sense of such a tragic loss. I worked with Roald on noise policy and I remember him as one of the smartest and kindest people I worked with. He made the world a better place and his legacy will be felt by many of us throughout our entire lives. My heart is with his closest friends and family at this difficult time.
March 3, 2025
Very sad to hear the news about Roald and my thoughts are with his family, friends and all who loved him. He was a lovely man to work with, gentle and kind, and an excellent economist. His legacy will live long in Defra.
March 3, 2025
What sad news. Roald was always a knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming presence from my early days in Defra in EPE/CCE.
Later on I saw another side in Stephen Iyayi's boxercise classes - Roald had a very good punch on him and he could really chuck a medicine ball. Still in a friendly way of course.
Later on I saw another side in Stephen Iyayi's boxercise classes - Roald had a very good punch on him and he could really chuck a medicine ball. Still in a friendly way of course.
March 3, 2025
Sending my condolences to Roald's friends and family. This is such sad news. I was working in the Health Protection Agency when I met Roald and we collaborated for a number of years. He was kind, intelligent and a lovely person to work with.
March 3, 2025
I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear that Roald had passed away. Our paths only crossed quite briefly a decade or so ago, but I still remember what a lovely, kind and good-humoured person Roald was. My condolences to his family.
March 3, 2025
Really shocked and saddened to hear this, I remember him as a fantastic leader in Defra. My condolences to Road's family.
March 3, 2025
I am very saddened to hear of Roald’s passing. Roald and I were colleagues at Defra and it was a pleasure working with him. He was a lovely man and respected colleague. He was very generous with his time and an expert in his field. He will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.
March 3, 2025
I'm really sad to hear this. Roald was a lovely guy and a really important member of the economics community when we worked together at Defra. My condolences to his family.
March 3, 2025
What sad news. What a loss of such a talented economist, who was also such a nice, fun and patient person. I still remember joining Defra Natural Environment Economists in 2009 with a bit of trepidation and feeling so welcomed by Roald and others (and so surprised at the laughs we had!) - he really left his mark in Defra, through his work, but also his fun and caring "way of being". My deepest condolences and thoughts your way.
March 3, 2025
I worked with Roald over the years on such issues as air quality where he was the economic expert. We also spent many a happy hour in the pub. I'm going to miss him.
March 2, 2025
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Roald's sudden passing. I have very fond memories of working with Roald first at the OFT and then at Defra and he always struck as a very kind, gentle soul. My heart goes out to his family.
March 2, 2025
My deepest condolences to Roald’s family and friends, I’m sorry and saddened for your loss. I will always treasure the happy memories of a loving, loyal, playful and intelligent man with a good heart and an ever present smile, his incredible spirit will live on forever.
Rest in peace my friend.
Kaveh
Rest in peace my friend.
Kaveh
March 2, 2025
Roald was a lovely person - funny, caring, smart, curious, gentle, and able to find something to talk about with anybody and everybody. He was a wonderful partner to Sravya and I cherish the time we got to spend with him as he became part of our family.
I carry fond memories of watching silly 80s films together, eating South Indian food and being astonished at his capacity for spice and weird blue drinks, and spending many evenings at our house with our cat settled firmly on him.
I am so sad that I will not see him again - I will miss him and what he meant to our family.
I carry fond memories of watching silly 80s films together, eating South Indian food and being astonished at his capacity for spice and weird blue drinks, and spending many evenings at our house with our cat settled firmly on him.
I am so sad that I will not see him again - I will miss him and what he meant to our family.
March 2, 2025
It was a huge shock to read this news on LinkedIn. It’s been a long time since I worked with Roald but I’ve never forgotten his skill, professionalism and gentle manner.
I was working at the Environment Agency on air quality when I first met Roald. I have no doubt that his contributions in that field led to more people living longer, happier, healthier lives and it’s hard to think of a better legacy than that.
My deepest sympathies to Roald’s friends and family.
I was working at the Environment Agency on air quality when I first met Roald. I have no doubt that his contributions in that field led to more people living longer, happier, healthier lives and it’s hard to think of a better legacy than that.
My deepest sympathies to Roald’s friends and family.
March 2, 2025
When the post about Roald's death popped up on my LinkedIn feed it was such a massive shock. Massive condolences to the family - he will be really missed.
My first memory of Roald is being abroad with my family and taking a call from Roald offering me a posting in Defra's Air Quality team in 2016. After joining I found him to be an inspiring, insightful, and caring Grade 6. We had many a conversation where I agonised over whether to stay in Defra/HMG or accept an offer to move to the private sector - he successfully convinced me to stay and 10 years later I am still here. Sadly we lost touch after I took a career break to go off and do my masters in 2019 and covid broke out.
My first memory of Roald is being abroad with my family and taking a call from Roald offering me a posting in Defra's Air Quality team in 2016. After joining I found him to be an inspiring, insightful, and caring Grade 6. We had many a conversation where I agonised over whether to stay in Defra/HMG or accept an offer to move to the private sector - he successfully convinced me to stay and 10 years later I am still here. Sadly we lost touch after I took a career break to go off and do my masters in 2019 and covid broke out.
March 2, 2025
Sad and shocking news. Roald and I worked together during his stint at the Cabinet Office during the noughties. I hadn’t seen him for years but remember him well as a generous, patient and talented man. Thoughts to his family and loved ones
March 2, 2025
I am heart broken to read this news about Roald. He was truly one of the greatest managers this world has. Back in 2015 he encouraged me to apply for promotion and believed in me when i didnt yet believe in myself. His kindness, support and ability to bring out the best in people have stuck with me throughout my career ever since. Roald really was one of a kind. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
March 2, 2025
I met Roald at Manchester University . He always came across as mentioned before like others as kind,funny,caring and most importantly content. I feel saddened at his passing and wish I had kept in contact more. I send my love and blessings to his partner and family and say now it is time where remembering can take place 🙏
March 1, 2025
My old school pal Roald. RIEP my friend, will always remember you fondly.
March 1, 2025
Roaldie,
Will miss you alot. Your kids are your amazing legacy Xxxx
Lawa
Will miss you alot. Your kids are your amazing legacy Xxxx
Lawa
March 1, 2025
We had the pleasure of meeting Roald through his partner Sravya, most memorable memory of which having spent an entire evening at the Science Museum where I was surprised to see an unassuming grown up become quite overcome by child like enthusiasm for some exhibit related to a theory in economics (despite his valiant efforts to explain this to me at great length, can’t even remember what it was called!) warm when speaking of his children & unerringly patient is our enduring memory. Really saddened to hear of his struggles with his health over the last few years & of his sudden passing. Our love & thoughts are with his family ❤️
February 28, 2025
Roald interviewed me and brought me into the Defra air quality team. He always seemed to be able to make time for anyone and everyone and able to hold his own in science, maths, economics - you name it. A very genuine and lovely man who I will miss and am kicking myself for not looking him up for a catch up. Love to all family and friends at this sad time.
February 28, 2025
I was really shocked and saddened to hear such terrible news. I worked with Roald in the Air Quality Team in Defra for many years and first and foremost I will remember him as a really kind and supportive colleague. Roald always seemed to have an impenetrably calm and unflappable character, however busy or challenging things got and he would always find time to support his team and share advice and knowledge. I send my heart felt condolences to his family and close friends and such a difficult time.
February 28, 2025
I last worked with Roald back in 2018 but I can still picture him so clearly, lighting up the analysts' desks in Nobel House (and indeed the witness bench at the High Court, at one stage!) with his kindness, friendliness and deep knowledge of his subject. He was a lovely and unflappable colleague and a beloved manager to his team. I'm so sorry to hear this news - he's a big loss.
February 28, 2025
I didn't know Roald as well as others but I first met him while being seconded to Defra from the Met Office. He was always very considerate of the fact that I was relatively new to policy, but always respected my views as a scientist. I thought we worked well together investigating the various complex nature of translating science into policy. He was a real rock that I could depend on. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family. I for one will wallow in the nice memories I have of him.
February 28, 2025
Roald played a really important role in my career at various points and helped me secure my current role when I was on the verge of leaving Defra. He was a very competent man but more importantly, a genuinely nice human being filled with humour. I will miss running into him, and my thoughts are with his family and those who are close to him..
February 27, 2025
The loss of Roald will leave a big hole in my heart.
We first met at high school as 12 yr olds and we spent the best years of our lives as inseparable best friends .
Roald was always a slightly off character, especially until you got to know him. But he was the most genuine honest person, funny, and extremely curious and inquisitive, and looked at the world in a different way to most . I'm so glad he was my friend and he always will be.
We first met at high school as 12 yr olds and we spent the best years of our lives as inseparable best friends .
Roald was always a slightly off character, especially until you got to know him. But he was the most genuine honest person, funny, and extremely curious and inquisitive, and looked at the world in a different way to most . I'm so glad he was my friend and he always will be.
February 27, 2025
I was very saddened this week to hear news of Roald's passing. Roald was a wonderful manager to me in my first role in Air Quality in 2008-09 back in Ergon House. He was a strong analyst, but more importantly was a lovely and supportive man generous with his time to help me and many other colleagues. I have many many fond memories with Roald in the office, down the pub and out on many of our team and volunteer days. Roald continued to offer much support and advice for years even after I had left his team for which I remain grateful. I send my condolences to Roald's family and all who knew him. He will me missed as a person, and will be a loss to the civil service for sure.
February 27, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I write this! Roald my friend! You will be missed! My deepest sympathies go out to your family and loved ones. I hope and pray that they can find some comfort and peace from those beautiful tributes.
Roald was quite an inspirational figure who always would go above and beyond. We spent many enjoyable, but painful hours training together. I was always amazed by his capacity to demand more from his body. The way he would surpass those much lighter than he was, made me proud. Always eager to help others in any way he could. He had that rare mix of intelligence but also empathy.
May your soul find eternal peace.
Roald was quite an inspirational figure who always would go above and beyond. We spent many enjoyable, but painful hours training together. I was always amazed by his capacity to demand more from his body. The way he would surpass those much lighter than he was, made me proud. Always eager to help others in any way he could. He had that rare mix of intelligence but also empathy.
May your soul find eternal peace.
February 27, 2025
What a terrible loss. Roald was first and foremost a warm, kind and compassionate person. He helped me through some tricky times at work, reminding me that there was more to life than work. He had a natural ability to calm people down, and thankfully also the patience and care to take time to apply this ability. As I recall, Roald and Sravya were the last people standing at my Defra leaving drinks - a testament to their generosity of spirit. I know he loved his children dearly, and I loved that he would talk about them often at work. I have taken this with me, since becoming a father. We will all miss you Roald, and our thoughts are with all your loved ones.
February 26, 2025
It's so sad to hear about this heartbreaking loss. I was lucky to work with Roald for a year or so and I greatly appreciated his positive and calm approach in addressing complex problems, He was a truly inspirational colleague who will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family in this difficult time.
February 26, 2025
I was shocked to hear this very sad news about Roald and send my heart felt condolences to his family and others close to him. I worked with Roald many years ago now on our EU air quality plans and remember him fondly for his patience and good humour as well as his analytical expertise. I can picture now his smiling face.
February 26, 2025
Roald was a great colleague. Whether in the office or the Marquis, he taught me a lot. As a line manager, he would always stick up for people and was always supportive of our growth: he was an excellent judge of when we needed stretch, when we needed space or when we needed steering.
Somehow he managed to show that he took the work really seriously, without making the workplace an overly serious place. I will remember fondly the quick grin followed by phrases like 'I probably shouldn't be telling you this...' or 'I couldn't make this joke in the office... but right now we're not in the office'.
I'm sure there are hundreds of people who will miss bumping into Roald at random GES events over the coming years, but most of all my thoughts are with Roald's closest friends and family
Somehow he managed to show that he took the work really seriously, without making the workplace an overly serious place. I will remember fondly the quick grin followed by phrases like 'I probably shouldn't be telling you this...' or 'I couldn't make this joke in the office... but right now we're not in the office'.
I'm sure there are hundreds of people who will miss bumping into Roald at random GES events over the coming years, but most of all my thoughts are with Roald's closest friends and family
February 26, 2025
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Roald. I worked with him in Defra over many years and took over from him in the air quality team, where he was a hard act to follow. He was hugely knowledgeable and respected, and always generous with sharing his expertise. My condolences to him family and friends.
February 26, 2025
I am very sad and shocked to hear of Roald's passing. He was a great mentor, and colleague bringing his friendly and welcoming nature wherever he went. He interviewed me for my first role as well as being my first line manager, and was very supportive throughout. My thoughts and prayers are with Roald's family during this difficult time.
February 26, 2025
It's so sad to hear of Roald's passing. My overriding memories of him are of being an exceptionally kind man, generous with his time and sharing his experience - so crucial to helping with building the confidence of new and inexperienced analysts. That was definitely true for me as a newly promoted G7, very unsure of myself in a new policy field and desperate not make a mistake. Even though I was on the other side of somewhat challenging, often very tetchy departmental relationship between DEFRA and the Business department, Roald always took the time to speak with me, genuinely listening to my views (even though I was clearly wrong in places!) and gently offering advice on how to go about building confidence and expertise. From reading a lot of the comments here I was clearly not an exception. He was a lovely man and the world is a sadder place without him in it. My heartfelt condolences to his family and to Sravya.
Donate
In honour of Roald, we invite you if you wish to contribute to a charity in lieu of flowers or gifts. Given his illness, we have suggested Headway, a charity which provides support to those suffering from brain injuries (www.headway.org.uk). The link to the donation page is here: https://roalddickens.muchloved.com
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