So many times John remains in thoughts, hear his voice in mind, feel the fellowship of his spirit, miss him greatly. 

I was really sad to hear of Johns passing and my belated thoughts and condolences are with his family.  A school reunion for the class of 82 (The Grange School) is being planned for next year and I was trying to re-connect after 40 years.  There are many, many happy memories of our school days together including skateboarding down Teasdale Way outside his house, his mother giving away extra pudding portions (school canteen) and of course formative school trips.  I have attached photo of a school trip to Austria where we had a memorable ride down the Salt mines in Saltzburg.  John is the fourth from the right and I’m sitting in front of him.  Always great fun and regret not getting in touch sooner.  We will certainly raise a glass to him at the reunion next year.

Dear Helen, James, Sarah, Janet, Tony, Susan and family,

I was so saddened to hear the news of John's passing. I met John 'Bill' in secondary school and being the same age, having friends in common and a few classes together we became good friends. In those days I spent more time down his street than I did at my own. I have many fond memories of him whilst growing up, including having our first alcoholic drinks, going for curries and going on our first lads holiday, then later in life we would catch up over a few drinks when he came home to visit. 

Anybody who new Bill would know he had such a warm personality, friendly, funny always smiling and was such a great friend to have.

Bill I will never forget you.

May you rest in peace mate.

Fusey

Dear friends and family,

Just want to share my condolences and a story.  John was head of applications R&D for Praxair Asia when I visited China for the first time, on a work trip.  John showed up at the Shanghai airport to meet me late at night, upon my arrival.  During the entire trip, John was very attentive to make sure my trip went well.  He showed me around the city and we shared stories about work and life.  As a funny aside, he showed me where to get a good American hamburger in China's largest city.  John was very passionate but also a great listener, two qualities that are hard to find in the same person.  

Randall Marx

Today this was a hard landing returning from my holiday and receiving this sad message! Used the Billingham criteria fmax 20 years before I met him personally in March 2019. Like to remember his stepping in into my office discussing distillation topics during last year.
John, rest in peace!

Dear family,

Just today I received the sad news about John's passing from a colleague of LE's R&D department in Pullach and I am shocked. I knew his name from various patents and publications before but in early 2019 I had the pleasure to meet John personally. That year we met several times in Pullach together with colleagues from the air separation department. I got to know John as a very open, constructive and fair discussion partner. John had a tremendous amount of experience in the field of air separation. I hold John in high esteem and will miss him.

After 31 years at Linde Engineering, including many years in the air separation department, I am now on vacation and will be released from work next month.   

And isn't it strange, on the same day 2020-08-20 at 6:00 pm we held the Requiem for our beloved mother. At that time I did not know about John's death and yet I prayed for all the deceased in the intercessions. 

I wish you much strength and trust in God in this difficult time and send you my sincere condolences.   

Johann Ferstl, PhD 
Former Head of Process Development, R&D Pullach

Dear Helen, James and Sarah

I heard the very sad news of John (Bill)'s passing and would like to offer my sincere condolences to you and your family.

It may have been a long time ago, but John was one of my closest friends around the time we were at King Eddie's (like Upper High School) and I have many fond memories of the time we spent hanging out together and recall very well the holidays we had, along with other friends (Kev, Gaz, Nobby...) in Blackpool, Spain and Wales. I was also fortunate to visit him three times in Houston and Buffalo in different stages of our lives.

I am sure it is clear to everyone who knew him that John was a lovely man in so many ways but for me personally he was a truly great friend, whose warm, enduring friendship and breadth of perspective helped me to develop as a human being, especially in our formative years. Although our lives progressed in different ways and on separate continents, his decease was still a great upset for me. I will profoundly miss his sense of humour, as well as his outlook and take on life.

I realise that these words offer little comfort at this most difficult time for you, but I am sure that his memory will always stay in many people's hearts, like my own.

Rob Harris

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Your family is in our thoughts.
The Silverwood Family

After knowing John for 12 years through various work occasions and social events, John strike me as someone approachable, energetic and smart. First time when I got introduced to John was when he took an assignment in Shanghai as R&D lead and came back for a home visit. Due to similar background, I got to learn his stories in Shanghai, and how much difference it was comparing to life in Buffalo. During the next many years, whenever I reached out to him for technical opinions, he always picks up the phone and helps with smart solutions. Last social event with John was at a hotdog run a few years ago when I got to know him and his wife's story about the ginger color cat they found in China, which they brought them back to US with them. How gentle and kind is that! These fun and good memory will always stay. 

Rest in Peace, 
Sophia and Blaine

I am lost for words, a condition that would never happen with John, as he instinctively knew the right thing to say in any circumstance. It was one of his many positive attributes that made it so easy to relate to him. With his amazing sense of humor and incredible intellect he lit up any room he entered. 

It is an honor to have known him and a privilege to have been able to call him my friend. 

Helen and family, you are in all our thoughts and hearts at this incredibly difficult time. The world is a sadder, colder place without John’s presence. Memories may fade but he will never be forgotten. 

Rob and Anne

Mr. Billingham was so excited to get his cornhole boards for Christmas a couple years ago. We am so sorry Helen, James and Sarah. He was an amazing man. Our deepest sympathy. Love, Doug and Tina 

Dear Helen, James and Sarah,

     The news of John's death has shaken our world. 
 
     Although we don't spend time together the way we did when the girls were small, our memories of the many dinners, birthdays, sleep-overs and play dates are firmly planted in our hearts.  We always enjoyed our time with John because he was so warm and funny and worldly.  It's hard not to think of him without a big grin on his face.  

     We were reminiscing about the time that John showed up at our door at dinnertime.   He was back in the U.S. for a brief visit while the rest of you were back in China.  We ate something that had tater tots on the top, and John devoured it like it was t-bone steak.  We took pictures together (which I sadly cannot find) and off he went.  We're so glad to have had that special time with him.
  
     Our support doesn't end today.  In the days and months ahead, we will do whatever we can to ease your sorrow.  Take comfort that John is surely in heaven, free of worry and pain.  He will surely be deeply missed by all who knew him.  A truly fine man.  

Lovingly,
Rick, Diane and Charlotte Hull

I didn't cry until I read everyone's memories this morning. Still crying. I'm struck by how similar all these memories are - full of John's kindness, charm, humor, enthusiasm, humility, and brilliance. I met him at Praxair's new hire orientation in 1992 and was drawn to him immediately. We stayed in touch and then when I moved to Buffalo a few years later we became real friends. Someone mentioned his silver Infiniti. I remember a wreck of car with a Boing Boing Baggies sticker (I needed an explanation for that). Wish I knew his mates called him Bill. I would have used that. Wish I could still talk to him about literature, music, and engineering. We spoke two weeks ago. I needed his advice on a new business opportunity that involves separation (who better?).  As always, he was a joy to talk to. So glad to have that recent memory. We will all miss him greatly.

Dear Helen & family,

We are all so shocked and saddened by John’s passing.

Growing up with him as part of our family, he was a fun, reliable and kind-hearted lad who was extremely intelligent, and who was always destined to achieve great things. 

You certainly did that, John. Yet for all your success, you never lost touch with your roots, always remaining grounded and approachable.

In John, you would always find a humble man, who always had time for you.

Last August, during a family holiday touring the US and Canada, we visited Toronto and took a trip to Niagara Falls. Whilst enjoying our lunch in a restaurant overlooking the falls, we received a phone call from John asking where we were. Upon telling him our whereabouts, he laughed and replied “I know. I’m looking at you”.

Turning our heads, we were greeted by a beaming smile from John, who had kindly driven from work during his lunch break to spend twenty minutes with us as a surprise. A typical gesture from a man who was always thoughtful, selfless and charming.

We are all going to miss you John, as will countless others who have been fortunate enough to cross your path.

Our love and thoughts are with you all,

Trevor, Anne, Ian, Alison & all the rest of the family x

My sincere condolences and prayers for comfort are sent to the Billingham family. 

I remember when John joined Praxair and within a very short time it was clear that this was one extremely smart and talented person and with complete modesty. John was also a great personality and communicator. That wonderful laugh, big smile, wit, energy, and that deep engaging English voice made him oh so special and an all-around great person. A giant amongst us, and that had nothing to do with his height. Though from about 1 foot above me, I loved getting a greeting from John…it always was genuine and warm, not a social obligation. It came from his heart. I loved how he could talk about anything and during that chat his eyes and face said he cared about and was interested in what I was saying. Thank-you John for being so kind and nice to me. I will never forget you. 


Helen, James, Sarah and family

So bloody sad.  

John "Bill" Billingham - only known as Bill to his UK mates.

Bill was a great mate, we grew up with so many great memories.
I still remember my first memory of Bill,  at Rufford Junior School.  His class was doing the school play - we would have been about 8 or 9. Bill had to play an Ostrich.  He only had 1 "line" - he ran across the stage with such passion belting out the loudest Ostrich noise possible. The whole hall erupted with laughter.  The headmaster was so impressed he asked for an encore of just the part Bill played and once again he did it with GUSTO!

Roll on to 18 and we were all thick as thieves, getting to the pubs on the weekend.  Bill had this intelligence that people could only imagine.  The lad was a genius - and you would never know unless you asked him about his results.   America was impressed and scholarships came his way.
Kev and myself had a great holiday in Houston catching up with Bill and his USA buddies.
Still remember driving around Houston in a "Boss Hog" Cadillac of Bill's mate around to the coolest pubs in Houston.   Spring break in Florida and dancing in the swimming pool of the nightclub with our passports in our pockets.

Geography meant we didn’t get to catch up, so sad we did not after a long time apart.  
I love you mate xxx

Helen, James and Sarah -  may the love you shared and the beautiful memories made give you some comfort in coming days.  You have a home in Australia x

Garry and Deb, Carter & Mackenzi


Dear Helen and family,

Truly sorry for your great loss. John's energy, drive and intellect were personally inspirational to me. I looked up to him as a mentor and will cherish all the advice he gave me and our friendship in the early years when I first moved to Buffalo. I still remember starting my PhD and being told by my supervisor about his greatest student and how he ended up moving to a company in the States.  He will be sorely missed but his legacy, passion for work and smile will not be forgotten. 

Abdul, Violet & family

Dear , you may not know me but I am a former collegue from John in Praxair Belgium Europe and I got the  sad new s that John passed away from Bill Mahoney. First of all I would like to present my' condolences to you, your children and the family. I wish you a lot of courage for the coming days but I am sure you will get a lot of strength when looking back to the pictures and nice memories you have from the past years. i would like to share with you my memory of John.  John is and was a smart and charming person and his british roots are shown in his polite and friendly way of communicating with others. He will not fight with others in a discussion but first listen to you and bring some clever arguments of this thoughts! Each phone call I had with him was of great help but moreover was a nice moment of my working day. So my memory of John are and will remain a great experience.  So I can only imagine that God needs the help of John up there and I am sure he will be helping everybody up there as he always did. I wish you and your family a lot of courage and good memory. I am sure John will rest in peace  Sincerely Frederic Bonte engineering Director Nippon Gases ( former Praxair Europe) email :frederic.bonte@ telenet.be 

I came in touch with John in 2009-10 when he moved to APAC as the R&D Director and since then, I always cherished his company and feel extremely fortunate to have come across such a wonderful human being.

So much of knowledge, but so humble and always trying to help others - extremely rare to find such a person in today's difficult world. 

Felt extremely down on hearing about his demise. It is not easy to digest when someone whom you look up to, leaves us so suddenly and so early. 

Wish the family to get all the strength to cope up with this huge and irreparable loss    


Dear Helen

I’ve known John since our time together in Shanghai. I hope your remember we played tennis on your condo courts. 
I am shocked and deeply saddened to know of John’s passing away. Until recently we kept in touch thru emails. I have no idea how, why this has happened. 

John & I had no work in common in Praxair, I was in Finance, he in R&D. Yet we bonded on love for sports - tennis, football, cricket. We hung out together. 

We kept in touch throughout the past decade on emails, occasional phone call after I left Praxair in 2010. 

I cannot imagine how you and the kids must be feeling. I pray to God to give you the strength to overcome this loss. 

I will be grateful if you left your contact (email/phone) for me to stay connected. 

Sincerely, Deep 
(65) 9272 8267

Hard to put into words the grief and sadness we feel after learning of John’s passing.  He was so engaging, full of life, great sense of humor and quick wit who always had a smile on his face.   Praxair has a lot of smart people, but one of the smartest people that I ever had the pleasure of working with is John.  Extraordinary intellect combined with a wonderful personality that he could relate to everyone…such a rare combination.  Always looked forward to any golf outing that John was part of as the conversation was always engaging and fun.  Rest in Peace, my friend.

Dear Helen,James,Sarah,Tony,Janet,Susan and family 
It is with great sadness that I learned about John's passing . I will never forget our childhood memories growing up in the same street you were like a brother to me . I was proud for you to be my best man at my wedding as I was at yours.  You were someone who was caring , considerate and hugely popular with people . You had a special quality to make people laugh and an infectious smile . I will never forget you 'Bill' and I was so lucky to have called you my friend . 
Rest in peace mate .

To the Billingham Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  

John was a light for many of us at Praxair (Linde). We worked together many years ago, but John's personality was such that his always friendly reach continued far beyond those early projects.  Over the years, any chance to cross his path and his smile was a positive one.  His keen intelligence was apparent, and that is indeed part of his lasting legacy.  However, what will endure is the kind, gracious person he was at the core.

May the days be kinder as you know that we share your grief as we remember our friend.

With sincere condolences,
Tamara E. Brown

Dear Helen, James, Sarah, Janet, Tony, Susan and family, it was with great sadness I learned ‘Bill’ had passed away, a true character who was full of fun. I have so many great memories of us all growing up together in our street we all had so many good friends and we were all a solid group of mates. You made me laugh so much but today I am so sad, RIP mate and sleep tight, Love Sharky x (Ian, Rhona & family)

To Helen, James, Sarha, Janet Tony and Sue. Still I shock what has happened. John was like a member of our family as I with his mom and dad. Sorry many memories from walking to school together, having our first lads holiday together at Gaz’s moms caravan at Borth. John was a inspiration to everyone. Always smiling and joking. Everyone who met John loved him, such a kind friendly lad. John you will be greatly missed not just by family. But everyone who had the pleasure to meet. Rest in peace matey. And Helen my thoughts got out to you such a loss xxx

Dear Helen, James and Sarah,
We are deeply saddened and stunned by the loss of John. Our thoughts are with you and wishing you all peace during this difficult time. John always brought light and laughter to our holiday gatherings and will be greatly missed.
Michelle and John

Helen, we are so shocked and saddened by this loss. When I first arrived at Praxair, I couldn't believe that so much intelligence, charm, empathy and sophistication could be combined in one individual. I really looked up to John, we all did. And then there was the pure pleasure of a conversation with John on any topic. Intelligent, charming, empathetic and self deprecating humour. Who else could have a conversation that moved so seamlessly from chemical engineering principles to England's chances at the World Cup and the virtues of a proper Balti. 

Our family will cherish all the memories of 4th July, Christmas Eve and time spent in John's company - even that first time we came over  and he somehow managed to get Dave's Insanity Sauce in his eye. It was always so clear the love and devotion that John had for you all.

John, we miss you mate.

John (Bill) was one of the greatest people I’ve had the good fortune to call my friend. 
He made my 3 years at university in Manchester some of the happiest times of my life. 
We clicked from day one and his humour and mickey taking of me was legendary! 
Probably the cleverest person I’ve ever met and the daftest too. 
I remember Bill with much love and fondness for all of the above but mostly for his kindness, loyalty and friendship. 
My thoughts and prayers are for Helen, James and Sarah and all of us who loved John so much. Paul and Lisa Tymon 

Dear Helen and Family, 

My heart is broken for your loss.  John was one of my favorite people in Praxair.   When there was a problem, he would always be there to brainstorm openly, creatively and with his razor sharp intellect.   In addition, he always brought a smile and a wicked wit.   I smile just thinking about his incredible sense of humor.  John was also a great advocate for young talent.   He always had time to  guide new engineers and to discuss opportunities for his many mentees.   He was a role model to so many in the organization.  

Whenever we spoke personally, he would bring up his family and his pride just shown through.   I pray that you will find peace in the time you had with him and the joy he shared with the world.  

Anne Roby

I read with sadness and joy all the memories shared by  John’s numerous friends and colleagues, many of whom I knew  well and many I don’t but all put together the images of a brilliant, fun and kind person that we love.  I had the pleasure of working  closely with John while in Shanghai,  and a few golf outings as well as after work drinks. He was always interested in my inputs, whether as a business partner or as a former R&D engineer.  He still remembered to visit or call us after his repatriation back to the US and remained a great champion of Praxair China and many Of us remain a fan of John.

My heart goes to the Billingham family, you should be proud.

John was one of the first people I have met from Tonawanda in 2019. I remember this tall British guy with his unmistakable smile and profound knowledge of air separation and distillation. His passion was remarkable and I always enjoyed working with him. I will miss our conversation at dinner and I will always think of you when somebody orders Pils & goulash at a Bavarian restaurant. 
Rest in peace John, you will be missed!

John and his authentic laughs will be deeply missed in the conference rooms and corridors of Praxair Technology Center. John made it an incredibly inspiring place for a lot of young engineers. I can not count how many of us aspire to be just like John - authentic, empathetic and a world class innovator. John’s smile was contagious and would light up any room he entered. I was deeply touched by numerous conversations I had with him. 

May God give courage to Helen and family in these challenging times.


Friendship of 2 Englishmen living in New York, from attending prestigious Buffalo Bills Vs Houston Oilers payoff American Football game at Rich Stadium, Snow flying, top row, drinking beer, reciting Shakespeare, little clue to the rules of American Football, having an absolute blast.  

30 years since then, life’s meandering journey mutually exclusive of both Johns and Helens vibrance for life, impeccable hospitality, friendship through the ebbs and flows spectrum of life, always around, never judgmental.

Epic hard-fought tennis matches, long bombs off golf tee boxes generated from Johns tall frame, occasionally landed on the fairways we were playing! A short game of measured touch, making for easy putting, beer, cigarettes, conversation, laughter jokes, philosophy, well-being, unequaled fellowship.

R.I.P. My Dear Mate, Your light in the world will be forever radiant and present. 


To Helen, James, and Sarah, 

We are all so very heartbroken for you and all whose lives were touched in some way by John.  Our happiest memories from our time in Buffalo include your family, whether for Thanksgiving dinner, Super Bowl Sunday, or a random BBQ or dinner.  We will always remember John for his sense of humor, his genuine concern for others, and his love for his family.  We love you and send you prayers of comfort and healing. 
Love, 
Anne, George, George & Thom Schlinck

Helen and the entire Billingham Family,
I was filled with utter shock and incredible sadness when I heard about John's passing. Although it's been years since I had the pleasure of spending time with him, we had shared many memorable moments together. Our time in Tonawanda and Shanghai will always remain highlights of both my professional and personal life. Hopefully, your own memories will provide great comfort to all of you both now and in the future.
Rich Karp

Dr. John Billingham, great friend and esteemed colleague, who always sincerely cared about others: you left a gaping hole behind for all of us. Met John and Helen in Tonawanda shortly after I joined Praxair/Linde R&D in 2000.  The countless great memories from the past 2 decades are impossible to recount so please let me share just a couple that quickly flashes in my mind.  The CO2 Leapfrog Team where he blew me away with his ideas and creativity during my first months at Praxair.  The lanky British guy whose cool accent took a while to get used to for non-native speakers like me, but it was well worth it.  Stopping by in each other’s office or calling each other occasionally on the phone just to catch up or look for opportunities to collaborate, share ideas.  Having beers after work and talking about life, family, work and music (he introduced me to ColdPlay well before they were famous) whether in Tonawanda, Buffalo, Chicago, Toronto or Sao Paulo.  Never able to beat John’s team in a stepping competition – The Magnificent Five or Seven – depending on what was allowed. His vibrant and positive personality (literally a head above all others), creative mind, contagious smile and great laugh straight from the bottom of his heart will never be forgotten.

I was so sorry to hear of John's passing.  He was always there to help and always had a smile.  You will be missed by your Praxair family and friends. God speed to you John!  My prayers to John's family during this difficult time.

Dear John, rest in peace.  I will miss you... Wish you all the best on the other side...

I met John first week when I joined Praxair R&D July 2010.  We had the project meeting for LAR purification.  John, at that time, as the engineering manager shared some perspectives of his for the scaling up of the project with his strong British accent.  He gave some challenges for the team to solve in the development stage and  I remembered I was so excited by his guidance as like seeing the success of the project once we solved those changeless.  I told myself that is the chemical engineer that I want to be...
 6 yrs later, we built the demonstration system at Buffalo and successfully demoed it.  I remembered John's smile when I showed him the system and imagined how this would help Praxair in the future ASU plants...

John, I will miss you for your knowledge, leadership and enthusiasm.  Those will inspire me whenever I met challenge in my work.

John was one of the people introducing me into Praxair 10 years ago. Over the years, I was truly touched by his kindness and willingness to help others. He will give full support for others development and carry a lot of things on his shoulder. He tries the best to understand your situation with your perspective. I remember once we talked about immigration from a foreign country and he shared his experience. It didn't even come to my mind that he also went through the process until that moment. He will try to help if he could.  
Like many said, his sharpness and expertise excel. In the technical meetings, he would sit right next to screen and I was always surprised by his quick response to the content. 
At numerous times, I was mentioned his golf and tennis strokes. What I can say is: John, you also have booming badminton strokes. 
Everyone simply loves you, John. You will be missed! 

I had great honor to work with John on various projects during my time at Praxair from 2012-2017. He is a passionate engineer and always with great insights. I truly enjoyed the intellectual interaction with him and appreciate his help and support. And I can always remember his good sense of humor. I feel sorry we lost him but wish him all the best in the better world.   

I only got to know John beginning of 2019 and had hoped to work with him for a long time. His technical skillset but even more his personality deeply impressed me.  He was one of the colleagues who made working at Linde so pleasant. John's open-minded attitude and his friendly and respectful approach to people - regardless of their background - always was and will be a role model for me.
My thoughts are with John's family which has lost a wonderful person.

John excelled in everything he did. In addition to being brilliant technically, he had booming strokes on the tennis court, longest drives on the golf course, great perspective on myriad topics, and the best sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and was a dear friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Words cannot describe the positive influence that he had on everyone through his jauntiness and kindness. Everyone simply loved John. The world was a much better place with him in it. 
“The comfort of having a friend may be taken away, but not that of having had one.”   
- Lucius Annaeus Seneca


When I was in graduate school at UB, John was kind enough to give me a tour of some of the pilot plants at Praxair. He was always so excited talking about distillation and his work. Years later, when I worked at Praxair myself, I'll always remember John coming into my office with a grin and a twinkle in his eye as he proposed some new idea for me to think about.  We will miss you John and you'll live on in many peoples hearts.  May his memory be eternal.

No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Billingham family.  May John rest in peace.  May you find hope and comfort knowing you are surrounded by love and prayers during this time.

Sincerely,
Janet Coffman  

John was my manager when I worked in the Large custom ASU proposal team.  My first fun memory about John occurred shortly after I joined the group.  One day I was on the phone describing my new boss in Chinese as a “very tall English gentleman” when John happened to pass my office.  He heard, turned his head back and told me:” Amy, I know you are talking about me, haha”.  I was shocked, but then I realized John had lived in China for a few years and must constantly hear “very tall English gentleman” wherever he went in China with his 6’6” height.  

John is highly respected for his technical expertise.  His passion and enthusiasm in engineering is contagious.  The working environment he created was dynamic.  I truly enjoyed those years working tirelessly under John’s leadership and trying our best to win Large ASU opportunities in China.

Another fun memory about John came from our walking competition .  He is so tall, his one step probably equals to two steps of mine.  We always teased John to make small steps so he can make as many steps as the rest of us when walking together during the lunch breaks.  

John is very kind and genuine.  He is more a friend than a boss to me.  

May you rest in peace, John.  You are deeply missed and always loved!


Those of us who had the pleasure of working with John will certainly remember his many contributions to chemical engineering  and process technology; but I think what we will remember more are John's smile, his engaging personality,  his enthusiastic but easy going style, and a wit that put people at ease in any situation.   

John, you will be missed!

Words can’t describe the sadness I feel. We lost a great mind, a good friend and a dear colleague. John is energetic, supportive and innovative. When he walks into a room, he always brings something unique and something we all can learn from. He is so much respected and loved by his peers. A true heartbroken  loss to all of us and we will miss him dearly.

To Helen and John’s family, please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May John Rest In Peace. 

John is such a wonderful person and I am forever grateful for the time we had together. He taught me how to work with people and how to connect to them at a personal level. John was an absolute genius. It is likely that he is the most talented person I will ever have the opportunity to work with. His skills were only overshadowed by his compassion and ability to put a smile on anyone's face. I will always remember John talking about his newfound love for American sofas and laughing with us at his failed cholesterol diet.  

RIP John. You will live on forever.

I first met John in late 1996, interviewing for a position in Praxair’s distillation department. My impression that day was - I like this guy.  I hope I get this job, I’m really going to enjoy working with him.  Twenty-odd years later, I’m realizing how true that first impression was and how it never changed.  We’ll miss you John.

A great man with a thoroughly engaging personality that lit up the room whenever he was present.  Sadly missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him.  Vaya Con Dios my friend.

I remember John as a bright chemical engineer working on cryogenic distillation with Mike Lockett and Richard Jibb at then Praxair, now Linde. They all had that heavy British accent and it was a real strong British contingent at our research center. I was part of a group that took up the challenge of developing an alternate air separation technology but the mature technology that John was leading was of course something that we could only aspire to achieve. I remember John as being always interested in what other people were doing and of course his big smile and community involvement.

John you left early, we will miss you greatly and we will always remember your smile and your friendship.  I remember like yesterday my first project at Praxair with you although it was more than twenty years ago.  My deepest condolences to Billingham family.  Unfortunately I have moved away and I am not able to  come to say good buy.

I have known John since he started his career at Praxair in the Distillation department in the early ‘90s. Of course, we knew then that he was a world class expert in distillation. As he went forward in his career, he was never constrained by a comfort zone, like others might have been. Whether it was adsorption technology, process technology, business, it was not a problem for him to adapt and become authoritative. He was a natural leader, but always collaborative. He was brilliant, but always valued input from others. He was upbeat and energetic, but deeply thoughtful. It is such a tragic loss. John, I am so sorry. We will miss you.

Isaiah 42:3: “a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice”.

John, a kind hearted and gentle soul, you will be greatly and dearly missed… may your family and loved ones covered by Heavenly Father's care.

I had the pleasure of working with John while we were in Asia, and then later when we were lucky to get him onto the engineering team. He brought a passion and enthusiasm to his roles, a great spirit as a mentor to so many around the world of Praxair, a love of family and of course his football club. His contagious wit and style made presentations more interesting and we had a lot of fun pushing to get better developing things he understood far better than I. My last contact was to run into Helen and John at a Coldplay concert, enjoying life with a smile. A really good guy.

John was my manager when I worked in Praxair's R&D Asia Group. Besides his guidance and support to my work, we also developed solid friendship which I will cherish forever. He is man of charactor and always says what he means and means what he says. In his own area, he was a technical genius and a world class expert. on the personal note, he is a truly English gentleman, loving and caring personality. All who had interacted him were inspired by John. 
John, you will be missed forever as a good man, friend and mentor!

I have the luck to read all the inspiring documents with your name as the author.  Some of them are the original copy with your hand-writing.  I can feel the resonance of passion as a young engineer.  I feel like I've been talking to you while I read those genius thoughts and deductions.  They always reminded me of what the real r&d should be like when I'm confused.  I marked down the places that I do not fully understand, hoping that one day I can ask you the questions in person.

A couple of weeks ago we came across each other at the stairway to the parking lot.  You smiled as always, looked at the sky and said "it's hot isn't it?"  I said "yes it's almost like April in Texas."  Then you headed to your silver infiniti, the car that always parked in the first few rows of the parking lot.  I wish I could say something more to you at that time.  I really wish.  May you rest in peace John.  You are always loved.

Beyond his technical accomplishments and passion for his work, John will be remembered for his instantly cheerful, friendly and jovial personality.  He will be missed.  

OBITUARY

John F. Billingham, PhD

July 13, 1966 – August 14, 2020

Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

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