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In loving memory of our friend and colleague Patrick Bloomfield

21 Sep 2023

Our love and thoughts are with Patrick’s family at this very sad and difficult time.

Patrick was a leading figure in the pensions industry for over 25 years, bringing his remarkable blend of professional curiosity and charm to his work with colleagues, clients and beyond.

He joined Hymans Robertson in 2004 and his passion and deep understanding of the pensions industry quickly led to him being made a Partner in 2006 and an Equity Member of the firm in 2010. He provided outstanding strategic DB and DC advice to a range of industry leading schemes and employers. Having led the firm’s Trustee DB business Patrick’s more recent focus was pensions policy, especially in his role as Senior Actuary. As well as his work at Hymans Robertson, Patrick was a leading figure in a number of industry bodies, most notably as a recent Chair of the ACA.

Jon Hatchett, Senior Partner, Hymans Robertson, says:

"We are all in shock at the untimely loss of our much-loved colleague Patrick. His professional brilliance and flamboyant personality made him a treasured leader and guiding force throughout Hymans Robertson for nearly 20 years. He cared deeply about the firm and everything we believe, and his contribution will leave a mark on the firm for many, many years.

"Patrick was passionate about developing pensions policy in ways that deliver the best outcomes for employers, trustees and savers and was always looking at ways in which he could positively influence change. He loved thinking strategically about how changes in the pensions industry could provide greater opportunities and make a difference to the lives of more people. He was energised and animated about helping clients and colleagues navigate a path through an uncertain economic future with confidence.

"Along with his incredible enthusiasm for maintaining Hymans Robertson’s unique culture, he was a valuable friend and mentor to so many colleagues within the firm.

"He will be greatly missed.”

We know this news will come as a shock to many. If you would like to share messages of condolence please use the comment button below or email tributes@hymans.co.uk

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59 comments on this post

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Barry Mack

21 Sep 2023

I was floored when I heard this sad news. He was my line manager when I was at Hymans Robertson; I valued his insight, intelligence, enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Such a leader and a great loss to Hymans Robertson, the pensions industry and his colleagues. My thoughts are with his family - what a shock.
Rest in peace Patrick.

Andrew Warwick-Thompson

21 Sep 2023

I am shocked and saddened by this news. Patrick was an outstanding actuary, adviser and thought leader. I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with him over the years and will miss hearing his considered views on a range to pension topics, which he always delivered with such intelligent charm. His death is a terrible loss to the profession and to the wider pensions industry. I express my deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and past and current colleagues.

Ian Terry

21 Sep 2023

What tragic news. A genuinely lovely guy who always had time for others. Prior to my recent retirement I worked with Patrick as for a number of years he was our senior relationship contact in my role at ITS and IGG and it was always a pleasure to meet with him. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

David Adam

21 Sep 2023

I was chatting to Patrick only a few weeks ago and was shocked to hear this news. I worked with Patrick on several Scheme valuations and mergers during my time as CIO at BAE Pensions. He was highly intelligent, a great communicator and passionate about the industry and its challenges. He was energetic, fun and a really good person. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, friends , and colleagues.

Bobby Riddaway

21 Sep 2023

What a great industry figure and great friend. Was so privileged to catch up with him recently and will always remember that time. My condolences go to all his friends and family.

Akash Rooprai

21 Sep 2023

This very sad news has stopped me in my tracks. Patrick is of my generation. I worked with him at Mercer and have known him for a long time. He was a fantastic industry person and a lovely chap. I am deeply saddened and offer my condolences to his family.

Nick Delfas

21 Sep 2023

Patrick helped us understand pensions. He was someone I felt lucky to meet - helpful, intelligent and warm, and also so obviously well intentioned. Sincere condolences to his family.

Kevin Dolan

21 Sep 2023

Such a brilliant, enthusiastic and energetic person but, above all else, such a lovely man. RIP Patrick, you’ll be sadly missed.

Marcus Wilhelm

21 Sep 2023

This is really shocking and terrible news!
I met with Patrick in his role as scheme actuary of our large UK pension scheme (close to GBP 3 bn assets and liabilities). I was immediately impressed by his intelligence, enthusiasm, mental flexibility and innovativeness. He was an independent and deep strategic thinker, able to communicate complex topics extremely well. His death is a big loss to the profession and to the wider pensions industry.

I would like to take the opportunity here to express my deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Roger Breeden

21 Sep 2023

What a terrible loss for Patrick’s family, friends and colleagues past and present. As well as everything he brought to the world of pensions he was simply a great person to be in the company of. I’ll miss his fun, enthusiasm and energy.

Mark Stewart

21 Sep 2023

In the sometimes boring world of pensions, Patrick was an inspirational, articulate, engaging, fun and consummate professional, who was a beacon and a lighthouse that illuminated all that had the pleasure to know and work with him. Still can’t believe the news and my thoughts are with his family friends and colleagues.

Independent Governance Group

21 Sep 2023

On behalf of the entire team at IGG, we offer our sincere condolences to Patrick’s family, colleagues and all those who knew him.

A true industry leader, we were all so shocked to hear of Patrick’s untimely passing. Many of us have fond memories of working with him. We admired his approach, his drive and his passion for always ensuring the interests of members where at the heart of everything he did. And nobody could wear a bow tie in quite the same way. He will be sorely missed.

Andy Wadley

21 Sep 2023

The CPLAS trustees are both shocked and saddened to hear of Patrick’s untimely passing. He was our actuary but also so much more. His humour and intelligence shone through everything that he did. He helped guide us through some very tricky times and just as we are heading towards the sunlit uplands, we find ourselves without him. As chair, he was one of my closest confidants and I knew that his advice would be the best for our scheme and members and not the best for Patrick and Hymans - fabulous qualities. We will miss him more than words can say.
Our deepest condolences go to his family and colleagues at Hymans.

Martin Giel

21 Sep 2023

I am still reeling from the news, a truly unique person has been taken from us far too soon.  My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.  Patrick you will be greatly missed, the world is a much poorer place without you.  Rest in Peace.

Richard Crowhurst

21 Sep 2023

It was a privilege to be a colleague of Patrick at Hymans Robertson.  The natural way he built strong working relationships both with clients and people across the firm was a role model for others to follow.  He personified the culture of Hymans Robertson.

Sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.

Judith Groves

21 Sep 2023

On behalf of like minds, we are all so sorry to hear this very sad news. We send our thoughts and strength to Patrick’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
We were all shocked to hear of Patrick’s sudden passing and will always remember working alongside him. 

We always loved Patrick’s passion and drive to support pension schemes and their members in everything he did with his clients and the industry.  He always talked so passionately about it.

Our sincere condolences to his family.

Rebecca Otter

21 Sep 2023

First and foremost, my heart goes out to all of Patrick’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad time. 
Patrick was a special person to me, there was a warmth every time he called me Rotter, so I wanted to share a few of my stories I’ve been reminded of having read Jon’s message. 
I joined Hymans as a wild and untamed thing from University, and I’m so lucky Patrick was there to welcome me to the show.  He was my role model and he was so skilful to tame my ways but keep my wild alive. 
Patrick gave me all the time of day, quite literally on occasions. He was the last to leave at my first actuarial exam results drinks and when it was just me and him, I’ll always remember being struck by what an inspiring man he revealed himself to be.  I loved how proud and enthusiastic he was, professionally being in a job that made sure pensioners got paid, but also personally in sharing stories of his life and family.
He was encouraging and I valued how he wanted my views on things, obviously on work, but it was my views on his Badger T-shirt designs that meant the most. 
He was caring and had my back, even since leaving Hymans, he’d reach out with a “hear you’ve had a rough time of late” and arrange to meet up. 
He was a charming, genuine leader to us and with clients.  I reflect on how much I thrived as part of the environment he created, which was fun and rewarding, developing and challenging, safe and supportive for us all.  He helped me to nurture meaningful long-term relationships and friendships, both internally and externally.
He was sharp and funny and I loved how he let himself be funny with me and made me laugh.  A highlight was when I congratulated him for an article he’d written on the Telegraph “websote”, he replied, simply, “Thonks!”. 
Thonks for everything Patrick, I’ll say hello to every badger I see, love Rotter.

Hannah Neira Hood

21 Sep 2023

Patrick was an incredibly inspirational person. I learned so much from his example and from his straightforward, genuine and always kind advice. I don’t think it was possible to work with him and not be improved by the experience in some way. Hopefully it is some small comfort to his family to know that he left such an indelible mark on, and will be warmly and vividly remembered by, so many people.

Aaron Punwani

21 Sep 2023

This is desperately sad news. Patrick was not only hugely talented but also one of the most genuinely decent people in our industry. As a contemporary of mine it was great to see his positive influence grow over the years. His ability to disregard competitive boundaries when collaborating for the greater good is a huge testament to his values and those of his firm. All our thoughts are with our friends at Hymans and Patrick’s family. Very best wishes, Aaron and all at LCP

Andy Henley

21 Sep 2023

Although I only knew Patrick for a few months, he quickly established himself as one of my trusted advisors. Bright, articulate and down to earth - I enjoyed each and every of my interactions with him. I feel desperately sad that I won’t see him again. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

Travis Dickinson

22 Sep 2023

I’m so sad to hear about Patrick’s passing and devastated for Jess and the kids. Patrick and I started at Hymans at the same time and he is one of the few people that I regard as having had a significant impact on my career. He was incredibly charismatic and a great strategic thinker but above all was a very generous person with a strong desire to positively impact others – something he undoubtedly achieved. I’ll always cherish our friendship and reflect fondly on the guidance and support Patrick gave me during our ten years at Hymans and smile when I think about some of the funny moments we shared on the golf course and in the pub. My sincerest condolences to Patrick’s family and friends.

Vikram Aggarwal

22 Sep 2023

I am utterly shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Patrick’s sudden and premature passing. I had the pleasure of working with him over the last two years and always found him to be the consummate professional, solution-oriented and pragmatic, client focused, and utterly charming and likeable. This is a huge loss to his family, friends and the pensions industry. My condolences to his loved ones’ at this horribly difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Anish Rav

22 Sep 2023

Such sad and shocking news. It was a privilege to have known and worked with Patrick. His enthusiasm and passion was infectious and he was always so generous in sharing his time and knowledge.  My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Guy Sargeant

22 Sep 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Patrick’s passing. I did not work with him personally, but many colleagues at GDST did, and speak of him with high regard. I do work very closely with many fine people at Hymans Robertson and am sure Patrick’s loss is hitting hard. Condolences to Patrick’s relatives, friends and colleagues.
Regards,
Guy Sargeant - GDST

Grant Suckling

22 Sep 2023

Patrick was amazing.

I had the pleasure of recording a PITstop with him last year and we were due to record a follow up yesterday. Patrick had the ability to make you feel at ease straightaway, to reshape a download of ideas into something cohesive and captivating, with his good humour and wit thrown in.

He’ll be missed by all. Thinking of his family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Costas Yiasoumi

22 Sep 2023

Shocked at the news. Condolences to friends and family.

Aaron Dunning-Foreman

22 Sep 2023

Such sad news. Patrick was the Scheme Actuary at the first Trustee meeting I went to one my own just after qualification. I was being asked some tough questions by the Board and Patrick stepped in and saved me. Just a class act all round and such a terrible loss for everyone that ever had the pleasure of knowing Patrick.

Kate Hardingham

22 Sep 2023

It is just truly awful.
Patrick was a vibrant person with such heart and passion.  He was authentic and genuine and gave everyone around him a mandate to be the same.  He made it look easy.  So long, Patrick; I really wish I’d known you better.

My heart goes out to his family.

Andrew Dodd

22 Sep 2023

I was shocked to hear of this very sad news.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Patrick on many projects over the years; at different times talking to him as scheme actuary on various DB schemes, as a senior actuary thinking about future pensions policy and as chairman of the ACA. He was a genuine thought-leader, an outstanding communicator and had a strong desire to make our pensions system work for everyone.
He was friendly, charismatic and unwaveringly positive and I often found him inspirational. He will be greatly missed by me and many of my colleagues at TPR.
All of my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Andrew

Brendan Mooney

23 Sep 2023

So sad and shocked to hear this news. My condolences to Patrick’s family and colleagues at Hymans Robertson. Such a difficult time for all.
Patrick was great fun to be around and his boundless energy and enthusiasm was always a great example for us all.
My thoughts with all.

Jason Coates

24 Sep 2023

I’ve known and worked with Patrick for over 15 years and he has been one of the best industry colleagues through that time. He was always interesting, thoughtful, fun and well-dressed. I was lucky to have enjoyed his company in formal client circumstances and on many social occasions. What a massive loss. My thoughts are with Jess and the family, and everyone at Hymans.

Peter Tompkins

24 Sep 2023

My heartfelt condolences to Patrick’s family and friends and my sympathies to his many colleagues within Hymans Robertson.  In my experience, the loss of an immediate colleague is always a shock in a close-knit firm and I hope you are there to support one another at this difficult time. Thinking of you all.

John clokey

24 Sep 2023

Still finding it hard to process that we won’t hear Patrick’s silky reassuring voice again on Trustee Calls nor see his smiling friendly face. He was a truly lovely man with a wealth of knowledge & experience and will be greatly missed but always remembered with affection.
Very best wishes and condolences to family friends and colleagues.

Imran Razvi

25 Sep 2023

I’m so very sorry to hear of Patrick’s untimely passing. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues for their loss. Patrick will be greatly missed.

Janine Bailey

25 Sep 2023

Terrible news.  I have very fond memories of Patrick from my time at Hymans.  My thoughts are with his family and colleagues.

Clifford Sims

26 Sep 2023

On behalf of all the team at SPB I wanted to send our condolences to Jess, Patrick’s children and to all our contacts and friends at Hymans. We were all shocked and greatly saddened by Patrick’s tragic and untimely death: he brightened our lives -and our minds- and was a great colleague and friend. His contribution to the industry will rightly be celebrated by everyone who knew him.
We shall also miss his smile and dapper dress sense! 

With best wishes and much sadness
Clifford

Alex Noble

26 Sep 2023

I am sure it has taken all those who knew Patrick some time to process last weeks devastating news.  Patrick was one of life’s gentlemen - kind, amusing, engaging and wonderfully enthusiastic about helping colleagues and clients.  He will be much missed, especially that wonderful smile and his fabulous dress sense!
I send my sincere condolences to his wife and family. 

Ruston Smith

26 Sep 2023

I am still shocked by Patrick’s death and my thoughts and condolences go to Jess and his three children who he spoke about with love, affection and huge pride. 

I’ve worked closely with Patrick for many years and I’ve always admired his energy, passion, thoughtfulness, insightfulness, professionalism and his humour - not to mention his unparalleled fashion sense in classy bow ties.  He was a force for good in the industry and was an inspirational ambassador for innovation to deliver better outcomes. 

Rest in peace Patrick, you will be greatly missed.  Thank you for everything.

ZEDRA

27 Sep 2023

On behalf of the entire ZEDRA team we would like to pass our thoughts and condolences to Patricks family, friends and colleagues. It was a shock to hear the news of his passing and the industry will miss him greatly. Patrick acted as Scheme Actuary, mentor and friend to many of our team. His focus on members and achieving best outcomes helped drive positive change.  He touched the lives of many people and will be genuinely missed.

Paul Feathers

27 Sep 2023

Patrick was intelligent and articulate. He was also a throughly decent and principled man, who cared passionately about his work and the people it affected.

I was privileged to work with Patrick on and off for many years. I always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We faced some challenging issues, but Patrick’s technical ability, warmth and sense of humour helped to carry us through.

I know that Patrick touched the lives of many people he encountered in his professional life and I’m sure this would have been the case in all other aspects of his life too. My thoughts are with Patrick’s family and friends. They should be proud of the legacy he leaves.

Nigel Hopwood

28 Sep 2023

I was so sorry and saddened to hear this news.  I remember Patrick as a highly talented individual with a sharp intellect, a curious nature, and socially very good company indeed.  He will be missed by many and my thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and friends at this most difficult of times.

Carolyn Saunders

28 Sep 2023

I was so shocked to hear this sad news. I knew Patrick for many years - a hugely talented actuary and a lovely human being - and someone whom I always enjoyed bumping into at industry events. His skill, enthusiasm and flair are a great loss to our industry. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Rachel Croft

28 Sep 2023

So shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news.  Patrick was a fun, lively and immensely clever character.  My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Owen Hewlett

28 Sep 2023

Such shocking news. Will never forget Patrick’s kindness when I started my career and the time he took to explain things to me. It was always great to see him at various conferences and say hello. The industry will miss him very much.  Rest in peace Patrick.

Tess Page

28 Sep 2023

Incredibly sad to hear this news. Patrick and I did several “lockdown webinars” together for the ACA and he would always bring a playlist of music to the pre-webinar prep session. In one of these I told him I loved Take That, and lo and behold for the next webinar he brought Take That songs. This was classic Patrick trying to put others at ease, and with a real sense of fun (backed by incredible knowledge and skills).
My thoughts are with his family and his many friends and colleagues at Hymans.

Lisa Riordan

29 Sep 2023

It has taken a while to even think what to write, shocked and saddened as I was to hear this terrible news. I still don’t have the words but did want to say how terribly sorry I was to hear this news. I only had the pleasure of meeting Patrick a few times in my pensions career, but each time was memorable, due to the sheer presence he brought to any meeting/gathering. We met fairly recently in a team to team event between Pi and Hymans and enjoyed a lively pensions discussion, followed by a social drink. My thoughts remain with Patrick’s family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace Patrick

Martin Boniface

29 Sep 2023

I was a Partner at Hymans Robertson and worked with Patrick on many occasions.
I am so sorry and deeply saddened to hear of Patrick’s untimely death. My thoughts go out to his wife, children, family, friends and colleagues.
I often look back to my time at Hymans Robertson with great fondness. It genuinely was the best place I ever worked and Patrick was part of the reason for that. A great mind, quick wit and always happy to get alongside you when he could see things were not quite right. We also shared a love of hats!  He really cared about people.
Such a loss.

Michael Clare

29 Sep 2023

Such sad and shocking news when I heard last week. Patrick was such a warm and genuine person, respectful of other’s views and I know that view is shared by many Aon colleagues who knew him. He really was one of life’s genuine ‘good guys’. I always enjoyed being in his company, whether in a social or business setting. Thoughts and sympathies with his family, friends and colleagues.

Naz Peralta

29 Sep 2023

Terribly sad news, my condolences to Patrick’s family, friends and colleagues.  I spoke once at the ACA and had the pleasure of sitting at the top table, Patrick was a fantastic host and showed genuine interest in all around him.  A true pioneer in the industry, he will be sadly missed.  Regards. Naz and the team at KPMG.

Chris Morton

30 Sep 2023

So shocked and saddened to hear about Patrick.  My heart goes out to Patrick’s family and friends. 

Patrick was a great colleague and business leader.  He was passionate, engaging and genuine - he always made work fun.  I last saw him after midnight in the car park of the Sofitel hotel at Gatwick Airport, when a late-night fire alarm forced all of the hotel guests (mainly ACA Conference attendees) out into the dark and into the rain.  Patrick was happily welcoming others to join the huddle of Hymans actuaries that he’d gathered around him.  I joined them and really enjoyed catching up with Patrick and with old colleagues.  The long, cold wait passed quickly and enjoyably in his company.

I always sought out Patrick when I could anyway.  Years ago, Patrick had happened to be in the office on a day when some devastating personal news had knocked me completely off kilter.  He was just passing but immediately spotted that something was off, asked me if I wanted to chat, took the time to listen to what had happened and then to make sure that I was ok.  He checked in on me over the next year too, always completely out of the blue and always incredibly welcomed. 

When Patrick was promoted to Senior Actuary, he said he felt it was a great opportunity to make a difference to the lives of lots of people.  I hope that I’m allowed to respectfully disagree.  Patrick had already been making a difference by inspiring colleagues, clients and industry contacts for years, with his intelligence, his warmth and his enthusiasm.  I’m sure that anyone who worked with Patrick will carry on his legacy and try to do likewise.

Rest in peace, Patrick.  You’ll be sorely missed.

Gillie Tom

04 Oct 2023

Patrick was one of the kindest and friendliest people in our industry. I’m so very sad. My thoughts are with all of you.
Best wishes Gillie

Bob Scott

05 Oct 2023

I was staggered when I heard of Patrick’s sudden passing.  I had seen him a few days before, at the ACA sessional meeting, when he looked - and behaved - the same as always.  Asking insightful questions, making telling comments and, afterwards at dinner, being great company for all concerned.  Patrick was one of the good guys - I can’t imagine a more decent human being in every sense of the word.  Despite being a successful senior actuary, he was humble and always looked to do things better for all.  He contributed hugely to the ACA during his time on the Main Committee and later as Chair which, unfortunately for Patrick, coincided with the covid lockdowns.  Patrick will be missed by all.  My sincere condolences to his family.

Matt Buchanan

06 Oct 2023

Patrick’s family, friends and all those at Hymans have the sincere condolences of everyone at Russell Investments.

On a personal note, I was lucky enough to work closely with Patrick during my years at Hymans. He was a hugely positive influence on my career and a true role model, an experience I share with many, many people.

I think of Patrick and his sharpness of mind, his charisma, his suaveness (of course!) all jump out. But with all those fantastic attributes, what surprised me most was his patience, his kindness, his genuine warmth that went hand-in-hand them. How rare to have all these things. He will be greatly missed.

Taylor Wessing Pensions Team

06 Oct 2023

So shocked and saddened to hear this news.  Patrick was an enthusiastic, insightful and caring man who made an enormous contribution to the pensions industry.  He will be sorely missed.  Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at Hymans at this time.

Chris Keating

09 Oct 2023

This is truly awful news.  I had the privilege of working with Patrick on a mutual client a few years back, and he was perceptive, insightful and very personable - a pleasure to work with.  My thoughts are with his family friends at this time.

Darren Mason

14 Oct 2023

I was shocked when I heard.  His IQ and EQ were off the chart.  He just had that soft intelligent charm.  Never heard him raise his voice.  Stern and purposeful in giving advice and people listened.  He held the room when he spoke.  Great loss

Dinesh

16 Oct 2023

Patrick’s news was a big shock to me and the loss of his friendship leaves a huge void.  We have known each other for over 12 years and worked together for most of that time.  He was a caring person and genuinely interested in people.  Always keen to know what drives people, what are the challenges in their lives. We talked a lot of his boys cycling tours and his adventures.  A person with a wonderful mindset to living and enjoying life. 
Patrick was the Scheme Actuary to the Action For Children Pension Fund and played a key role in its management.  The scheme today is in a good place due to his efforts which is commendable as Patrick never gave up wanting to do the right thing.
My deepest condolences to the family and Hymans for his loss which will be felt for a long time.  I hope you all have the strength to continue the good work Patrick aspired to.  Will miss a dear friend.

David Robbins

04 Nov 2023

Having been out of the industry for a little while, I have only just heard about Patrick’s passing . I am really saddened to hear this news. Patrick and I found ourselves on the other sides of the negotiating table many times. In truth,  I found it difficult to get along with him – I would much have preferred to be on the same team has him! He had exceptional passion for doing the best he could for his clients, and for the many beneficiaries they were responsible for. I certainly recognise all the comments on here about his intelligence, creativity, and eccentric charm. Moreover, it was clear that his team and clients very much admired and respected him. All my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Robert Newman

14 Feb 2024

I was an elected member of my company pension scheme.
Patrick Bloomfied was very knowledgeable and always very supportive in making sure that his presentations were understood by everyone on the board.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
My most sincere condolences to his family.