Lewis Stansfield, a former Bachy Soletanche employee, cherished colleague, mentor, and friend, sadly passed away recently. He inspired many with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. We celebrate his remarkable life, lasting impact, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Lewis was more than an exceptional engineer, he was a true pioneer, a mentor, and a gentleman whose legacy continues to shape our industry.
The spark for Lewis’s engineering career possibly started with a period of national service in the Royal Engineers, which was followed by working for some of the UK’s major foundation contractors, including Cementation, Stent and Frankipile. In addition to this, he spent time in Holland working for Gouda Geo.
In March 1987, Lewis joined Bachy Soletanche as a Principal Engineer, quickly progressing to become Chief Engineer the following year. His relentless curiosity and passion for innovation led him into plant development, where he designed tools and techniques that transformed construction practices.
Even after his partial retirement in 2001, Lewis remained a driving force in the business until 2018, contributing to numerous plant innovations. During this time, he embraced new technologies with enthusiasm, mastering AutoCAD and proving that learning never stops, no matter your age.
Among his many achievements, Lewis’s work on the underream probe revolutionised safety by enabling a non-manned entrance to underreams. His development of threaded piling tools, along with countless safety enhancements, stand as enduring testaments to his ingenuity and forward-thinking approach.
Lewis was not just a design engineer, he was a hands-on problem solver, often found in boots and overalls, working shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues on the shop floor. Whether sketching ideas with his signature yellow Pentel 0.9mm pencil or calmly navigating the inevitable setbacks of R&D, Lewis brought clarity, humour, and inspiration to every challenge.
Patiently guiding those around him, regardless of their background or experience, Lewis had a rare gift for mentorship, with many recalling how he nurtured talent, never showing frustration, always encouraging growth. His ability to think on the hoof and offer practical, rule-of-thumb advice made him a go-to source of wisdom.
Lewis leaves behind a legacy not only of technical excellence but of kindness, humility, and mentorship. His tools and designs continue to serve the industry, and his spirit lives on in the many lives he touched. Outside of engineering, Lewis was an avid potter, and could be found selling his creations at Covent Garden market.
Lewis will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Rina and their family.
.
