It’s taken me a few days to be able to sit down and write this. A few days ago, the world lost a truly unique soul. Simon came into my life through his wife and my best friend. I couldn’t have chosen a better person for her.

Simon was sarcastic, intelligent, innovative, and sometimes even infuriating. But he also was super generous. Last year when I was searching for a new job, he helped me put together my resume and a website without me even asking.

Simon was also a wonderful father. Watching him with Otis building incredible structures for his cars, or helping him design a Pokémon, or answering any question he asked, was beautiful.

I will miss the verbal gymnastics Simon would go through to prove a point or to even make me think about something differently. I will miss our long conversations about his newest endeavor. I will miss the intelligence that exuded off him and infected all of those around him. He elevated every conversation and took you along for the ride.

Simon and Voni had a comfortable kind of love. One without pretense or demands. Being in their presence made you feel like home. I loved watching the two of them interact with each other and was thankful to see my best friend so happy.

I grieve for the life Simon will miss, mostly the stolen moments away from his beautiful children. But I promise to help take care of those kiddos and I promise to help take care of Voni.

I hope he is fishing the seas of heaven and looking down with pride at all the lives he has affected and how they are coming together to help his family. Love you Simon.