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Robert Simonds Obituary
On July 31st, 2009, Robert B. Simonds passed away peacefully with his family by his side in his Flagstaff home. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, philanthropist and friend. Bob was the owner and president of a successful Phoenix area car dealership, Bob Simonds Pontiac and Honda. After he sold his car dealership franchises, he formed SIMCOR, which owns and controls significant water rights throughout the Southwest. Bob lived an extraordinary life and will be fondly remembered and loved by so many.
Bob was born on March 30th, 1939 in Seattle, Washington. In 1960, Bob was on the Olympic Fencing Saber Team. During the Olympic Games, he had the privilege and honor of being knighted in France at Le Vieux Moulin NESTOU cros-de-cagnes as Sir Robert Bruce Simonds.
From 1964 to 1968, Bob served as an Infantry Officer, USAR, where he was awarded a Medal of Valor with Pendant in 1965 for Meritorious Service.
He graduated from California State University, Long Beach and was a founding member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Men's National Fraternity. It was here at college where he met his beautiful wife of 49 years, Loretta. Bob and Loretta moved to Arizona in 1974 where they raised their family. They were both avid golfers and he founded the Bob Simonds Ping Pro Scratch Golf Tournament hosted at the Troon Golf and Country Club. He also served on the Board of Directors at the Phoenix Country Club and Board of Advisors for the Old Course Golf and Country Club in St. Andrews, Scotland.
His love for fencing was prominent throughout his life. Bob is a lifetime member of the United States Fencing Association and was a fencing judge for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. From 1988 to 1998 he sponsored the Bob Simonds Open, which was the US Fencing National Championships. The winner of the Open qualified to participate in the Olympic Games.
His numerous philanthropic activities included serving on the Boards of the Phoenix Memorial Hospital Foundation, Samaritan Medical Foundation, Silent Witness and Youth Watch with the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix Public Safety Foundation, Southwest Golf Association and most recently the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Foundation. Bob's heart and first love was always supporting children foundations and he proudly served on the Board for the Valley Big Brothers and Sisters, Tumbleweed and Florence Crittenton Foundation where every Halloween he would host pumpkin carving parties for all the children at his home and dress up as Santa Claus for the Holiday parties.
Bob Simonds is survived by his wife, Loretta and their three children; Robert B. Simonds Jr., Cyndi Byrum and Kristina Simonds. Also surviving Bob are his six grandchildren: Christina and Jake Byrum and Diana, Charlotte, Katherine and Victoria Simonds. For the immediate family there will be a private military memorial graveside service. A celebration of life will be held for friends and associates later in the fall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society @ www.cancer.org . On the website go to top right corner in the Search box type in "Mosaic" then press "go". Select first link "ACS: Mosaic of Hope". Select "build your own memorial". Select "Find a Tribute" Type in "Simonds" then press "find a fund".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Simonds
Sponsored by anonymous.
Neil Scarlett
July 27, 2024
Bob was admired and respected by all who knew him...a true leader. I can still see that smile of his and hear his laugh. You had to love him.
Alyssa Upton
January 29, 2024
I am sorry that I just learned that Bob passed away. He was so inspirational to me when I worked at Florence Crittenton in Phoenix. Together we took the girls to the movies, watched as their faces lit up when Bob and his wife would come for activities, pumpkin carvings, Christmas presents, arts and crafts etc. I have always remembered Bob, his big heart, infectious laugh and kindness he showed others. He made such a difference in so many lives including mine as he shone such a light of kindness that has always stayed with me. My condolences to his family and friends.
Clark Johnson
July 30, 2017
I had no idea Bob had passed away and my condolences go out to the entire family, I had the time of my life working at his Honda dealership in the 80s. Clark
June 23, 2015
sorry from Bret Leifer
May 31, 2013
Dear Cyndi, its been so long, soooo sorry to here about your dad . he did so much for so many a lot of people will never know how much he will be missed when I think about him I always smile what a great man, I still think about you and your family to this day
sometime you should call so we can talk its been over 25+ years
I never forgot what I lost, 919-548-3224
Richard DiNaso
May 11, 2012
Dear Loretta, I just heard about Bobs passing and I am shocked. I will always remember him and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I worked for Bob at the Pontiac store for 16 years and enjoyed seeing him and his smile. I will miss him dearly. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Richard DiNaso
Shauna Parker-Zuend
October 14, 2010
Loretta, Bobby, Cindy, & Tina:
We wanted to send our Aloha your way. We are so sorry for your loss. Your husband and father lit up a room. He will always be remebered in our hearts.
Love, to all of you
The Parker Family
Anabelle, Emily, Stacey and Adam
September 2, 2009
Dear Simonds Family,
We were very saddened to hear about the loss Bob. Bob was a role model for those who knew him and many who never did, always a warm and inviting personality at Simonds’ family gatherings, and of course, a loving husband, dad and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. We wish your family strength, love and light during this difficult time.
Love, Anabelle, Emily, Stacey and Adam
August 21, 2009
Dear Loretta and Bob's beautiful family,
My heart is heavy. Bob was like a Big Brother to me and my Guardian Angel. He was always there for my son Joseph and me with a smile and positive attitude. When Joseph was little he would always have a toy for him to play with, Joseph loved Bob. All I have to do is close my eyes and hear him say "Hi Sweet heart!" I will miss his calls just to check on me. Bob was a big man with a big heart and he left a big foot print in my heart. I miss him already, I am so sorry I could not say good-bye but I know I will see him again. With much love and aloha, Mary Bea & Joseph (Lihue, Hawaii)
David Choo
August 19, 2009
My name is David Choo. Bobby Jr. and I were best friends in Hawaii during the early 70s. Bobby played third base on our Little League team, while I was, literally and figuratively, in left field. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visits to your home, which was a warm, inviting and safe place. I remember being allowed to jump off your second-floor balcony into the marina below, tracking water throughout the house after multiple attempts. I also remember eating a candle-lit dinner poolside and feeling like a prince. Most of all, I remember that when Mr. Simonds came home from work he always had a big laugh and a bigger hug for anyone in hugging distance. For a quiet Asian kid not used to such spontaneous displays of joy, it was a revelation. Reading the other entries, it comes as no surprise that the laughing and the hugging never ended.
A hui hou (till we meet again) Mr. Simonds
Sharon King-Jeffers
August 16, 2009
Dear Loretta and family,
Bob was a favorite alumni from Wilson High School, but we (or I) never saw him at the reunions I attended. What an accomplished gentleman! He will be missed by many and my good thoughts will be sent your way hoping that the pain of his loss will be tempered by the love and closeness of your children and grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Marty Hicks
August 13, 2009
Dear Lorreta, I meant you at you and Bob's wedding. Bob and I were good friends in junier high,fraturnity brothers at Wilson High School, and friends till he was transferred to Hawaii. After that, we lost touch. So I was very pleased and proud to read of his accomplishnents during his lifetime. He will be missed by untold numbers of people, including his many Long Beach friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marty and Peggy Hicks
Diana Monell
August 12, 2009
Loretta, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You have our deepest sympathy and love. Our thoughts are with you. Please remember us to all the family - I'd love to hear from you sometime.
Diana Monell
Chaz Lunsford
August 11, 2009
My name is Chaz Lunford, I'm the oldest son of Diana Newell. I knew Mr. Simonds as my god father. All my life he was there for me. Every time I did wrong and got in trouble at school or had a fight with my mom he would pick me up and have a long talk with me about him when he was younger and things he did wrong. The things I loved most about him was he never forgot to tell me he loved me never forgot my birthday and bought me the best presents and always gave me Gold Dollars one for each year I was born and a pack of gum. I always bragged about him to all my friends and he always drove the coolest Cadillac. My mom always told me that from the day I was born he would hold me so my mom could shop and run errands. I love you so much and miss you I will never forget you.
Diana Newell
August 11, 2009
The year was 1988 I was a 13 year old child living in Florence Crittenton with 27 girls a home for mostly abused state children. When The Simonds Loretta and Bob came into my life, Bob carving pumpkins and playing Santa to all of us young girls, and the amazing swim pool parties at the Simonds home. I felt like a princess when the Simonds took a liking to me. Over the next 20 years Mr. Simonds became my Hero. He held my hand threw life, my 8th grade graduation, My sweet 16 my first prom. He taught me how to drive. My first apartment, my first car,(of course a fiero). My first love my first heart break. The life of my first born child, and the two to follow, My first house. Bob was my rescuer and I cant count the times over 20 years I needed to be rescued. He taught me about life, How to love, how to be a parent, a giver and a friend. He taught me right from wrong. He taught me how a man is suppose to treat a woman (Although I can say my choices in partners disappointed him greatly). He never judged me and never gave up on me. We both shared a love for music and he loved to hear me sing. He taught me what the real meaning of beauty is. Robert The Brave was my hero, But more than anything he was my best friend. I'm having a hard time imagining my life with out him in it. Thank you Mr. Simonds for all the time we shared together. All the stories we shared. Thank you for all the laughter. All the tears. Thank you for allowing me to be the biggest pain in your behind. Thank you for 20 years of unforgettable memories all the things you gave to me thank you for all the things you gave to my children. All of the happiness you brought into my life. Thank you for never giving up on me. But more than anything thank you for your love. I know in the end you told me how proud you were of me and said everything you needed to say. I only wish I would have known you were saying goodbye. Until we see each other again. I love you my Hero and my best friend.
Neil Scarlett
August 11, 2009
Loretta, you and Bob were dinner guests at our home in 1971 or 1972 when Bob was GSM for Westward Pontiac. I was his district manager from Pontiac Motor Division. It was clear from the very beginning that Bob was an outstanding leader in the automobile business. What we didn't know at the time was the fact that the car business was just a stepping stone to what turned out to be his true calling...using the strength of his personality and financial resources for the good of the community. Bob was one of the men I admired most during my 33 year career in the automobile business. He was truly a great man. Our condolences to you and your family.
Phyllis Steiner
August 9, 2009
Dear Lorretta and family, I was at a loss to think that Bob is no longer with us. However, he is in spirit. We were friends at Wilson High School in Long Beach. You and your son Robert Jr. came to one of our school reunions and we were so happy to get to know you both. I didn't talk to Bob too often, but when I did he was always uplifting and had a wonderful way with him that made me feel so glad we had talked. I know that you must feel terribly sad and I feel for you and your family. I will pray for you and all of us who liked and loved Bob.
Phyllis Steiner, [email protected]
Jim, Dennis, and Alex
August 9, 2009
Dear Simonds Family,
We are deeply saddened to learn about your loss. Although we never met Bob personally, we know him through his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. The kindness, generosity, and love he had for others are evident in his family and will continue to represent him and make him proud for generations.
Best wishes to you during this very difficult time.
Serina Rosenkjar
August 9, 2009
Dear Simonds Family
My name is Serina Rosenkjar and Bob worked for Carlos Fuertes and myself during the 1984 Olympics. Carlos was the competition director and sports manager for fencing and I was the sports coordinator and assistant competition director.
Bob was a young fencer when Carlos met him on the strip. Carlos always liked him and when we sent the word out that we needed volunteers for the 1984 Olympics at the Fencing venue Bob sent us a wonderful resume and his rememberences of Carlos directing and fencing him.
Bob loved fencing and the Olympics. He fulfilled his job as an official scorekeeper and timekeeper very well. Unfortunately, Carlos died last year or he too would be writing you.
Bob was a kind, considerate, and loving man who made Carlos and I smile whenever he visited. I will always remember him fondly.
Regards Serina Rosenkjar, Ph.D.
Jill Thomas
August 6, 2009
Dear Simonds Family.....I can't imagine being at our Flagstaff home and not seeing Bob drive around the cul-de-sac in his car and stopping to see how we are doing. Our hearts go out to Loretta and your whole family. We were all just devastated when we heard the news this morning.
Paul, Jill., Kayci, Matt and Ross Thomas
August 6, 2009
Dear Simonds Family.....I can't imagine being at our Flagstaff home and not seeing Bob drive around the cul-de-sac in his car and stopping to see how we are doing. Our hearts go out to Loretta and your whole family. We were all just devastated when we heard the news this morning.
Paul, Jill., Kayci, Matt and Ross Thomas
Jill Thomas
August 6, 2009
Dear Simonds Family.....I can't imagine being at our Flagstaff home and not seeing Bob drive around the cul-de-sac in his car and stopping to see how we are doing. Our hearts go out to Loretta and your whole family. We were all just devastated when we heard the news this morning.
Paul, Jill., Kayci, Matt and Ross Thomas
Terry & Jenny House (Gillstrap)
August 5, 2009
Kristina and family - I have really fond memories of growing up and spending time at your home . Your Dad was always so warm, welcoming and happy! Incredibly sorry for your loss and please know that you are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Terry & Jenny House (Gillstrap)
August 5, 2009
Kristina and family - I have really fond memories of growing up and spending time at your home. Your Dad was always so warm, welcoming and happy! I'm terribly sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Kiffie Robbins
August 5, 2009
What a great loss not only to our community, but especially to your family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Simonds from my years at PCDS. He was a catalyst for the school that it became. He definitely left a lasting legacy on everything, and everyone, he touched.
May you find peace in your memories and love of a truly great man.
August 4, 2009
Mrs. Simonds and Family, You don't know me but you will remember my daughters christine and logan wilson. Bob was an inspiration to me and always helpful with an encouraging word when i worked at herb stevens/covey lincoln- mercury. Dick Chedester was the senior partner at the pontiac store and Howard Covey was my senior partner at the lincoln-mercury store. Bob's insight into how those relationships worked was very insightful for me. Moreover, his happy disposition, toothful smile and positive mental attitude endeared in me what a car dealer should be.... I'm sorry for your loss. Right now I'm certain you could find Bob right on the corner of north 7th street and Heaven. sincerley, david wilson
Andy Hill
August 3, 2009
Bob was a great friend of families and law enforcement. He assisted my family with the purchase of our very first new car. He soon became a friend of the Phoenix Police Department, faithfully serving on the Silent Witness Board and befriending many of those who wear the uniform and protect and serve the public. Thank you, Bob, for your time and commitment. Thank you, all the Simonds family, for sharing him with us. On behalf of the Phoenix Police Department, a hope and a prayer for for all his loved ones to endure in peace and joy.
August 3, 2009
Loretta~
Our family is so, so sorry that you all and we have lost Bob. What great neighbors you were here in Phoenix. My children and I send you condolences and much love.
Betsy (Glenn) Ball and all 6 of the Glenn children.
Jeffrey Shelton
August 3, 2009
God Bless your family. Bob was a great man.
Pat Brock
August 2, 2009
ASU Baseball Coach Jim Brock greatly admired Bob and appreciated so much his support of the program. May your wonderful memories of him sustain you as have mine of Jim. God bless you all. Pat Brock
John Clark
August 2, 2009
I was saddened to learn of the loss of my pal Bob. He was one of the good ones.
Rest in peace my friend.
Maryann Kinghorn
August 2, 2009
Bobpa was a guardian angel to me and my children during some tough times in our lives. He was a true "Good Samaritan" to those in need. His presence commanded a room. He was so funny and easy to talk to..... He will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to his family.
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