Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Neil Simmers Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Simmers
27 Entries
Wolfgang Görtschacher
May 26, 2025
This is a message for Sara Sato. Neil published some of his poems in Poetry Salzburg Review. He loved the magazine and has a subscription that is still valid. If you let me have the details of your postal address, I could send you a copy of the new issue No. 42: [email protected]
Best wishes,
Wolfgang (Görtschacher)
Sara sato
June 12, 2023
I traveled withvhim and inspirred him to write .i was his muse and his great love
Sarajane simmers
May 6, 2023
Ron Denson
December 15, 2020
Neil was one of the friendliest guys I met at Simon Fraser Elementary school(100 West 15th Ave., Vancouver) in the 1950's. Of interest to his family might be the attached photo of Neil in Grade 1, he's second from the right in the first row. I'm fourth from the right in the first row. (My apology for the lack of clarity lost in changing from pdf to jpeg.)
I think he moved to Kitsilano after grade 5.
Unbeknownst to him and me for many years, we both knew many of the same Kitsilano High school guys as I played Meralomas football for four years(1962 thru 1965) practicing at Connaught Park next to Kits High. I moved to Kerrisdale in 1958(Grade 7) which is the reason why I played with Kits High guys.
We also both obtained B.Com. degrees at UBC, he in 1969, I in 1976 in Finance, but I'm unsure of his major. This was also unknown to me until I saw it in my UBC Directory of Graduates in 1992.
The last time I saw him was when I authorized his withdrawal of a small amount of cash from his bank in downtown Vancouver in 1977. I only knew it was him because his name was on the bank card. He looked totally different from the 1950's. He didn't remember me, but I remembered him because of his friendly upbeat smile in elementary school.
A poet - very consistent with the guy I knew so many years ago in elementary school.
My condolences to his family for the loss of such a good guy.
Perry Terrell
December 7, 2020
Neil and I checked on each other monthly. My last email from him was June, 2020. I was one of his publishers at Perry Terrell Publishing. I was posting his name in my Conceit Magazine group where he was one of the contributors to my magazine and one of our literary sisters notified me that we had lost Neil. I am still having a hard time letting go, which I will never do. I have quite a bit of his poetry and I will continue to honor his memory with his literary work. I will forever cherish his autographed copies of his poetry books. He is so ultimately missed. Six months of not getting an email or poetry submission from him is heartbreaking. Rest in literary peace, Neil. :(
John Wheeler
September 25, 2020
I knew Neil from his visits to London to read poetry. He was a lovely, literate man with a great sense of humour. It is so sad that he is no-longer with us.
James Felton
September 24, 2020
Neil was such an avid supporter of Poets Corner, not only of the series but also of those who participated, whether as featured poets like himself or whether as individuals who garnered the courage to step up to the microphone during the open mic segment. A sensitive, intelligent insightful poet, his words always created a wow factor with the audience. We're going to miss him -- and his words.
Russell Sato
September 24, 2020
My sadness goes out to Neils family and friends! I met Neil in Hawaii the past 9 years.
A very friendly cool guy who enjoyed his retirement years! I will miss seeing him! Hawaii will also miss his kind and gentle presence in the islands! Aloha Neil
Jami Macarty
September 23, 2020
I first met Neil in 2006 when he attended the first course I taught for SFU. In that course, and every course he took with me thereafter (seven ish), Neil was a fount of positive, understanding support to me, everyone in the writing class, to their poems, and to poetry. This description is a specific, and I mean. I also mean it to describe generally, Neil's generous heart. Virtually, every time I sent out my e.news during the past 14 years, Neil responded. Imagine! 14 years of responses. What a gift of attention! Neil's gift of responsiveness is precious to me, and I will keep it for always. May he rest in peace and love, Jami
Eric L O'Dell
September 23, 2020
I am so sorry to read this news. Neil was a great guy, a good long distance mentor early in my career as an insurance adjuster. I had the pleasure of catching up with him over a coffee a few months ago and I am so glad we had that opportunity. My deepest condolances to his family. I am sorry I did not see this earlier but while I am saddened with the news, it is good that I now know.
Pamela Galloway
September 23, 2020
My condolences to Neil’s family and friends. I didn’t know Neil well but have chatted to him at poetry readings. May he rest peacefully.
Ken Ader
September 22, 2020
I had great working relationship as the Video Guy videoing his poems and book launches. He will be greatly missed by the Literary Community.
Herb Bryce
September 22, 2020
Farewell, Brother
You have marked the world with
Your presence and set a trail
For us to aspire to.
And you were the best of us.
God rest ye, happy traveller,
You are universal now.
Candice James
September 22, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Neil as a true gentleman, a talented poet and a friend. It was my privilege to be instrumental in the publishing of four of his poetry books; poetry books, I believe, that will weather the storms of time and be read for centruries to come. People like Neil come along seldom in a lifetime. I am honoured that his path intersected with mine for awhile. He was well respected by everyone he met and he will be missed by many. R.I.P. dear Neil.
Cynthia Sharp
September 22, 2020
Neil's huge and beautiful heart, his kindness to everyone, his playful spirit and his support to all writers will be remembered and cherished always. The first time we met at a book launch, he included me in conversation and made an effort to make me feel welcome at each subsequent event I came out to back when I was a newcomer. When I went on to organize events for The Federation of BC Writers, he came out to everything he could regardless of travel time, generously giving away copies of his books, wisdom and time. He was a humble, supportive, talented team player who gave generously to the literary community, making a group of poets into friends and family. I'm grateful for all the places our paths crossed and especially for our communal Sunday brunches at Poetic Justice. You are with us always. My condolences to everyone missing Neil.
Robert Martens
September 22, 2020
Neil's energy and good will were obvious to anyone who met him. He is missed.
Kevin Spenst
September 22, 2020
Neil elevated people and poetry. He brought such a calm strength into so many people's lives. He will be dearly missed.
Verena Jones
September 22, 2020
He is very much missed by all who knew him - a lovely gentleman! I'm so glad he got to write poetry and share it, and to travel, even if it ended much too soon.
Terri Clark-Kveton
September 21, 2020
The loss of a very bright and constant light. A quiet man whose words spoke from the page. And the kind of guy who never had to try to make his presence known which makes his absence even harder.
Franci Louann
September 20, 2020
When Neil was there, kindness & respect were in the room! He was a pillar of the poetry community, locally & internationally.
KB Nelson
September 20, 2020
As a fellow poet at RCLAS events, he was generous and inspiring. He will be missed.
Barbara Pelman
September 20, 2020
A lovely person and a loss to the poetry community! Sending love and support to his family, Bren, and others. May his memory bless you every day. Barbara in Victoria
Alan Hill
September 20, 2020
A lovely man and a great poet. A true gentlemen who will be missed. Gone far too soon
Wendy Besner
September 20, 2020
Though we never lived in the same house Neil was always more of a real brother to me than a step brother. His presence had a calming effect and he seemed to see the broader picture than just the immediate future. He was there when I needed someone to lean on. He was more than a brother, he was a friend. I wish we’d had more time to spend together.
Warren Dean Fulton
September 20, 2020
d.n. simmers (Neil), my friend, I’ll miss you. I’ll miss our chats. Our discussions about poetry, the beats, San Francisco & all the places you & Sara Jane we’re travelling to. I had special gifts, prizes, and even trivia questions at Poetic Justice that were with you in mind. I’m glad you got many of them. I’m pleased to see the photo of you used for your guest book, is one I took of you receiving a framed art piece of a San Francisco street scene. My thoughts are of you & all of your loved ones; family, friends & the literary family far & wide of which you are a part of.
Alix & Max Navarrete
September 19, 2020
The loss of this kind, gentle and honourable man is absolutely tragic. He deserved many more years to share with the people and activities he loved most. I will think of him every time I see a butterfly, as does his precious granddaughter. Every time I read or even see a book of poetry, I will think of him, as will his mentor Sara and his many friends and admirers in the poetry world. Each exquisite sunset, perfect day at the pool, beautiful song in the Hawaiian language, pretty little pint-sized dress that he would have bought for a granddaughter, I will think of him. Neil’s absence in our lives is felt profoundly. I’m sharing in Neil’s honour a favourite song from a place he loved, Hawaii.
Hasta luegito amigo.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjO_dqFSxCk
Jodie
August 27, 2020
Neil was such a great father. He cared so much for all of us neighbourhood kids. Derek remembers the Slurpees after games too. Jodie remembers how caring and friendly he was. So proud of his kids. What memories popcorn at sleepovers and has hashbrowns(I had never had them before) at breakfast! He was always so kind. Thank you for being such a caring neighbour and father. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Jodie And Derek
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results