William Simon

WILLIAM SIMON Dad, I am writing to you to say goodbye. Today, March 5, 2009, was your last day with us. Mom (Paula Simon), Sandy (Simon), your grandchildren (Megan and Matthew) and I (Sue Simon) will miss you dearly. You had many great years with us. In fact, in a month we would have celebrated your 88th birthday. When I think back over your life and how much you have accomplished, we are all so proud. You came to Canada from a small village in Austria with Paula, your wife, in 1951 with no money, no skills and no understanding of the language. You started here as a labourer and within no time you saved money and bought your first house. You were never satisfied with just being a labourer so you worked hard to gain the respect of your peers and you were rewarded. By the time you retired at 60, you had become a construction superintendent. You sacrificed a lot for your two girls so they would have a better life than you. Your life was not easy. But the people who knew you, they never saw the serious side; rather they experienced a person always enjoying the moment, whether it was a good joke, a good meal or conversation with a neighbour. We always saw a warm, loving human being. Everyone loved "my father". When I think of you at your happiest, it was at the cottage. I can picture you now, getting up "with the birds" always working on a "project" or getting up early to go fishing (in your younger years) or to get started on Matthew's Lego and ending the day with a game of rummy. Once you retired, you were always at the cottage and always busy with projects around the house. Sandy and I really took advantage of your time. We were always calling you over to fix this or fix that. Some times you would come to visit for weeks just to get through that long list of projects I had made. Dad you are a warm and loving father. You were always about unconditional love. Over the years, as your Alzheimer's got worse, your loving and kind way became even more a part of your personality. Everyone enjoyed looking after you. When I think of you dad, I will think of a lot of wonderful memories, but more importantly, I will get a warm feeling in my heart and a smile on my face no matter where I am or what I am doing. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for hugging us. Thank you for being our dad. The family has decided on a private funeral for immediate family only. Please feel free to visit the memorial website that has been created in his honour: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/ williamsimon/Homepage.aspx. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to SPRINT for Adult Day Programs, sent to 140 Merton St., Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1A1 or North York General Hospital Foundation - Seniors Health Centre, sent to 4001 Leslie St., North York, M2K 1E1