Matthew Simmons Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

ROCKLAND, Maine (AP) - Matthew Simmons, an energy investment banker who espoused the peak oil theory, became an advocate for alternative energy and served as energy adviser to President George W. Bush, has died at his North Haven island home, officials said Monday. He was 67.

The founder of Houston-based Simmons & Co. International wrote the 2005 book "Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy," raising concerns about Saudi Arabia's oil reserves and laying out his theory that the world was approaching peak oil production.

Two years later, Simmons founded The Ocean Energy Institute, a think tank and venture capital fund in Rockland to promote offshore wind energy research and development.

The institute is a part of the consortium led by the University of Maine, which aims to design and test floating deep-water wind turbine platforms.

"Matt Simmons was an innovative thinker who pushed ideas that have the potential to yield a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for Maine and the world," said Maine Gov. John Baldacci, who attended the opening of the institute's headquarters last month.

Simmons' body was found Sunday night in his hot tub, investigators said.

An autopsy by the state medical examiner's office concluded Monday that he died from accidental drowning with heart disease as a contributing factor.

In 1974, Simmons founded Simmons & Co. International, which grew into one of the largest investment banking companies serving the energy industry. He continued to serve as chairman emeritus until last month, when he retired to give his full energy to the Ocean Energy Institute.

"We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of a true visionary and friend. As a pivotal figure in the lives of many of our employees, and countless others across the energy industry, Matt will be sorely missed," Simmons & Co. CEO Mike Frazier said in a statement.

Simmons was critical of BP PLC's handling of the Gulf oil spill and predicted the company would file for bankruptcy. In one interview, he said the cleanup costs could top $1 trillion.

As an international energy expert, Simmons correctly predicted in 2007 that oil would surpass $100 a barrel. The following year, it peaked at $147 a barrel.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press

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A Cherished Friend has Gone Missing. I'm Stunned and Heartsick to learn my Old Pledge Brother and Sigma Chi Stinker-in-Residence passed a long 7 years ago. How can that possibly be and how did I let our personal association slip so very far away? I apologize to Ellen and family for being so tardy in offering my love and support to them. One look at Matt's photo above and the past 50 years are erased in a heartbeat. We're back together in the U. of U. Sig House plotting pranks and discovering...

December 30, 2017

Matt Simmons was a friend and terrific mentor and adviser. Matt's curiosity and infectious enthusiasm, especially energy, will be missed but hopefully emulated by the many who knew and enjoyed his company.

Bob McNally

September 24, 2010 | Bethesda, MD

Mr. Simmons,

I'm so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you at Ocean Energy Institute, if only for a very brief time. I'll always remember your smile, generosity, zest for life, and that twinkle in your eyes.

I think you would be proud to know that so many individuals from around the world have sent their well wishes and support for OEI to continue your vision to make ocean energy a reality. It just won't be the same without you here, but we know you...

Paula Schuessler

September 22, 2010 | Rockland, ME

It is unfortunate to see such a great person pass away. You will always be remembered for your hard work and dedication to the world of Energy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Simmons' family.

Kazim Khoja

September 14, 2010 | Houston, TX

As everyone knows, Matt Simmons was an amazing, gifted man on multiple levels. It was a great privilege to be a part of the SCI team and to experience, first hand, how giving and kind he was. Mr. Simmons never lost sight of the people who helped bring his visions to fruition, and he always expressed appreciation to each individual in his firm. At Christmastime, it was touching to see his pure joy when personally handing out "thank you" holiday gifts to each employee -- with a twinkle in...

Mona Rosenfeld

August 31, 2010 | Cypress, TX

Matt has been an inspiration for me from the beginning I met him at a major conference. I thought I knew a lot about energy until I met Matt. We became good friends and made many trips together to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. During those trips I also got to know Matt the artist and became impressed with the beautiful water colors he painted during his trips abroad. It was yet another side of his personality. There was Matt the brilliant energy innovator, the businessman, the...

Herman Franssen

August 26, 2010 | Chevy Chase, MD

Matt had a profound influence on my life. I credit Matt with getting me into business school and saving me from following my dad into law. We had some crazy, fun years working for Zions Bank together selling credit life, we roomed together in graduate school, he was my "best man" at my wedding. Matt lived the equivalent of multiple lives in his short time and I hope someone will carry on his energy vision he so enthusiastically shared. They threw away the mold with Matt!
Our love and...

Roger Boyer

August 26, 2010 | Salt Lake City, UT

Ellen,and girls my how times go by. My sister and i use to babysit you girls and Matt was sooo nice always greeted me with a smile and so helpful and just made me feel right at home. I will see you Oct. 4th. My sincere condolences. Valerie & Tonjalis Green

Valerie Green

August 25, 2010 | Houston, TX

Matt - I have lost a dear friend of 50 years. Although our lives spread apart after the Sigma Chi days, I always considered you as a wonderful friend. We laughed together, cried together, shared great stories and most of all laughed. I was so happy to have seen you at the mini reunion in SLC in March of this year. A highlight of the year is when you invited Patricia and I to join you and your family in San Francisco a few months ago for a wonderful dinner. I felt like I got "caught up"...

Jeff Monson

August 24, 2010 | Oakland, CA

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