Craig Scott Simon

You are missed and thought about

Your generosity and kindness will always remain in my heart.
Every Christmas Mr and Mrs Simon would come to Sabations with a big bag of envelopes to gift each and every employee.
It made it possible for the staff to buy gifts for their family.
What an everlasting memory you gave to us.
I know you have a special place in heaven

I had the honour of meeting Craig back in 2018 and spending a few unforgettable vacation days with him in Santorini, Greece. Since then, we have stayed in touch over the years, and I am truly grateful for that continued connection.

Craig was a unique, easygoing character - the kind of person who could effortlessly shift from deep business insights to lighthearted personal conversations. He was the best kind of companion: sharp, kind, and always open. But what stood out the most to me was his wisdom, and his rare ability to offer guidance in a way that was both subtle and profound.

He was, above all, a true friend.

I will carry his memory with me, imagining him with a glass of fine wine in hand, engaging in one of our long conversations about just about everything.

Rest in peace, Craig. You will be deeply missed.

Denny

I KNEW CRAIG FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS DURING MY TENURE AT FARMERS INSURANCE . PROFESSIONALLY HE WAS THE BEST , PERSONALLY HE WAS A MENSCH . MAY IS MEMORY BE A BLESSING TO ALL WHO LOVED HIM AND WHOSE LIVES WERE TOUCHED BY A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL HUMAN BEING
MARYANN GRUIA ( SELTZER )

Thanks to Craig and his family for the wonderful service yesterday. I was lucky enough to meet him in 2016. There were phases where he came and hung out at my former music studio. He loved music. He was an important touchstone and like a father figure to me. We had many group dinners together with other musicians and he was always so very kind and generous. He always checked in. There were a few times where he was randomly around when I would Facetime with my late father while he lived in Costa Rica. One thing which meant a lot to me is he reiterated how "cool my relationship was with my dad." he "loved how we talked and said he was lucky to witness my interactions and phone calls with him, it was touching" that's the kind of person Craig was. He was bummed when my dad died. I was also in the car with him when he would talk to his daughter at times, he loved his family very much. He was hilarious-he taught me the meaning to rap lyrics which I didn't understand initially. He always tried to help me improve myself - I recall one time- I had a family dinner to go to, he offered to drive me. He thought I looked too grungy. He helped me pick out a better outfit from my closet and he took me to a hair salon and paid them to do my hair. My family was impressed. I could go on, but this is getting long. He was truly an angelic spirit. My utmost condolences go out to his lovely family and all of the many souls he touched.

p

One of my favorite memories was when I first met Craig. It was during the investigation of the PK wildfire here in TX. Craig exited his bungalow dressed as if going on a safari. He laughed and played the part all day. I enjoyed the times I got to be around him and associated with his firm. A class act! RIP Craig

Very, sorry for the loss of Craig. Sending prayers for the Family during this emotional time. I had the pleasure of taking care of Craig and the Family with my Restaurants. Beautiful Family, incredible generous person Craig was. Craig´s passing was a shocker as we had just spoke couple months ago, he looked good, sounded good and like always enjoying his pasta and vino. Rest in my Peace my friend!! Thad Foret

Craig was one of the best bosses I ever had. One thing about Craig that I will always remember is he really cared about me (and other attorneys) and my development as an attorney. He certainly cared about getting the work done and done right for the client, but he equally cared about my being the best attorney I could be and about being the best family member of my own family as well. And a part of that was witnessing Craig's interactions with his family. If there is one thing that Craig cared about above all else was his own family.

He also cared about the Berger Kahn family. From the most senior partner to the newest clerk in the office, Craig always displayed kindness and courtesy. He expected a lot from those who worked for him but he gave a lot too.

I will always remember Craig fondly partly because he helped me be a better attorney and balance work and family life. He will be missed greatly.

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Simon.
He made such a difference in not only myself but also the entire restaurant staff at Sabations.
Mr. and Mrs. Simon, we will never forget your generosity, friendship and love.
RIP Sir and thank you for kindness.

A true leader and great lawyer.

I can only remember "Craigie" by this endearing name. I was 6 years old when he bounced his way into our lives. So adorable, always smiling with those bright blue eyes. He seemed to light up the space around him even as an infant. I can just see him now in his pajamas running around our home. So many years playing with him, Stevie, and Danny. Happy memories will be embedded in my mind. He made us all laugh with his keen life observations.
Please feel our love and blessings for all the family and friends who were in "Craigie's" life. xoxoxox Elaine Liberman Doran and Richard Doran

Craig and I go back decades, from Bellagio Road to University High School. His laugh and humor was infectious. Although after high school we took different paths for school, I up in Northern California and he stayed close to home in Southern California, we both ended up being attorneys. An attorney he was. An attorney of attorneys, and one I admire with no hesitation. In the last 10 years, we would visit from time to time in Irvine where his office is located and Craig was always so generous and supportive, helping me make connections with those who have business in China where my practice is based. What struck me more than anything else was Craig's vision for a better world and how living life to the fullest was on his agenda. When we gathered again for our 50th anniversary of our high school reunion, he was so generous he offering his Laguna Beach home to host all of us. It was a perfect setting for our reunion and I enjoyed our last union together. I miss his guidance, his humor and his caring ways. I know he is in a better place and my sincere condolences to his family, his wife Joan, and all of his children and grandchildren.

I had the great privilege and honor of working alongside Craig as his court reporter for three plus years. To say I was saddened by his passing is an undertatement. Sheer shock was more like it. Craig had a larger than life personality, one that made you feel as though he would live on forever. He made everyone he came into contact with feel seen, understood and appreciated. He was passionate and professional but had a quick wit that could lighten the mood when needed and was johhny-on-the-spot with his funny, yet tasteful retorts during bantering in the deposition room. I will forever miss his smile, his jokes, his rapping Nicki Minaj and so much more. Craig was a stellar litigator, always outshining his opponents, but what was the most evident was the love for his family.: He always spoke so highly of all of them and shared adventures he would take with his children. What lucky kids to have a dad who was such an integral party of their lives. Craig, you made the world a better place, and you made me a better person for having known you. You will be forever missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

So sorry for your loss! Craig was such a pleasure to deal with in the reunion committee. He was so kind, generous, and very funny! He will truly be missed!

I was so very saddened to learn of Craig's passing. Having worked closely with Craig as his court reporter for five years on so many of his fire cases was truly a highlight of my career. His professionalism, mixed with his passion for his work, along with his humor and zest for life, have left a lasting impression. It was an honor, Mr. Simon, to work with you and to call you friend. I will forever remember the laughter, how highly you always spoke of your family and the great stories and jokes. You have left this world a better place and you will be missed. I'm sorry I couldn't attend your celebration of life in person, but I will
be attending online.

Craig will be truly missed by many people. I met Craig in the late 70's or early '80's as a fellow insurance lawyer. We had a professional friendship for many years and in 1999, he invited me to merge my firm with Berger Kahn. I did and we were partners until I retired from the firm. Many times during all those years, we were both invited to be presenters at some conferences. I was always delighted to share the stage with Craig under one condition... I would get to go first because Craig was so entertaining that no one would want to listen to me after they heard Craig speak! Craig was a joy to know, to work with and to be around. I am so sad to have him go.

I loved Craig and also admired him. The more I learned about him, the more impressed I became. He took are of a lot of people, not the least of which was my aunt Shirley. He was a mensch in the true sense of the word. Love to the family and good luck as we go forward. I am out of the country but will be there in spirit. I think Jackie is planning to be there on Monday.

Craig was an inspirational awesome person. All of us from University High loved him dearly and are devastated by his loss. He offered his awesome home in Laguna Beach for our 50th reunion. A wonderful friend indeed. Sending my deepest sympathy to his family. May his memory be a blessing. We love you Craig forever.

If you are fortunate enough to know someone who inspires you to be a better person, cherish them. Craig was one of those rare individuals. I have not spoken to him in over twenty years, but am blessed to still hear his laughter and off the cuff wisdom (words to live by). He brought joy to my heart during a personal trying time.

I met Craig twice...once in his home. He struck me as both electric and earthy. He was very welcoming. Goodness, savvy and kind-heartedness exuded from him. He was generous, gregarious and a wonderful soul. Such a loss when a man like that passes.

Tribute To Craig Simon
From Judge Peter Lichtman

To all:
Please share this email with all counsel in the Subro community and Craig´s Family.

Permit me to skip the usual phrases attendant to condolences. It goes without saying that my heart goes out to Craig´s family and to the Subro community of lawyers. This loss is immeasurable.

But the purpose of this email is to place into perspective the enormity of the loss and at the same time the enormity of accomplishments that Craig has made to this genre of law and to all those who worked with him. In the film "It´s a Wonderful Life" the main character gets a once in a lifetime gift in that he gets to see what life would have been like for all those individuals had they not come into contact with him due to his absence.

For me Craig was simply transformative. The Subro Community owes everything to Craig. He single handedly made this area of law the most sought after niche in the practice of law. How do I know this? Two weeks ago an attorney from Salt Lake City called me about handling a mediation for his client and this attorney has likewise used me previously to resolve a matter for his utility company client. During the conversation, the attorney emphatically stated the following: For my next life, I have not decided whether I want to come back as a subro lawyer or as a mediator handling subro settlements. I immediately responded, I can help you with that decision: You definitely want to return as Craig Simon, because when you do the beach house comes along with it. The Craig Simon beach house has now reached the iconic symbol on a par with Graceland in the music world. I am not kidding, the attorney truly made his desire known in all sincerity.

There is not one person to whom this email is directed (and forwarded onto) that can say they were not made better for having come into contact with Craig. For my part, Craig assisted me in the practice of law, assisted me in receiving my judicial appointment and assisted me in becoming the mediator I now am. In all three endeavors in my life Craig Simon has afforded me his helping hand. His passing is not just a loss for me but a void. I am not one to Lionize a person. I have never written any email such as the one I am writing now.

But I must reiterate, he touched so many people and those people´s lives are so much the better for it.

I truly hope that Craig finally rests in peace and re-charges his batteries for his return in the next life.

To the family of Craig, permit me to recite the very words Abraham Lincoln wrote to a woman who lost all of her sons in the Civil War:

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost.

Sincerely,
Peter
P.S. I have copied Craig on this as I am sure he is still looking down on all of us

In loving memory of our dear friend and esteemed attorney,
Craig,
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Craig, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many. Craig was not just an attorney; he was a friend, a confidant, and a beacon of positivity. With a big personality and an even bigger heart, Craig was always willing to lend a hand and help make things right.
His vigor for life was truly inspiring. Craig approached every challenge with enthusiasm and a passion for subrogation that was unmatched. His dedication to his work and clients was evident in everything he did.
We will forever cherish the memories of Craig's infectious laughter, his unwavering support, and his boundless stories. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, passion and excellence that will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace friend. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in our hearts.

Very sad news indeed. Craig was and will always be remembered for his intellect and work ethic. My condolences to his family and colleagues.

Craig was a lovely human being. A sensitive, smart and witty individual who made people around him feel good. I´m saddened by his passing and will always hold the fondest of memories of Craig.
Sam Gruenbaum

I was sorry to hear of Craig's passing. I didn't know him well but he was a great lawyer and a straight shooter. My condolences to his loved ones.

Jim Somers

Craig was special and his memory will truly be a blessing to me, to my family, and to many others. He love for his family and his community was deep and he took in friends and made them family, including mine. Craig was fun, generous, loving, caring, smart, and genuine. May God comfort his family and friends among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. -Miriam Wachter (Fischer) and family.