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Simon Raistrick
1980 - 2015
Simon Raistrick
1980 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1980
DIED
2015
Simon Raistrick Obituary
Simon is survived by his parents, Ian and Darien Raistrick, by his aunts, Jory and Heidi Hopkins, his uncle, Kip Hopkins, his girlfriend, Shannon Krone, and his many friends, including his new friends at Good Morning Carmel, and in particular, Noah Shumpert, who gave him such wonderful support over the past two years. For anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory, we suggest Beacon House, in Pacific Grove, CA. The home website is http://beaconhouse.org/ and the donation page is http://beaconhouse.org/donations/tribute-gifts/ . The family plans a private ceremony. A memorial website for Simon has been established by the Paul Mortuary:
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Simon-Raistrick&lc=6922&pid=174315386&mid=6349568&cid=em.legacy.dm.6922.6349568
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nathan Breitling
July 11, 2017
I just learned of Simon's passing. I taught Simon at Ai San Francisco. Simon was a brilliant man with a genuine thirst for knowledge and craft! Beautiful and gentle and creative. I am better for having known him.
From Santa Barbara, our family's home
Leslie Bary
March 6, 2016
All the best to the family! From Leslie, Paul, and David Bary, in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Marin County.
Kevin Martin
April 6, 2015
To Simon: I always enjoyed your music and sound design and the times that we talked about life and music and how it all connects. I hope you are at peace. Keep the light on for us. My best thoughts go out to the family and friends who are left behind.
March 27, 2015
To the dear parents of my friend Simon:
I was aware that you came to GMC last Saturday, and I unfortunately had to leave early for work, so couldn't meet you personally or share my condolences in person.
Simon was such a genuine and deep young man...(maybe because of his red hair and lankiness, I thought he was college age)...He didn't often open up in meetings, but when he did, it was always 'worth listening to'.
I work with the Beacon House peripherally, doing their 'equine program' at my ranchito. The number of young folks struggling with heroin really is heartbreaking. I'm older (56), and I think maybe my generation (70s) might have skated past the hard core 60s and the increasing prevalence through the last couple of decades.
I'd often give him rides home from the meetings, because I more often than not stick around to let the pups play together in the parking lot and have a chat with friends, Simon among them. You could never accuse him of being a 'loud-mouth'....'man of few words' more like, but I think he was a keen observer.
I had the opportunity to secretary the monthly birthday meeting in 2014, and got to pick other GMC friends to read some of the regular passages we read to get meetings under way. I twisted his arm and got him to stand up in front of hundreds of fellows in recovery. Sweating, beet red (just like me.) He was awesome.
I'm glad in recent months he got to do some of the sound work he was gearing towards in his work life.
I think what most devastated me upon hearing of his death, was just the thought that 'inches and seconds', it could have been my son or daughter.....both have sharp minds like Simon. I know when he tried Heroin the first time, it was likely just for 'fun'. We all thought we were too smart to be one of 'those' that got addicted. What an equal opportunity, horrible disease.
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss.
Connie Yost
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Amy Harrison
March 27, 2015
I am so sad to learn of Simon's passing. I remember him so fondly. When he told me he was interested in being the lead production audio engineer for my film in 2013, I couldn't believe my luck. He was known to be the one of the most knowledgeable students in the audio program. He was generous, kind, patient - a wonderful person who took great pride in his work. He has inspired many. He will be sorely missed. My most heartfelt condolences to his family.
March 27, 2015
I miss you my gentle giant. Although your spirit is with us, it is hard to not see you. You always had a great hug! I wish your parents and family comfort through the memories they have.
Heather (Carmel, CA)
Emily Fett
March 23, 2015
Simon is the most gentle, kind soul I have ever known. I miss him with all of my heart. He touched my life in the deepest but most subtle way. I grieve the emptiness left behind. Simon was committed to sobriety. The addiction was stronger and more powerful than he could overcome. It seduced him to his death. I miss you Simon!!!You will live in my heart for ever. I feel as though I have lost a son or brother. I know the Universe is vast and much more than we know. Perhaps in another galaxy and in another time we will meet again.
Derik Barseghian
March 22, 2015
My sincere condolences. I had the great luck of meeting Simon at UCSB and knew him there and at the Conejo house. I didn't know him deeply, but certainly well enough to recognize and admire a very powerful, understated intelligence beneath an unassuming exterior. Simon was generous, gracious, talented, humorous, calm, and very thoughtful. He helped me in school many times, but I learned more important things by simply being around him. Thank you for enriching my life Simon, I'm so sad to hear you're gone.
Tom & Shirley Kwan
March 20, 2015
Darien and Ian, We were so sadden by Sime's passing. He was a very talented person! Our fond memory of him growing up in Los Alamos will remain with us. Our deepest condolences to you.
Karen Letendre
March 17, 2015
Hello Darien: I don't know if you remember me, but I was in Heidi's class at Catalina. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences go out to you and your family. Karen (List) Letendre
Joan Brown
March 16, 2015
To Darien and Ian,
How very sorry we were to hear of Simon's death. Our hearts go out to you as you grieve your terrible loss. Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences to you and to all who loved Simon.
Lovingly,
Joan and Stan Brown
March 15, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to your family. May all who grieve over the loss of your dearest Simon, find comfort in prayer to the God of hope who promises to do away with death and pain forever. May you cherish fond memories and be encouraged with the help and support of family and friends. 2Cor 1:3
Jesse Boettger
March 15, 2015
I'm deeply saddened by this news, but thankful for the time I got to spend with Simon. His kind spirit, deep soul and infectious passion will not be forgot. My condolences go out to his family. I regret I wasn't able to share compassion with him in his fight.
Kevin Tegtmeier
March 13, 2015
I first met Simon (I think he went by Sime back then) at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. During recess, I approached Simon to congratulate him on winning the county spelling bee. I had not talked with him before and was a bit nervous about talking with someone in a higher grade than me (I was in 4th and he was in 5th). He was extremely friendly and made me feel very welcome and appreciated.
I would not become friends with Simon until years later, when Sean and I became good friends. Sean and I went to Simon's house on Barranca Mesa and I remember Simon had the same welcoming demeanor he exhibited years earlier. He quickly accepted me in his group of friends and I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with Simon until he left for college.
A few of my favorite memories:
- Talking on his back porch in Los Alamos and enjoying the views of the canyon.
- Running The Shed (restaurant in Santa Fe) out of garlic bread (or so they claimed)
- Driving down to Santa Fe in his 300zx to watch Spawn and buy anime
- Spending countless hours leveling up characters in Final Fantasy VII
Simon was funny, intelligent, creative, curious, inspiring, accepting, and patient. He was a focal point in his group of friends and his loss is very painful. My deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.
Brian Hesch
March 13, 2015
Darian and Ian,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Simon. You are in my thoughts.
Sean deVries
March 13, 2015
I'd like to extend a formal invitation to all who knew Simon: if you're in Albuquerque on Pi Day (3/14), please join me at 3 PM for an informal celebration of Simon's life. The Kiwanis Reservation Area at Elena Gallegos Park is ours until 6 PM.
Park info:
http://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/elena-gallegos-open-space
Map:
http://imgur.com/VnLPQAp.jpg
March 12, 2015
Simon will be greatly missed ~ Judith Mostyn
Greg Campbell
March 12, 2015
Simon was a very dear friend of mine, and a truly great human being. He will be sorely missed, and always remembered fondly. The world doesn't feel the same without him. Rest in peace brother, you are forever loved. My sincerest condolences to your family.
Eric Wally Wallstrom
March 12, 2015
Simon was brilliant, but he made others feel at ease. He was generous even when he was most in need. The prospect of spending time with Simon never failed to make me happy.
Jon Sullivan
March 12, 2015
Simon was our brother. His ability to care about people was deeply apparent upon meeting him. He welcomed everyone with open arms and a strong hug. His smile was amazingly contagious and conveyed a beautiful love for the oddities and eccentricities of this world. He helped teach us to see life through many different lenses and invited many to join him to experience new places and people. I will be forever grateful for this.
Several additional things will always remind me of Simon.
Music - He had an uncanny memory and understanding of music. The breadth and depth of his knowledge extended to the deepest edges of the Internet. If you wanted to chat about it, he was always interested.
Reading - His library was always filled with socially obscure yet critical to read literature. It was his passion to read. He was always eager to understand something new or feel something different about the world.
Santa Barbara - Simon loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, biking, badminton, table tennis, camping, frisbee golf, bocce... The beach was also always a welcome retreat for chatting and to release the tensions of the day.
Partington Ridge, Big Sur - This was his ultimate retreat. It's a place his worries would disappear. Many great bonds and eternal friendships were forged here working together at the top of the mountain. Many sunsets and meals were shared. This is a most fitting spot for his ashes.
Japanese Culture - From animated movies, to language and more, he loved a lot about Japan. His knowledge was deep, and he was always thirsty for more.
Indian Food - We used to go out for All You Can Eat buffet at a couple different Indian restaurants in Santa Barbara. Simon would get an extra order of Naan bread because he knew he would be eating all of ours otherwise.
Computers - His genius extended into the digital realm with audio / video production as well as programming and photo taking. His dedication to the recording industry was impressive. There were many fun nights spent playing on his computers together, looking through pictures he had taken, finding new music...
The love to and from Simon over his lifetime will be cherished and passed on.
Jeff Rhodes
March 12, 2015
Simon was gentle. He was an adventurer. He was generous. As I remember Simon, I remember some of the most beautiful and inspiring moments of my young life were spent with him - at Partington Ridge and Santa Barbara. I feel sadness and grief but more powerfully, I feel love and am thankful that we were able to spend time with Simon.
Dan Haug
March 12, 2015
Simon was laid-back, easy-going, generous, and giving I have fond memories of riding with him in his car, listening to music (Aphex Twin if I recall correctly), as he drove us through winding hills to and from the house in Santa Barbara that he shared with Michael, Noah and Kevin And nothing compares to the two amazing "Spring Breaks" I got to spend with him & the gang at Partington Ridge. Living "off the grid", cooking and enjoying group meals, hiking, sunsets, group photos in the big tree, and star-gazing I'll cherish those moments forever.
Jesse Parrotti
March 12, 2015
To me, Simon's essence represented a true spirit of giving and compassion. He was one of the most generous, soft-spoken and gentle spirits I have known. Always offering a warm smile and engaging conversation. His passing is a loss for the world; His life, a beacon of pensiveness and empathy.
Jackie Beam
March 12, 2015
I best knew Simon from 2003-2006 when I lived in Santa Barbara. My instant associations with him are Dostoevsky books (as he always seemed to be reading something long and Russian in those days), notebooks full of neatly written Japanese characters, Big Sur sunsets, and empty wheat grass shots incongruously piled near the empty white Russians from the previous night. These past few days, he has been constantly in my thoughts; something will make me think of him, and I'm filled with incredible sadness. Then, I'll recall his silly sweetness--the way he smiled and how satisfying it was to get him to laugh, and I can't help it. I find myself smiling and sometimes even giggling quietly to myself. "Oh, Sime. Oh, Trog," I think. Simon was lost. I won't pretend that wasn't the case, but there was a quiet, giddy joy too. I miss his easy smile and generous laugh the most. Much love and peace to you, sweet Simon.
Michael Beam
March 12, 2015
Simon was my brother. It is impossible to briefly express all the ways in which Simon's life impacted my own and those around him. Our relationship spanned over 15 years including the end of our teenage years and our entire adulthood. We first met on a visit to Los Alamos in 1999 and bonded over our love of computers, fiction, music, psychedelia, and nature. Even after our first meeting, each time we said goodbye Simon would deliver a deeply satisfying hug that radiated love. He was loved. Despite being separated by thousands of miles, our circles of friends merged and became a family. Simon was at the center of that family always offering kindness, humor, and his time. Even before I moved to California and spent three years living with Simon, he was one of the most important people in my life, having shared countless profound experiences at concerts, traveling, and taking in the night sky. Simon was an explorer. There was a restlessness in Simon that drove him to push limits. This led to his struggle with addiction. I am devastated he is gone. His spirit, filled with hope, kindness, and generosity, will forever stay with those of us that loved him.
David Dobrowski
March 12, 2015
Simon was a very generous and kind person. He tried to provide space and time to bring people together so they could build relationships, be it at Partington or Conejo or elsewhere. He was interested in writing and music. At times, he would focus on bike riding and do century rides or want to play disc golf in the park. When I think of good times with Simon, I think of sitting outside, talking or joking about things. He would always give long hugs hello or goodbye
Noah Baker
March 12, 2015
simon, my friend
with keen intellect and stunning dexterity he became great at things quickly. and often. his skills were an inspiration to myself and many others. he absolutely inspired.
simon loved racquet sports, at which he excelled, but it was table tennis he loved most dearly.
to be in his company was a privilege. taking part in his humor.listening to him play guitar. reading his impeccably drawn kanji worksheets. poring over his finely detailed drawings. watching him play super mario. discussing abstract mathematics. his correct, unabashed use of vocabulary.
not always as outwardly confident as he deserved to be,
among his close friends he truly came alive.
he was eager to please, a preeminent host,
it came easily because of his good nature and generous heart.
a fiery soul, he hungered for what the world had to offer
art, literature, science, cars, sport, food
one of the smartest people i've ever known.
he cared deeply for those around him
and would do anything for them.
Holly Adams
March 11, 2015
I remember Simon from Barranca Mesa School. I am so sorry to hear this.
Stephanie Mitchell
March 11, 2015
Darien and Ian, our hearts are breaking for you. We are so sorry for the loss you are suffering. Sincerely, Mark, Stephanie, Albert, and Adele Mitchell
James Ross
March 11, 2015
Simon sounds like we could have been great friends. Very sad to see him pass.
March 11, 2015
Our sympathies, Duane and Jackie Marr
Scott Lucido
March 11, 2015
Ian, Darien, I am so sorry and sad. Crying with you. Asking questions that will never be answered.
Sharry Kim
March 11, 2015
I cannot tell you how much I loved Simon, he was the by far the kindest and most generous human-being I had the pleasure of knowing. He was a beloved friend to everyone he befriended and that was because he never passed judgement, was extremely open-minded and was always the most loyal friend. It was in his nature to bring out the smiles around those who surrounded him with his unique sense of humor. I've found that he has taken a part of me in his death, and while this is painful for me to feel it is also reassuring that he rests with the loving memories of his friends and family, he had plenty of both. Simon was an addict, yes, but that was not WHO he was, it was a disease he fought throughout the better half of his life, and his continual relapses only tells me that he continuously with the strength he could muster tried to fight this disease. He fought it until his end, in my eyes, he died trying to fight it the best he was able to.
Sean deVries
March 11, 2015
Simon was one of the finest people I've had the honor of knowing. I am unequivocal in stating that Simon, Ian, and Darien Raistrick saved my life when I was in high school. Even though we grew apart as the years passed, I'll always think of Simon as my brother. He helped me keep my chin up, he opened the door to new experiences, he taught me to pursue the secret, inner truth of all things, and more than anything, he made me laugh and laugh and laugh. I used to think no one could possibly get my sense of humor, until I met Simon.
To say that I miss him isn't enough; Simon is part of my heart, forever. I'll carry his loving memory with me always.
Hari Viswanathan
March 10, 2015
As Simon's neighbor I got to see him grow up in Los Alamos. He was always so pleasant and kind from when he was a little boy to when he grew up. We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have Simon and the Raistrick's as our neighbors since 1984. We will miss him dearly. Hari Viswanathan
Sharry Kim
March 10, 2015
It was a short life but it was a full one still. Everything Simon did he did whole-heartedly and that's why everyone loved him.
March 10, 2015
SIMON WAS TRULY VERY VERY SPECIAL. LIKE MOST SUCH PERSONS HE HAS LEFT US WITH AT LEAST GREAT UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES BUT LEFT US TOO SOON. V.K.Viswanathan
Eliza Baer
March 8, 2015
For Simon and his Family with love:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Frq7rjEGzs
Matthew McCleary
March 6, 2015
Simon and I were friends in high school in Los Alamos, NM. He taught me a lot about computers and set me on a path that I've stayed on to this day -- a path that has made it possible for me to have a family and be happy. Simon was one of the smartest people I knew in high school, and I admired and respected him. I am very sorry to hear of his passing, but I am thankful for the time I did get to spend with him.
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