Scott Simms

On September 27, 2023, surrounded by his devoted wife of 39 years and four loving children, the world bid adieu to a remarkable soul, Scott P. Simms, at the age of 69. His private yet relentless fight against cancer bore witness to his warrior spirit and immense humility.
Born to Arthur J. Simms and Loretta "Lori" O'Pizzi, Scott exuded enthusiasm and was a fervent pursuer of excellence. A natural-born athlete at Loyola Catholic High School in Los Angeles, he developed what would become a lifelong passion for golf. After graduating from SDSU with a BA in Telecommunications & Film, he traveled the world, absorbing a tapestry of diverse cultures and landscapes. Returning in the summer of '77, he joined his father's restaurant business, laying the foundation for an illustrious career in hospitality.
His love story with Rochelle was profound - deep, unwavering, and eternal, full of adventure and a shared appreciation for the simple joys that life brings. He was the world's greatest dad and papa. He raised his children with unconditional love, humor, and sternness when necessary - maintaining that parenting was an art that required "90% love and 10% fear." He often reminded them that most problems could be solved with excitement, enthusiasm, and follow-through and instilled in them the importance of service to others and gratitude above all.
A master of many trades and a lifelong learner, Scott's thirst for knowledge was insatiable. He was a self-taught vintner, producing estate-grown wines, dry-aged charcuterie, and cold-pressed olive oil. His love and knack for numbers was unparalleled, his memory for dates and figures, uncanny. Scott had a gift for making everyone feel significant, remembering phone numbers and birthdays with an almost superhuman ability. Foremost in Scott's heart was the value he placed on his relationships, and it was the enduring bonds of friendship and unparalleled generosity that defined him.
A legendary storyteller, Scott's home was a hub for beautiful meals cooked together, long drawn-out dinners, and howling laughter. Friends and family often lingered long after dessert was served. He savored the simple pleasures like reading the morning paper, eating a perfect summer tomato, the first sip of a cold beer after a hard day's work - and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream before bed. A lover of the great outdoors, Scott found serenity and joy while tending to his grapes, walking Carmel Beach at sunset, and foraging for chanterelles after a good rain. Some of his favorite memories were made playing bocce every Wednesday with the guys and the countless dinners, fly-fishing and duck-hunting trips taken with family and friends. His love for sports was undeniable. If you knew him well, you knew Sundays were reserved for church, family, and football. He had a competitive spirit and no appetite for second place, a legacy he joyfully imparted to his children, and a loving rivalry that often manifested during cherished family game nights.
Scott leaves behind his wife and soulmate Rochelle Simms, his pride and joy, children, Charise (Ryan) Weller, Sarah (Kelly) Hendrix, Rebecca Simms (Sean Montes), and Matthew Simms. His laughter and curiosity forever echoed in the lives of his seven cherished grandchildren: Audrey, Eva, Pepper, Charlie, Maverick, Mavis, and Bertie Lou. His legacy and stories will live on through his loving siblings Barbie Glass, Tom (Maggie) Simms, and Greg (Kathy) Simms and the countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, who held him dear.
Scott's journey was nothing short of magnificent. The family he created will forever carry forward the joy of living life to the fullest, just as he did. And if you miss him as much as we do, look for him in sunsets by the beach or enjoy a scoop of ice cream in his honor, for in these simple joys, we celebrate a husband, father, and friend who was, undeniably, one in a million.
A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on November 7th, 2023, at the Carmel Mission Basilica. A celebration of Scott's extraordinary life to follow in Carmel Valley.