HERMAN SIMON

SIMON--Herman, 97, husband of Yvette, his co-adventurer, co-everything, for 72 years, and father of Robbie (Bob) and Steve (Cindy and son Jonathan). He made a swift and painless exit August 28, less than two weeks into his last act -- a cross-country move with Yvette to La Jolla, CA, to be with their children. A joyous, authentic Renaissance man, Herman was passionate about politics, great books, great art, great music...and the Yankees. As curious about people as about ideas and a tireless listener, he made you feel you were the most interesting person in the world. Herman was born in Union City, NJ, where he started out as a teacher and harnessed his radical commitment to fairness to form the district's first teachers' union; he retired as Assistant Superintendent of Schools, an inspiring leader who initiated lasting, innovative programs. He also owned and directed Camp Idylwold in Schroon Lake, NY, which was to become his beloved home base: he and Yvette tended and expanded the 1840s Bullet Pond farmhouse they bought in 1965; they remain honored senior residents of the town (as they do of Parliament House in Pompano Beach, FL, where they made their winter home). A President of the Schroon Lake Association for eleven years, Herman was devoted to keeping the lake pure for future generations. He was "best father in the world" to his daughter and very best friend to his son, both of whom grew up in Teaneck, NJ, except during the family sabbatical year in Paris and Rome that set the stage for Herman's next career, operating student tours, and for four decades of traveling the world. Herman lived long enough to experience in life the tributes accorded most of us only in eulogy - tributes from his adoring extended family, his friends, and the generations of young people he mentored. Pre-deceased by siblings Morris and Lillian, he is survived by his brother Raymond and by nieces Tasha, Lisa, Melissa, Brooke, Mickey Rae, Renee, Cory and Vera, and by nephew Daniel. Herman will be remembered, as he was loved, for his enthusiastic unbounded spirit. We will cherish his legacy. Contributions in his memory will be welcomed by the Schroon Lake Association or the Seagle Music Colony, both of Schroon Lake, NY, 12870.