Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Craig Simons
1958 - 2020
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Alvin Torbin posted a condolence
Monday, April 27, 2020
I knew Craig as a friend at MAG. While we did not work in the same office, Craig and I, over 20 + years, would always meet and "catch up" at the almost-annual 4-day ALOC Conferences. I always enjoyed his company. We spoke of many things - and, almost always, travel was included in our chats and, over the past recent years, craft beer. I remember Craig as bright, funny - and principled - truly a gentleman; Craig enjoyed life and I could see how he valued the relationships of those whom he held dear - in particular, his wife, Karin, and him Mom. I am saddened to learn of his passing. I know he is sorely missed. My condolences to Karen and his Mom. Alvin Torbin
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Malle Hanslep posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Craig. Over the years, I worked with Craig on a number of projects and was impressed by his intelligence and dedication to doing his very best. I also had the chance to get to know him better while chatting on the Leaside bus commute and he was very generous and kind with a great sense of humour. He has gone far too early. My very deepest sympathies to you.
Malle Hanslep
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George posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2020
I am so saddened to hear about Craig's passing. I had lots of fun sharing beers with Craig, plus I learned a great deal from one of the few truly great home brewers. He had an understanding of the science involved that was unmatched in this city. I will always remember the weekend we spent in Boston together, dreaming of turning our hobby into a profession. Big Hugs Karen.
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Grant Swanson posted a condolence
Monday, April 6, 2020
Dear Karen,
Craig and I worked in different branches at FSCO for many years. I am saddened to hear that he departed this life so early. I wish you strength through these difficult days and hope that you will find peace.
Grant Swanson
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Darryl uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 3, 2020
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Craig and friends . August 2019
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Marilyn Marshall posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Craig was a lovely colleague and a true gentleman. It was always a treat to meet up with him and his always ready smile. Marilyn M.
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Darryl Sherman gnBap uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 3, 2020
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Craig Simons
November 20, 1958- April 1,2020
I met Craig in September 1977, our first year at the University of Western Ontario in London.We were floor mates at Saugeen -Maitland Hall, a co-Ed residence fondly known as the “zoo”. Craig was beginning his undergraduate degree in economics. By third year Craig and I shared a house with John Miller and Peter Pickfield. We became the “Waterloo Street Gang”. Our theme house parties, and quirky shopping and cooking skills created lifelong friendships.
In 1982 Craig was accepted into University of Windsor Law after completing his undergraduate and taking a year to work and travel . Once again as I was going to school in Windsor , Craig and I shared an apartment for 2 years.
Growing up , Craig spent his summers with his father in Fort Erie before returning to school in Toronto and living with his mother. During high school Craig worked at Rich’s Coffee Rich factory. His first claim to fame was introducing his roommates to Buffalo chicken wings . Long before it became popular, Craig had created his own recipe, and would hold court preparing and serving wings to his appreciative roommates.
Craig was a perfectionist. From insisting on the best cooking ingredients to choosing a new household appliance or a car, he would relentlessly research any item and only settle when he was satisfied it was the best quality.
His work ethic and self discipline was the envy of his roommates , and continued throughout his professional legal career that spanned 30 years at the Office of the Ontario Ministry of Attorney General. According to his friend Lawrence Fagan, “Craig acquired a strong reputation amongst his colleagues for his depth of knowledge, creativity in accomplishing his clients' objectives and his generous desire to mentor young lawyers."
I can take credit for introducing Craig to his wife Karen. My brother Jory and I met Karen at a Heineken Factory tour while travelling in Holland during a summer break from university and became friends with her and her family. Karen was introduced to Craig by overseas “cassette correspondence”.. She would mail tapes of Popular Dutch music , along with commentary, and Craig and I would reciprocate with a Tape of Canadian music . . Karen came to visit us on a few occasions , meeting Craig while she was here. A romance blossomed . Karen and Craig were married in The Hague in 1995 , witnessed by family, and the Waterloo Street Roommates and spouses.
Karen and Craig settled in Toronto in a lovely home in Leaside. They both had busy careers , but made time for their family and friends. Annual trips to the Netherlands, and spending time with friends here were a priority. They enjoyed many common hobbies including Hiking, travel, and cooking . And then there was beer. Their passion for brewing small batches and unique recipes was their joy. Craig travelled to craft brewer conventions all over the US. He would delight in discovery of a craft brewery and return with samples to share with Karen .
Craig retired and Karen followed a year later, planning to spend more time together. Craig's widowed mother, who lived nearby, required more assistance and Karen and Craig devoted a lot of time to make sure she was well cared for. There were trips to Arizona with Karen's brother. Visits to Toronto by Karen's mother, brother and sister, Getaways to Vermont and Visits to our family cottage .
Craig now had time to help me drive my mother’s van to Florida in the fall. When Karen retired, the three of us drove the following year. In April 2019, the Waterloo Street roommates spent a wonderful week together in South Florida . Craig and I drove the van back to Canada , stopping for an impromptu space launch , along with a mission to find a particular rare brew in Georgia , and a unique peanut butter for Karen.
In September 2019, Craig became ill. In his usual way he researched the best doctors and methods to help him recover . He was confident in his decisions. We were confident that he made the right choices.
After several months preparing for a stem cell transplant, Craig was hospitalized in November. In December he underwent an unsuccessful transplant . He prepared for a second transplant in mid March.
After numerous complications and a poor prognosis , Craig made the decision not to continue. Because of the Covid 19 issue, our last goodbyes were by telephone.
We are all heartbroken . We are circling his wife and life partner Karen with love and support. We are
Collecting our memories, moments of laughter , stories of good times , so that we may send off our dear friend with a celebration in the near future .
Photo: The Waterloo Street Gang: Miami Beach April 2019 L-R John Miller, Craig Simons, Darryl Sherman , Peter Pickfield .
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Henrietta L'Estrange posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2020
Craig was an integral part of the legal branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources where I work. He always made the time to ask about my day, and converse on various topics. He had wonderful stories to tell. My sincere condolences to you Karen and the entire family.
Henrietta L'Estrange
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susanesnelgrove@gmail.com posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2020
I had the privilege of working with Craig for many years and being able to call him a friend. He was a a kind considerate man, a superb lawyer and a wonderful friend. He has gone far too early.
Susan Snelgrove
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Ina uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 3, 2020
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Karen en familie,
Wat een verdrietig bericht!
Achter elke traan van verdriet zit een glimlach van herinneringen.
Karen, gecondoleerd en heel veel sterkte met dit grote verlies!
Lieve groeten,
Hans en Ina vanVeen
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myra hewitt posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2020
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Craig was an exceptional colleague - passionate and patient and always willing to help. I was so happy for him when he retired - looking forward to his beer making that we spoke of often and to travelling to all those great beer making places in the world. I can't imagine your loss but I know Craig will live on in the memories of so many.
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John Miller uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 3, 2020
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Susan Morgan posted a condolence
Friday, April 3, 2020
I worked with Craig at the Ministry of the Environment. He was a wonderful colleague and a very knowledgeable counsel. I saw him recently on a nursing home tour for our family members. He was just informed of his diagnosis but was positive as ever and was hoping to pop by the office when he was well enough to do so. My deepest condolences to his family.
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The family of Craig Simons uploaded a photo
Friday, April 3, 2020
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