Simon Smith

Simon died in on May 13, 2023 aged 56. Born and bred in Jericho, Simon was a friendly and familiar figure who in recent years could often be seen on one of the benches in Mount Place.

Simon was given a moving send-off in a funeral service in a packed St Barnabas Church, with tributes from his aunt Shirley, and one of his daughters Liz who described her dad as the "kindest and most gentle man whose humour would lighten up the darkest days. You always said you were like a rock star - live fast, die young." 

Fr Christopher also spoke of the times he had counselled Simon. "We all loved Simon in our many different ways. We all looked out for him. We all wanted the best for him. We all worried for him, but there was only so much we could do."

The Jericho Singers opened the service with a beautiful choral version of the Kinks song, Days. Other songs played were Rehab by Amy Winehouse and Out of Space by Prodigy.