J.O. Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 This was sent to me by an Air Canada friend. Don is the best instructor I've ever known and he defines the word gentleman. I will miss him very much.It is with profound sadness that we announce the final pushback of Captain Donald Christian Simons (Retired) peacefully, and surrounded by his family at Milton District Hospital, June 23, 2010 at 0620 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.Don began his flying career after emigrating from South Africa and finding a home with the RCAF on bases in Germany and Moose Jaw. Joining Air Canada in 1967, and after flying the DC-8, DC-9, L1011, B747, B727, A-320, B767, and A340, Don eventually retired as the Airbus Standards Captain in 1998. He then committed himself to training both new hires and current pilots at Air Canada and Skyservice Airlines for the next 12 years.Though Don's passion was aviation, travel and carpentry, he was most proud of his family. Don's rock was his wife of 45 years, Teresa, a well-loved teacher and volunteer. Both eldest sons followed Don's career path, whilst his daughter found success in the film and television industry as a production coordinator and his youngest son, as an entrepreneur. Between Don and Teresa's children, they have four wonderful grandchildren who bring much love and joy.Visitation services will be held on Monday, June 28th, 2010 at McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home at 114 Main Street, Milton, Ontario from 1400 to 1600 and from 1900 to 2100 (www.mckersie-kocher.ca). Funeral services will be held at Grace Anglican Church at 317 Main Street, Milton, Ontario, commencing at 1100 on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010. A gathering of friends and family will follow the service at St. Paul's Anglican Church Community Hall at 123 Main Street East, Milton, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Don's favourite charity would be most appreciated: The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada(www.childrenswish.ca)Our sincere sympathies are extended to Captain Simon's family, friends and colleagues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Hudson Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 Professional, skilled airman, insightful, knowledgable instructor, an intuitive teacher, always a gentleman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GDR Posted June 25, 2010 Share Posted June 25, 2010 A great guy. He was my instructor on Tutors in 65/66 in Moose Jaw. He'll be missed.Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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