October 30, 1956 - January 22, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Simon at the age of 66 years.
Survived by his beloved wife Tracy and his cool son Sam. He is also survived by his awesome sisters Kathryn Weaser (Alan) and Sara Knight, nieces Susi, Alex and Georgia and nephew Nick, great-nieces, great-nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Raymond and Lee Knight, and brother Peter. By all accounts they were a very close family who enjoyed many wonderful times together.
Simon was born in Lachine, Quebec and soon after moved to Winnipeg, then Hamilton and Midland Ontario. He had many fond memories of growing up, especially in Midland and Winnipeg. He received his BSc in Biology from the University of Guelph. He headed out west to Edmonton and after completing studies at NAIT became a park ranger for Alberta Parks.
At the time of his passing, Simon was working as a consultant in Calgary. He previously was CEO of Climate Change Central, a non-profit created through the Alberta Government dedicated to finding solutions to deal with climate change. He had also worked as a planner and a park designer for Alberta Environment. Simon especially enjoyed hiking and traveling with his family and friends, martial arts (jiu jitsu and karate) which he loved to demonstrate on various family members, and watching an impressive amount of Star Trek and Doctor Who.
In 2008, Simon experienced significant heart problems which led to him receiving an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) at the University of Alberta Hospital. This kept his heart going until he was fortunate to receive a heart transplant in 2009 at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton. In the past few years his various health problems increased and he passed away at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. He leaves to mourn many friends and colleagues in Edmonton and Calgary.
The family would like to thank the heart transplant teams at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the University of Alberta Hospital. In particular we would like to thank Dr. Roderick MacArthur who performed the heart transplant, and especially Dr. Glen Pearson and the entire team who looked after Simon’s health so expertly over the years. We would also like to thank the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre and Rockyview Hospital in Calgary who were responsible for Simon’s most recent care.
A Celebration of Simon’s Life will be held at a later date, which will be communicated to family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (through the University Hospital Foundation), the Calgary Humane Society, SCARS Edmonton, the Edmonton Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Simon, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
