Wawa-news.com You can't hear the 'big picture'!
March 20, 2024 at 7:36
Speech and autograph signing at St. Joseph’s School, Wawa.
The news spread throughout Wawa and beyond quickly. Chris had died unexpectedly late Monday, March 18th. Hockey websites are recounting his career with the NHL, playing in Russia, his financial struggles. His former teammates posting tributes on social media.
But Chris was so much more than the ‘enforcer’, the image and role that the NHL put him in.
For those who knew him, Chris was this tall, soft-spoken man. So soft-spoken that you might find yourself leaning in to hear what he had to say. A man who was so thrilled to bring the Stanley Cup to his hometown – then took it fishing. That was a true Chris thing for sure.
Chris playing floor hockey with youth from Kashechewan. (Luc Berthiaume for Wawa-news)
A man who wanted to bring his love of hockey to his hometown – to children. For a brief time, Chris held hockey coaching classes for young hockey players – helping them to learn the skills to make them better players. He held an impromptu floor hockey class for the youth of Kashechewan when they were evacuated to Wawa.
Then it seemed that that as that dream faded, Chris who always had a love of the outdoors… was seen fishing frequently at Old Woman, and at many other ‘secret’ lakes. Chris had retired it seemed, and was taking life at a slower pace. He had a new partner that brought a sparkle to his eyes, and best of all Chris simply seemed to enjoy being out of the limelight.
Today, he is back in it. And so many in Wawa, his children, his parents, family, friends are all grieving – gone too soon, gone so young.
A Sacred Fire has been lit to help Chris on his journey. The community has been asked to come together to place some Semaa (tobacco) and say some prayers, share memories and have some good cries.
A feast will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. (please bring a food item).
March 21, 2024, at 21:09 – The family of Chris Simon would like everyone to know that they will be providing details of Chris’ funeral and celebration of life in the coming days.
Monday, March 25, at 7:55 – from social media – Chris’ funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th at 11 a.m. at St. Monica’s. There will be an alternative place announced for those who cannot fit in the church. There will be a live feed for those who cannot travel to Wawa. There will be a gathering afterwards at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre. Once it’s all finalized, the family will post the link.
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Johnny & Linda & Family
Thinking of you & wishing you moments of peace & comfort as you
deal with the loss of your beloved Chris
May your precious memories of happy times spent together bring a smile to your heart
Thoughts come flooding back of Wawa days, Algoma Ore & of course HOCKEY
Always loved & appreciated your smile & big hug when our paths crossed Johnny so sending a big hug to you, Linda & your daughter
Judy Scott & Jack Aitkenhead 💜
A humble man, with a genuine heart, a longtime friend who cared for everyone.
Our sincerest condolences to Chris’ entire family and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
Our family will miss you. Rest easy Chris.
My sincerest condolences to the Simon family. Such am amazing young man. He will be sadly missed. Thinking of all of you.
such tragic news. I’m feeling for all of Wawa. Remember folks you are special and can get though it together.
Wish I was there to give Linda and John a hug.
John, Linda & family – I send you positive thoughts and prayers. Chris was a huge part of all of our lives as a community of 5,000. I remember when Rod Holland, Art Jenkinson & I coached Chris when he was an Atom & Linda made sure his skates were tied properly. Chris proudly wore the Greyhounds Red & White & had a great NHL career. I hope that you will find some peace in knowing that your memories of your times together with Chris are forever- God Bless you all. WT
John and Family. So sad to hear this terrible news. Sincere condolences to Chris’s family and friends. A kind man with a huge heart gone too soon.
RIP Chris
Billy Syms
Our sincere condolences to the Simon family and to Jody for the loss of Chris, he was always such a nice guy and will be missed by everyone who knew him
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, family and friends! May God sustain and give you His peace in the coming days. Ron & Myrna
Dear John, Linda and family. I cannot find the words to say in the face of such a difficult loss. I share in your sadness. I met Chris when Jody would donate to the Wawa Community Food Bank. I liked him immediately. His beautiful smile and soft voice. I knew I was in the presence of kind and gentle man.
RIP Chris. You will be missed but not forgotten.
To the Simon Family:
There are no words for the legacy Chris has left on your family and the amazing difference he made in so many others.
His shining personality, smile, great love for hunting, friendship and the stories shared will always remain with us.
With our deepest heartfelt condolences know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Chris
Wayne & Judy Price, Valyne, Jean-Paul
To the Simon Family
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. I remember him as a young child, living in our suite and playing hockey in our driveway.
He made Wawa proud.
Blessings to you all and I pray his soul is at peace.
Ausilia
John and Papa Max; I have thoughts of working with the two of you at Algoma Ore. The smile on Max face when Chris’s name was spoken of the days of the “B” and I`d see Chris and we would share a moment in the box. Right now he has the puck and is about to shoot. I only knew him but a short time but he will always be in my mind. May peace come to you and yours. Wayne
Many great memories of Chris growing up in Churchill area, a very thoughtful and generous person, who never forgot who he was or where he came from. A true gentleman and a better friend.
We will miss and never forget you Simoe
Sending condolences in the tragic loss of Chris. He was a great person and will be missed dearly by all who knew him. May you take comfort in the many wonderful memories shared. Baa maa pii Chris. Sincerely Jeremy and Tasha Becker
John, Linda and Family
We are so sorry to hear about Chris’s passing. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Linda Cureatz
It was the time Chris went out of his way to accommodate my autograph wishes as a 10 year old fan back in 1992 when the Greyhounds were holding an autograph session at the end of their season and playoff run.
All the players were sitting at tables placed on a temporary floor over the ice at the old Memorial Gardens. Chris is a hero of mine and by far my favorite player. At the table where Chris was sitting, there was a stack of metal chairs piled high next to him. If you were just looking for an autograph, there was no issue in reaching him. But when I (or my Mom) nervously asked if I could get a picture standing next to him, we realized that the stack of chairs were blocking access to get around the table. As soon as Chris realized this, he stood up, and with a bit of enthusiasm, used both arms to push the entire stack of chairs over, sending them crashing to the floor. And with a subtle smile he said something along the lines of….”don’t worry about that, come here kid”. At that moment he might as well have been superman to all of us kids waiting there.
It was definitely a show of his character, to go out of his way like that just to accommodate a young fan’s request. From other fan accounts, I can tell there are 1,000’s of stories like this.
The spirits made sure he had new snow to guide him, leading those other lost spirits with him, to that most beautiful place. Many spirits are getting ready to greet him. He was a role model to many, including me.