Obituary of Richard Wayne Simons
SIMONS, Richard Wayne "Sye"
After a three-week-long victory lap with friends and family rallied around him, Sye left this world on Monday, May 26, 2025, to be reunited with his beloved Margaret. His daughter, Carrie Lynn, remained steadfast by his side until the end.
Richard was born in Fort Erie on September 12, 1947, to Art and Doreen. He grew up in a modest, war-time home on Torrance Street, the eldest of five children. He attended Torrance Street School and Fort Erie Secondary School and was a member of the No. 337 Allan Troup Air Cadet Squadron. Much of Richard's youth was spent at the rink playing juvenile hockey, where his mother could be heard *very loudly* cheering him on from the stands. While clearly gifted on the ice, Richard was also a fantastic dancer, having been trained in tap as a child. Some might say his prowess on the dance floor would later lead him to his one true love. Richard met Margaret Wise at a dance one evening, and literally swept her off her feet. They were married on November 18, 1966, and welcomed Richard Junior in 1967, followed by Carrie Lynn in 1969. Richard and Marg enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage, until her death in 2021. Richard is fondly remembered as a fiercely protective family man, who showed his children unconditional love at every turn, and a profound interest in all that his grandsons were up to.
Sye had a passion for hockey. Not only did he play the sport well into adulthood, but he also mentored his younger brothers and many Fort Erie boys. He even spent a short time as a trainer with the Western Hockey League’s Denver Spurs. Sye was a life-long fan of the Boston Bruins and the Miami Dolphins, watching faithfully from his recliner. He also enjoyed NASCAR and raced for a few years behind the wheel of stock car number 69. Known for his gift of gab and quick wit, Sye was always armed with a joke or a tale (even if off-coloured) that invoked deep belly laughs from his audience. Few people who met Sye could resist his charm and charisma; his circle of friends was ever-growing. He was the definition of a social butterfly and (in)famous in his community.
A true hustler, Rich's resume was long and varied. He had been a deejay, dabbled in lawn care, was the owner of Slick's Radiator Service, and tackled odd jobs (or at least attempted to) alongside Craig, his son-in-law and partner in "Sye and the Big Guy". Rich was employed for many years at the Fort Erie Race Track, first as a hot walker, and later in the jockey’s room. Sitting still didn’t suit Rich, so he continued working long after the normal retirement age until, much to his chagrin, his declining health interfered. He was a loyal employee and had a deep affection for his work family, but especially Jackie and Harold.
Richard is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Helen Doreen (2001), his wife Margaret (2021), son-in-law, Milik "Meech" Maslek (2009), brothers-in-law, John Hennessy (2002) and Ken Wise (2024), sisters-in-law, Patti Simons (2016), Mary Monk (2017), and Cathy Wise (2020), and recently his furry companion, Palie. He leaves behind his son, Richard, his devoted daughter, Carrie (Craig McCarthy), his grandsons and greatest source of pride, Christopher McCarthy (Desiree and their daughter, Olive) and Nikola "Nicky" Maslek, his brothers, Dennis (the late Patti), Roger (Robin), and David (Melody), his "favourite sister", Diane (John Wilson), his brother-in-law, Brian Monk, sister-in-law Jeanette (Harry) Armstrong, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We all take comfort in knowing Rich is now resting peacefully, free from pain. His enormous smile and daily phone calls will be missed.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many physicians, specialists, nurses, and personal support workers who cared for Rich throughout his illness. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dr. Csanadi and Dr. Wasserman, and especially to Dr. Scher and the nurses at Douglas Memorial Hospital’s palliative care unit, who showed Richard immeasurable compassion and patience. In keeping with Sye’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Fort Erie Race Track on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Post Time: 1:30pm.
