Deceased October 10, 2023
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In Memory
Donald Allen Simon, 91, passed away on Oct. 10, 2023, at home on his farm in Napa, Calif., from pneumonia. His wife and children were by his side.
Born in December 1931 in Buffalo, N.Y., he was adopted by Lester and Lucile Simon of Larchmont. He graduated from Mamaroneck (N.Y.) High School, where he was a champion swimmer and clarinetist.
When I last talked with Don in spring 2023, he was looking forward with enthusiasm to traveling, even in his early 90s. He kept his wanderlust in high gear, but he also clearly loved his Napa farm and looked forward to its future of interesting animals and great wines.
I knew Don at Amherst well. By my recollection, he was captain of the swimming team, along with Roy Graeber ’53. Tug Kennedy was our beloved coach, and we had a winning season. Don was versatile, leading in backstroke and freestyle. He was also musical, playing the clarinet. He was a member of the fraternity DKE.
Following graduation, he joined the Navy (draft deferral was in place) and served for two years. He then entered the field of finance, working on Wall Street and founding an air ambulance insurance company.
His daughter, Anne, lives in Virginia, and son Roger lives in Arkansas. He lost sister Betsy and his first wife, Nancy, but was blessed with his current wife, Pati, with whom he created the farm and loved traveling and exploring. His life was creative and successful, and he gained the respect of his local community and the joy of living.
I think of the quote by George Bernard Shaw: “What is life but a series of inspired follies? … Never lose a chance; it doesn’t come every day.” Don grasped life with zest and lived to the full.
Buck Greenough ’53