Simon J. Smith |
| Posted 2019-01-31 by mhenderson |
| Published in Parker Pioneer on Dec. 19, 2018 - Parker, Arizona >> 1967 - 2018 << Simon's unexpected death due to a heart attack left everyone shocked and in disbelief. He graduated from Parker High School. His early years of growing up in Parker were spent fishing, all phases of learning to swim at the town pool, eleven years of being in band and being on a baseball team. He attended Mesa Community College, earning two associate's degree in English and literature. At the time of his passing, he was enrolled in Literature at Mesa Community College and was writing stories. His most enjoyable years were sun dancing in South Dakota and working at the Salt River High School in 2001. He taught junior high social studies until 2005. He continued on teaching in Salt River High School and was influential in sharing Native languages, cultural lessons, and teaching young people to sing and drum. He assisted with staff professional development. He helped students catch up in Saturday School during the breaks. His dedication of nineteen years of teaching students in baseball, cross country and wrestling was the longest in the school history. Principal Ryan Mabb reported that Simon's passing has affected everyone there. Services were held November 17 with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Church. Several Salt River high school teachers and students traveled from Scottsdale to Parker to be present. They brought a very large poster with Simon Smith headlines. They read letters from students that were written on the poster. On November 18 relatives along with friends from near and far gathered at Simon's home to visit and have lunch. At 3:30 all traveled down to the tribal Big House for a wake from 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight. Music was provided outdoors by the Zuya Taopi Sundance drummers and singers while indoors were the Bird Gourd singers all providing awesome farewell singing and songs. Dinner was served to all there. Services were held on November 19 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. By Father Richard Kusugh V.C. A blessing by the burning of sage wafted throughout during the service. Music provided by the Zuya Taopi was in the Sioux language. Burial was at the Parker cemetery and a potluck after at the church. On November 22 a Celebration of Life was celebrated for Simon at the Salt River High School in Scottsdale. The Smith family and relatives present at this gesture for the honor given their son Sim on was over whelming. In much thanksgiving for the food, flowers, Pendleton blanket, motel stay and words of love for Simon with a balloon release after dinner was served. Simon's professor of writing presented Simon's mother with a folder containing the last story Simon had written. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Walter and Eva Strongheart, Harry and Juanita Smith. Simon is survived by his loving parents, Brother Walter (Leah and Brea), Brother Donald Jr. {Tish daus. Caroline and Marie), Sister Patti (Steve Gardner). He brought joy and laughter to many lives. |
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