Geza Simon

Geza (Gus) Simon of Woodstock, ON, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on January 25, 2025, in his 84th year. Geza was born in Budapest, Hungary (raised in the village of Pap) on August 7, 1941, to Imre and Jolan Simon. In 1956, at the age of 14, Geza bravely escaped from Hungary, to start a new life in Canada.

Geza was known for his unwavering work ethic, earning great respect in both his professional and personal life. He was a dedicated family man; his family was central to his existence, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He had a passion for traveling and learning about different cultures and returned to Hungary every other year to visit his family, reinforcing his deep roots and connections.

While soccer was Geza’s personal passion, he held a love for any kind of sport. He achieved high-level referee status and was a respected coach, as well as an enthusiastic player. His dedication to the sport and his role within the soccer community earned him respect and admiration from many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elza Simon (nee Kovacs); his daughter, Kathleen (Dino Crapsi) Simon; his son, Michael (Trisha Kirby-Simon) Simon; and his cherished grandchildren: Eric Crapsi, Adam Lee, Noah Lee, Briar Simon, and Lauren Simon. In addition to his close family in Canada, Geza is remembered in Hungary by his stepsons Janos Gubik and Csaba (Zsuzsa) Gubik, along with step-grandchildren Timea Gubik, Mate Gubik, Hajni Gubik, and Zsuzsa Gubik. Geza's legacy will also live on through his great grandchildren and extended family in Hungary. Geza is survived by his brothers Pista Simon and Laci Simon, and his life-long friends here in Canada, Barna (Marg) and Berti (Kati) Olah, and will also be remembered by many other dear friends. 

He is predeceased by his brothers, Zsiga Simon and Lajos Simon; and his dear uncle, Joszef Monus.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM at Brock & Visser Funeral Home Burial, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock (519-539-0004). His cremated remains will return to Hungary, a testament to his heritage and the deep connections he maintained throughout his life.

If desired, memorial contributions to the Woodstock Hospital Foundation, https://whfoundation.ca/donate-now/, would be greatly appreciated.