14 January 1966 – 9 August 2025
14 January 1966 – 9 August 2025
Funeral service held at Chapel of Love and Remembrance
Here is a tribute for you Simon from your gym buddy John way back Simon used to talk to my friend Andrew Hornby for many an hour in the spa of the New market gym about his life,his socker and his dog. This was mainly in the weekend for throughout the week Simon would go to the gym early in the morning before work. I remember him as a good looking active fellow who was always cheerful and always had a lot of subjects to talk about but specifically socker was his biggest passion together with his dog. I lost touch with Simon for I stopped going to the gym but was under no illusion Simon stopped going. I'm surprised you're gone mate for I thought you would outlive us all. Look down on us with a smile Simon,you will be missed
Very sad to hear the passing of Simon. Met Simon when he joined West Wave. Simon was always a happy, smiling chap who always contributed positive conversations. RIP
Dear Simon, I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend your service yesterday. It was an honour to be mentioned. I loved seing Reuben and Whanau afterwards and meeting Vidal! 💜 We will do our best to re-home him. Continue being at peace, we will miss you, Karen 🌹
What a beautiful send off Simon. You were so loved. I'm really going to miss our weekly chats about the football, and having small wagers on who would win. The loser always buys coffee right. You always said 'that coffee will taste so good Ali' I know you brought joy and smiles to everyone who you spoke to. You were kind and a true gentleman. Rest in peace Simon. You'll be missed xx PS: I promise to watch the netflix documentary we talked about often.
It was a shock and with deep sadness that I learned of your passing. I still remember when Lumley and NZI merged—you were one of the first to welcome me with warmth and kindness. You had a way of speaking to everyone without judgment, always ready for a genuine chat about anything and everything in life. I always knew you were in the office because your voice—and that unmistakable, infectious laugh—carried across the floor. It never failed to make people smile. Thank you for making me feel welcome - that means a lot to me. Your presence, your banter in the kitchen, and your laughter will be deeply missed. It’s a huge loss for all of us. Rest in peace, Simon. You’re home now in heaven.
Dear Simon, it’s hard to put into words what your presence meant. In the short time we knew each other - just four years, you became someone who felt like a lifelong friend. You had a quiet way of making people feel seen, heard, and cared for, without ever needing to say much. You lived simply, but with so much heart. Your love for soccer, cricket, your dog, and a good chat was so genuine. You never missed a chance to ask about my family or my pet, and you always did it with that warm smile that made everything feel okay. You were never one to seek attention, but your kindness spoke volumes. That’s what made you so special. Thank you for being you, Simon. You touched my soul, and I’ll never forget you. With love, Deepa
Simon, it has truly been an honor to have known you. You will be missed by us all. Reuben, I want you to know that your brother is deeply loved by all of us. He was a truly decent human being who treated everyone with respect and kindness. It is not often in life that we come across someone who touches so many lives in such a positive way. I had the incredible honor of knowing Simon for more than 20 years—first as a colleague and then as his boss at NZI. Over the past twelve years, I had the privilege of working alongside him at my time at Aon, where he became one of our most respected underwriters. His professionalism, wisdom, and integrity were second to none, and he earned the admiration of colleagues and clients alike. Simon was not just a colleague—he was a friend. His decency, fairness, and positive spirit left a mark on all of us. He had a way of making people feel valued, heard, and respected, and that is a rare gift. His legacy is not just in the work he did, but in the way he lived and treated others. Simon, you will be truly missed by us all. We will carry your memory forward with deep respect and gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with you.
I cannot imagine going into the office not seeing you and your handsome face with the biggest brightest smile Simon. In all the years I knew you I never heard you complain about anyone or anything!!! Always so positive and pleasant and optimistic!!! Always looked for the brighter side, the silver lining.... I will never forget our desk and kitchen chats and your tips for my son when he started playing soccer. How I loved teasing you and you never once took it a miss. Even when I used to have the occasional moan you would snap me out of it saying - "you got this Fi - you can do it". Although we were not close you are one person that had a lasting beautiful impact on me and will continue to live on in my memories as an absolutely admirable colleague and human being. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. Rest in Peace dear Simon!!! You ran the race and finished well. Love you - Fi xox
My Tribute to Simon Tass It’s difficult to articulate the depth of shock and sadness felt at Simon’s sudden and unexpected passing. He was more than a colleague—he was a mentor, a trusted friend, and a cornerstone of the NZI Corporate Property team. Simon’s legacy within the insurance industry is profound. His encyclopedic knowledge, and sharp memory made him one of the very best. I had the privilege of working closely with him for the past 12 years, and just days before his passing, we were reminiscing—laughing, reflecting. I never imagined it would be our final conversation. He was deeply committed to his clients, his team, and his craft. But Simon was also full of heart. He adored his pets, especially Videl, who was never far from his thoughts ... or conversations. He gave generously of his time, coaching Soccer with great passion. He lived simply, worked tirelessly, and found comfort in routine—his daily gym sessions, his chipped blue coffee mug, chewing gum always on hand, and his half untucked business shirt. The chewing gum was a thoughtful touch—especially appreciated during Simon’s trademark close-range conversations. Simon was the greatest. His sudden departure has left a heaviness and our team without its longest serving member. But your legacy Simon, is woven into the fabric of who we are. We’ll carry it forward with pride, with gratitude, and with love. Rest easy, Simon. The silence you leave behind is loud.
Simon we will miss your passion for sport, devotion to your dog, and your commitment to work. You will be remembered for always being happy to chat in the kitchen or giving some sage advice about a technical aspect about any of the above topics. Rest in peace.
The office just won't be the same without you.... You'd just pop up out of nowhere to chitter chatter about anything and everything with everyone and anyone lol...... your weekends, football and your dog is what I'll always remember us having a chit chat about in and around Level 3 Fanshawe St, especially the Kitchen area. Simon is a genuine soul who in passing has reminded me that life is not long, to live it to the max - go 200% - with no regrets! Rest in Love Simon x
I always looked forward to seeing Simon in the office, and getting the latest football gossip. He always knew more about my team than I did! His passion and verve flowed through all aspects of his life, from his dedication to his work, to his beloved Sunderland AFC. I was very happy to see them win their first Premiership game at the weekend; and I know Simon would have been over the moon! Rest in peace, my friend
I had the privilege of working with Simon at NZI Auckland Broker Branch 25 years ago. A kind thoughtful man and excellent underwriter,. Always immaculately groomed. Rest in Peace Simon. Simon Gilmore
Funeral service held at Chapel of Love and Remembrance

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