Reflections

Dean Cowell

A retired and long-time member of DST passed away earlier this week. Simon Thompson loved soccer. He was a tough-as-nails mid-fielder and wellknown for his goal-scoring corners. He even returned to DST after a heart transplant moving to play keeper just so he could stay on the field.

I played soccer with Simon as a kid through high school and was thrilled to reunite with him in DST as adults. Neither of us knew the other was gay until we randomly met again in the league. I convinced him to try out TSVL (volleyball) when soccer was getting too much. He did everything he could to retain normalcy even when his health wasn't cooperating.

I know he appreciated the connections he made in DST and the fondness he had for the league. Something we all can treasure.

Kimberly Hadley

So very sad to hear that Simon has passed away. We’ve spent many years staying in touch - rest well my friend.

James Page Rest In Peace, dear Simon.

Richard Perkins

Simon was a lovely and decent human. Earned respect on and off the field. A pleasure to play with, it was a joy to play against such a skilled player. A thoroughly charming man, he will be missed.

Jason Wilcox

So sorry to hear this news. He was a wonderful teammate and had such love for the league and for the game.

Kenneth D'Souza

So sad to hear this news. Simon and I played together in 2006 and he was always a pleasure to see on the pitch.

Mark Gowdy

Thank you for sharing this, Dean. So terribly sad to hear this news. Like all of us, I loved playing alongside and against Simon. He was a true advocate for sports, for his teams and for the league.

Matthew GN

Such sad news. Simon was my goalkeeper on my first ever DST season, and he was always so sweet and lovely.

Pangus Kung

Oh my gosh. I'm so sad and sorry to hear this news. Simon loved DST. Even though he couldn't play, he got OSC to sponsor a team last year and asked to be put in the roster as a non-playing member, just so he could be around the team. e was always such a great person to be around, he will be missed.

Kyle Jonathon

This is heartbreaking. I only knew Simon a short time, but he never failed to share his passion and happiness for the game. Always there to support everyone, he’ll be missed for sure.

David Coffey

Very sad to hear this. Simon was a really kind person who was always looking on the bright side. I’m going to miss him.

Dan Walters

Very sad news, indeed. Simon was so kind, funny, and supportive. Touching tribute, Dean.

Michael Robinson

It’s heartbreaking to hear about Simon’s passing. Before his transplant, Simon’s face was an ashy grey colour. After his transplant - when he was still in hospital - his face was a glowing pink. Although he had some struggles with the transplant over the years, it did give him many more years of life. Those precious years were thanks to the generous choice someone made to become an organ donor. Please, if you haven’t already, sign up to be an organ donor and share your wishes with your family. Create the possibility of giving some else the gift of life. That would be the greatest tribute you can make to Simon’s memory.

Burke Christian

Simon was a beautiful human. I am really crushed to hear of his passing. He was an inspiration and a great supporter to DST.

Ed Van Ekeris

Sad news for sure.

Sherine Burgher

Oh my goodness. I'm so very sad to hear of Simon's passing. He was such a very lovely person.

Kim Atlin

I’m so sorry to hear of Simon’s death. He really was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person. I will miss him.

Lee G

So sad to hear this news Simon was a true gentlemen Both on and off the field He will be missed RIP

Navjit Singh

This is sad news. Simon was a competitive player on-field, and a gentleman off pitch.

Colton C.H. Rice

This is heartbreaking, he loved the game so much. He was so kind to me!

Mike Leipold

That's really sad.... haven't been in DST in years but had kept in contact with him some.

Graham Martin Campbell

Oh no! Simon was so great! Truly heartbreaking he was so welcoming when I first joined in 2007

Xime Ro

Oh no ! Sad to hear this news. My deepest condolences

Ilias Loui Dallas

Bless his soul.

Chris Matthews

Very sad to hear. He was such a nice guy and great to play along side in soccer when I was in the league. Bless his soul.

Shane Butner

Sad to hear this, Simon was always such a great guy (on and off the field), was a pleasure knowing him over the years.

Dean Cowell

A retired and long-time member of TSVL passed away earlier this week. Simon Thompson loved playing in the Rec Division even rejoining after a heart transplant.

I played soccer with Simon as a kid and through high school and was thrilled to reunite with him in DST as adults. Neither of us knew the other was gay until we randomly met again in the league. I convinced him to try out TSVL (volleyball) when soccer was getting too much. He did everything he could to retain normalcy even when his health wasn't cooperating.

I know he appreciated the connections he made in TSVL and the fondness he had for the league. Something we all can treasure.

Jeff Orr

Very sorry to hear of this loss and I know he was a friend of yours Dean. He was a very kind man.

Ray Kwa

Thanks for sharing that Dean. I had the pleasure of playing with Simon before in rec vball. Sad to hear of this news.

Jon Wu

For everyone of us, this league brought us hope and joy. Simon must have felt that way too. Thank you for sharing.

Perry Ryno

He was a lovely guy.

Rob H.

Sorry for your loss of a dear friend.

Tegan Tough

Omg. Simon was the most wonderful human. I am terribly sorry and shocked to hear of his passing Sending so much light and love to his family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be so missed!

Ariel MrVente Ifyo'nastee

Sad to hear this news. Simon was a really nice guy.

Rod Lugtenburg

My first season with TSVL, Simon was part of my team! Such a nice guy!

Michael Waterston

Thanks for the touching tribute, Dean. Simon will be missed by many; his life touched many and I’ll remember him as a kind and thoughtful person.

Andrew Peake

Very sad, such a nice guy, I remember him well from Rec. V-Ball.

Tony Da

He was such a fun player. I loved how he shouted “Simon’s” when it was his ball.

Maria Bc

My condolences