Obituary of David "Dave" Simon

David Mark Simon was born February 22, 1959 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. He died suddenly August 22, 2016 at St. Anthony’s Hospital North. He was 57 years old. Dave was born and raised in Cheyenne County, attending St. Charles Academy Catholic School in Stratton and graduating from Cheyenne Wells High School in 1977. Most of his younger years were spent in First View where he lived with his parents, Serena and Con Simon, and his eight siblings. Dave started college at NJC in Sterling, but quickly returned to the family farm when his father died suddenly of a heart attack in September 1977. Dave helped run the family farm and raise the siblings and welcomed Bob Best to the family as a stepfather in 1983. Dave continued to farm and ranch with his brother, Ted, and son, Colin, until his death, taking joy in passing along the family tradition. While farming and ranching, Dave met Colleen Witt, a city girl from Ohio and a new teacher at Cheyenne Wells High School. They dated for four years before marrying on June 15, 1985 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton. To this union, four children were born, with his oldest son passing away at birth. In 1988, Dave and Colleen were blessed with a girl, Lynsey Marie Simon, who was soon followed by Leah Ann Simon and Colin Edward Simon. Together the family lived north of First View at the ‘old’ house, moving to Stratton in 1992. All of the children graduated from Stratton High School. Dave was a family man and devout Catholic. He practiced his faith every day and with everyone he met. It was important to him that his children be raised in the Catholic faith and he did just that. He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, participating as Grand Knight, district deputy of District 8, and 4th degree member. Dave took great pride in his family and spent many hours at school events; no matter the event, he was his kids’ #1 fan. He was especially proud of how they had grown into compassionate, hard-working adults. Dave was also a devoted Broncos fan. His Bronco van and tailgaters were legendary and will be greatly missed at the games. He made time to take family vacations back to Ohio where Colleen grew up, Iowa to visit family, Disney World, Key West, the Bahamas and, most recently, to Mexico. These are cherished memories. Dave is survived by his wife of 32 years, Colleen (Witt) Simon, children Lynsey Simon of Denver, Leah (Phillip) May of Denver, and Colin Simon and his fiancé Traci Green of Stratton and grandchildren Jayce Simon and Orriah May. He is survived by his eight siblings: Ellen (Warren) Nielsen of Golden, Patty (Roger) Jones of Anton, Louise (Dan) Mills of Stratton, Barbara (Justin) Rueb of Vona, Janice (Paul) Pautler of Greely, Ted Simon of Stratton, Ann (Lonnie) Hedges of Baggs, WY and Karen (Mike) May of Highlands Ranch, and many nieces and nephews. Numerous friends, far and wide, also considered him family. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Con Simon, his stepfather, Robert Best, and his mother, Serena Simon Best.