Passionate, Eternal Optimist, Driven Achiever

After hearing so many wonderful things about Simon the other day, and the fact I’ve been meaning to write something like this down for a while, I figure it’s now or never.

A few words about Simon: ‘Passionate, Eternal Optimist, Driven Achiever’.

These are the words Simon choose to describe himself in our ‘Meet a Member‘ questions a few years ago.  I don’t think I know anyone who would disagree with any of these words.

For me Simon always came across as a decent guy, kind and caring and it was these characteristics that made me a fan of Simon and his work, the fact he was damned good looking was an added bonus.

I’ve always believed you can tell a lot about a person about what others think of them or what they think of others.  I remember talking to Simon in a theater and there was an old man with severe hunch behind me, Simon suddenly said ‘oh my god that poor man’, I’d never seen anyone look so concerned and it was for someone he didn’t even know.  I also never heard Simon say a bad word about anyone.

From a fans viewpoint Simon is an excellent role model, honest, hard-working and happily married for over 20 years.  Mimicking is the highest form of adoration and if more people were like Simon then the world would be a better place for everyone.

I always felt I knew a different Simon to his friends and family, I felt I only really knew the guy off the telly (Harry, Peter, Jonathan, Greg) although there were times where you could see Simon himself in interviews and in person.  Even if it was just a minute Simon tried to give time to his fans, by having photo’s taken, signing autographs or just by talking with a fan.  He always had a way of making you feel relaxed and he would try to talk to everyone waiting for him outside a stage door and make them feel important.

I miss Simon, but in someway I know that part of the person I knew I can never forget as all I have to do it dig out a DVD and there he is, smiling, laughing and joking.  I also know that in decades from now probably around Christmas or Easter I’ll turn on a TV and there will be a 25 year old Simon on my TV in Death on the Nile and all the memories, if they’re not still at the front of my mind, will come pouring back.   I don’t think I’ll ever be a fan of anyone the same way I am of Simon, he is someone I’ll never ever forgot, and I’m glad I got a chance to know him.

Express article on Simon MacCorkindale’s Memorial

TRIBUTES were paid to the “shining light and life” of Simon MacCorkindale yesterday as 200 friends attended a memorial service in London.
The actor’s widow, actress Susan George, 63, said of her husband of 28 years: “He was the love of my life. He was my rock.”

Full article:  http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/459693/Stars-final-ovation-for-shining-light-Simon-MacCorkindale

A memorial for Simon was held today at the Actors Church, St Paul’s in Covent Gardens. I was honoured to be invited and able to attend to represent Simon’s fans.

It was a very moving service with everyone in agreement at how approachable, kind, caring, hard-working and passionate Simon was and how he adored Susan.

A very fitting tribute to Simon.

Happy birthday Corky, you are still missed

I’ve had a number of people ask about Simon’s funeral, I can give the following information:

There will be a private service, for family and friends only in the very near future.

There will also be a memorial at a later date (possibly later this year, but could be in the new year) which we can do something for, most probably flowers.

I’ll let everyone know further details as soon as I am aware of them

Edit 15th January 2011:  As of yet, nothing has been arranged

If you wish to discuss this you can here http://www.simonmaccorkindale.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=1053