Welcome to the memorial page for
Simon Anthony Holmes
November 24, 1970 ~ May 26, 2017 (age 46) 46 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by Viv
on January 26, 2024 12:32 PM
A candle was lit by Melissa B.
on May 26, 2023 4:57 PM
A candle was lit by Justin
on May 25, 2023 5:23 PM
A candle was lit by Digby
on September 12, 2022 5:40 AM
A candle was lit by Justin Lawson
on May 28, 2022 10:29 AM
A candle was lit by Elanor
on November 2, 2021 8:51 PM
A candle was lit by Justin Lawson
on June 2, 2021 6:27 PM
A candle was lit by Machiel Bos
on August 11, 2020 11:14 AM
Message from Justin
May 16, 2020 8:25 PM
Didn't realise this site was still active, so I truly appreciate that it is.
Still miss you, man. Being a close friend since '75, this is hard. I'll put on some Jethro shortly. Condolences to Nicki, Kirrily, Xiaowei, and especially Eleanor.
Still miss you, man. Being a close friend since '75, this is hard. I'll put on some Jethro shortly. Condolences to Nicki, Kirrily, Xiaowei, and especially Eleanor.
A candle was lit by Justin Lawson
on May 16, 2020 8:14 PM
A candle was lit by Machiel Bos
on May 24, 2019 11:34 AM
A candle was lit by Cliff Minter
on January 9, 2018 10:22 AM
Message from Brian Gosling
June 19, 2017 9:38 AM
Simon was a very kind, generous and brilliant man. He was a gifted scientist. Simon was highly respected and renowned throughout the global gravity science community. His expertise was sought after across the world. It was impossible to talk to anyone in the modeling community from Germany to Canada to his native Australia that didn't know Simon and respect his work greatly.
Simon was very much a guiding influence in the work NGA performed with him. Hey was a key component of the production of the Earth Gravitational Model, which is used around the world. Anyone using a GPS device, be it a phone or a GPS receiver is using Simon's work.
What really set Simon apart from others in his field was his ability to clearly communicate ideas and instruct others to understand this very complex science that he was so adept at. Simon would come to St. Louis to instruct our analysts four times per year, and each time we would be shocked by how much more we understood after a few days of tutelage. That was of course thanks to Simon's ability to convey his ideas and his patience with us as we absorbed what he had to teach. On this past trip he was tasked with introducing some of our new hires to the core concepts of his work and geodesy in general. Every day I would see the analysts coming back very engaged in discussion and all of them came in to tell me how wonderful of a job he was doing and how clear the picture was becoming to them thanks to Simon's teaching abilities and his eagerness to help everyone learn the material. You could tell he was really in his element when he was in front of the group and discussing this material that he both knew so well and had such a passion for.
As animated as he would get when discussing geodesy, there was always another level of happiness in the breaks outside of all of the mathematical talk when he would talk about what he and his family had been up to recently. He would tell us all about his upcoming travel plans, hikes and all of the little things he and his family were up to. As much as geodesy was a focus and passion for Simon, it was very clear his family was the most important thing to him.
Clearly Elanor was the apple of his eye. There would always been a new picture of her as the background of his laptop and he would just light up when he was explaining what was happening in the current picture. This past trip was a photo of Elanor and some friend after winning a reading competition. We got to hear all about the contest and the inner workings of Elanor's group and how they pulled out the big victory! If there was one thing I would say to Elanor through this it's that your Dad was very, very proud of you. He really thought the world of you and knew you were going to accomplish great things.
Simon's loss will be felt tremendously throughout our scientific community. Not only for his technical ability, but for his personality and his warmth. He truly did have friends and colleagues all over the world who will miss him. It's a small consolation, but his work will certainly live on through all of those he taught and everyone he worked with.
-Thank you for the opportunity to write some of these thoughts down. I hope they helped a little. I will miss working with him. Simon was one of a kind.
Simon was very much a guiding influence in the work NGA performed with him. Hey was a key component of the production of the Earth Gravitational Model, which is used around the world. Anyone using a GPS device, be it a phone or a GPS receiver is using Simon's work.
What really set Simon apart from others in his field was his ability to clearly communicate ideas and instruct others to understand this very complex science that he was so adept at. Simon would come to St. Louis to instruct our analysts four times per year, and each time we would be shocked by how much more we understood after a few days of tutelage. That was of course thanks to Simon's ability to convey his ideas and his patience with us as we absorbed what he had to teach. On this past trip he was tasked with introducing some of our new hires to the core concepts of his work and geodesy in general. Every day I would see the analysts coming back very engaged in discussion and all of them came in to tell me how wonderful of a job he was doing and how clear the picture was becoming to them thanks to Simon's teaching abilities and his eagerness to help everyone learn the material. You could tell he was really in his element when he was in front of the group and discussing this material that he both knew so well and had such a passion for.
As animated as he would get when discussing geodesy, there was always another level of happiness in the breaks outside of all of the mathematical talk when he would talk about what he and his family had been up to recently. He would tell us all about his upcoming travel plans, hikes and all of the little things he and his family were up to. As much as geodesy was a focus and passion for Simon, it was very clear his family was the most important thing to him.
Clearly Elanor was the apple of his eye. There would always been a new picture of her as the background of his laptop and he would just light up when he was explaining what was happening in the current picture. This past trip was a photo of Elanor and some friend after winning a reading competition. We got to hear all about the contest and the inner workings of Elanor's group and how they pulled out the big victory! If there was one thing I would say to Elanor through this it's that your Dad was very, very proud of you. He really thought the world of you and knew you were going to accomplish great things.
Simon's loss will be felt tremendously throughout our scientific community. Not only for his technical ability, but for his personality and his warmth. He truly did have friends and colleagues all over the world who will miss him. It's a small consolation, but his work will certainly live on through all of those he taught and everyone he worked with.
-Thank you for the opportunity to write some of these thoughts down. I hope they helped a little. I will miss working with him. Simon was one of a kind.
Message from Cedric V. Sanford
June 19, 2017 9:36 AM
Cornerstone Legacy
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Earth Gravitational Modeling (EGM) current capability is principally attributed to the scientific excellence of Dr. Simon Holmes. Dr. Holmes became a prominent part of the NGA EGM in-house production project in 2005 as an Agency contracted scientist working out of Stringer Ghaffarian Technologies.
Dr. Holmes’ excellence in geophysical sciences and particularly his expertise in geoid modeling is well regarded in the global scientific community. EGM 2020, release date 19 December 2019, is very much the scientific artistry of Simon Holmes. Dr. Holmes was a cornerstone of the NGA Geosciences Division scientific future.
But unfortunately, the star that burns the brightest all too often is extinguished the fastest. Simon passed away unexpectedly on Friday, 26th May. Our Agency scientific mission has lost the future which shone forth with Simon. But more importantly we lost an aspect of who we can be as a humanity. Special people are those you can grow with and grow because of. They make an incredible difference in who we are and who we will be. But hope means, we are all blessed to have had them apart of our lives. Because who they were will never be lost in us.
Simon was a unique combination of extraordinary talent and humanity. Simon was a world renowned scientist. He is revered the world over, not only as an exceptional scientist, but also for his humanity, as an enduring friend. He will be a greatly missed, extraordinary scientist, professional, and faithful confidant.
Simon is survived by his loving wife, Xiaowei, devoted daughter, Elanor, who is a burgeoning mathematical prodigy, much loved father, Roger, mother, Nicolle, step-mother, Jenny and, sister, Kirrily, and many other family members and friends. This certainly includes his NGA family and friends over the globe.
Rest well dear friend.
Cedric V. Sanford, Branch Chief, Earth Data & Weapons Analysis
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Earth Gravitational Modeling (EGM) current capability is principally attributed to the scientific excellence of Dr. Simon Holmes. Dr. Holmes became a prominent part of the NGA EGM in-house production project in 2005 as an Agency contracted scientist working out of Stringer Ghaffarian Technologies.
Dr. Holmes’ excellence in geophysical sciences and particularly his expertise in geoid modeling is well regarded in the global scientific community. EGM 2020, release date 19 December 2019, is very much the scientific artistry of Simon Holmes. Dr. Holmes was a cornerstone of the NGA Geosciences Division scientific future.
But unfortunately, the star that burns the brightest all too often is extinguished the fastest. Simon passed away unexpectedly on Friday, 26th May. Our Agency scientific mission has lost the future which shone forth with Simon. But more importantly we lost an aspect of who we can be as a humanity. Special people are those you can grow with and grow because of. They make an incredible difference in who we are and who we will be. But hope means, we are all blessed to have had them apart of our lives. Because who they were will never be lost in us.
Simon was a unique combination of extraordinary talent and humanity. Simon was a world renowned scientist. He is revered the world over, not only as an exceptional scientist, but also for his humanity, as an enduring friend. He will be a greatly missed, extraordinary scientist, professional, and faithful confidant.
Simon is survived by his loving wife, Xiaowei, devoted daughter, Elanor, who is a burgeoning mathematical prodigy, much loved father, Roger, mother, Nicolle, step-mother, Jenny and, sister, Kirrily, and many other family members and friends. This certainly includes his NGA family and friends over the globe.
Rest well dear friend.
Cedric V. Sanford, Branch Chief, Earth Data & Weapons Analysis
A candle was lit by Bridget Pepper
on June 18, 2017 4:07 AM
A candle was lit by Adam Biggs
on June 17, 2017 11:04 AM
Message from Bill and Louise BREEZE of Lane Cove, Sydney, AUSTRALIA
June 17, 2017 10:20 AM
Dear Donaldson Funeral Homes office worker - Sir/Madam,
Please pass on our Love and tell Roger and Jenny Holmes and their families that we have been praying for them over here in Sydney.
We are thinking of you at this time.
With love and Psalm 23 from Bill and Dr. Louise, son Matthew with Jane and Benjamin(5) and our daughter Eleanor (RNSH) BREEZE of Lane Cove Sydney AUSTRALIA. (Sydney 00:20a.m. Sunday 18th June 2017)
Please pass on our Love and tell Roger and Jenny Holmes and their families that we have been praying for them over here in Sydney.
We are thinking of you at this time.
With love and Psalm 23 from Bill and Dr. Louise, son Matthew with Jane and Benjamin(5) and our daughter Eleanor (RNSH) BREEZE of Lane Cove Sydney AUSTRALIA. (Sydney 00:20a.m. Sunday 18th June 2017)
A candle was lit by The Zepf family- Christina, David, Natalie and Vince
on June 17, 2017 9:18 AM
A candle was lit by Kirrily Burgess
on June 17, 2017 2:11 AM
A candle was lit by Nicolle Holmes (Mum)
on June 17, 2017 2:09 AM
A candle was lit by Jami Dennis
on June 16, 2017 11:07 PM
A candle was lit by Yan Zhang
on June 16, 2017 10:52 PM
A candle was lit by Martina Ricko
on June 16, 2017 10:17 PM
A candle was lit by Amy, Erin, and Julia Whitney
on June 16, 2017 9:53 PM
Message from Sandy Preaux
June 16, 2017 7:49 PM
Simon's enthusiasm and the fun he found in everything made the world seem a bit lighter. He was always generous with his knowledge, and opinion, whether the topic was what makes people tick, Girl Scout cookie sales, the virtues of dog ownership, or the details of a geoid model. Elanor, you were always at the top of his mind. He loved being your dad. I will miss the joy he took in watching you grow up. Eight years was far too few to share with a wonderful colleague and a great friend.
A candle was lit by Sandy Preaux
on June 16, 2017 7:02 PM
A candle was lit by Nigel Penna
on June 16, 2017 6:26 PM
A candle was lit by Michael Dennis
on June 16, 2017 9:44 AM
A candle was lit by Scott Glading
on June 16, 2017 5:28 AM
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on June 15, 2017
Dear Xiaowei and Elanor, News of Simon's passing has brought much sadness to the Old Scholar community in Adelaide. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, on your loss. Mark Bourchier, President Pulteney Grammar School Old Scholars' Association.
Message from Peter & Preston King, and Georgia Fan
June 15, 2017 11:46 AM
We are so very saddened and heart broken that our dear friend Simon is no longer with us. Our deepest condolence to Xiaowei, Elanor and his large family. His genuine kindness and warmth towards everyone around him, his energy, positive attitude and contagious laughter, as well as his extraordinary intelligence will be sorely missed! 🙏🏼
A candle was lit by Peter & Preston King, and Georgia Fan
on June 15, 2017 11:27 AM
Message from Terry and Elizabeth Lawson in Tasmania
June 15, 2017 7:24 AM
We remember with affection a tousled hair boy playing with Justin in the scrub on our property in the Adelaide Hills so many years ago. They grew up, we lost touch with Simon but he always had a place in our hearts and Justin spoke of him often. It would seem he was well respected in his field and loved by many. That’s an achievement not many can claim but it was much too short a life. Sometimes the Lord’s plan is hard to comprehend but his promises are true and there will come a day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”. (Rev 21:4) Until that day, we have tears.
A candle was lit by Christoph Förste
on June 15, 2017 6:51 AM
Message from Malcolm & Rosemary Healey
June 15, 2017 6:22 AM
To Xiaowei, Elanor, Roger and Gwen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Praying that you will be given the strength to cope the loss of a Simon.
A candle was lit by Malcolm & Rosemary Healey
on June 15, 2017 6:16 AM
Message from Peter and Florence Holmes
June 14, 2017 8:00 AM
We can only imagine the sadness you must feel on the death of your Son. So Roger we will continue in our prayers for you and for Simon's family in the days ahead.
A candle was lit by Peter and Florence Holmes
on June 14, 2017 7:57 AM
Message from John and Bonnie Holmes
June 14, 2017 6:50 AM
Bonnie and can't imagine what you are all going through at this time. Just wanted to know we are thinking of you and are praying that our God will provide you with "a peace that passes all understanding".
Love John and Bonnie. Xxxx
Love John and Bonnie. Xxxx
A candle was lit by John and Bonnie Holmes
on June 14, 2017 6:47 AM
Message from Chris Matthews
June 14, 2017 5:59 AM
I am so very saddened by the news of Simon's passing. This has come as a great shock to me, and to his many many friends here in Adelaide.
Personally I can say that I am proud to be one of his oldest friends, having met him at the age of 12 at Pulteney Grammar School as we began 8th grade. He and I played basketball together all through high school, and then continued for several years after in social teams. We were in many of the same classes too, which was always interesting. We spent countless hours partying and laughing together, plus experiencing things like movies and stories, road trips away, and meals with friends.
It is surreal and so sad to think that I will never be able to do that again.
There are so many ways to describe Simon, but one key word is "genuine". From the time I first met him to our last meeting in New York City at the end of September 2014 Simon had grown older, wiser, more experienced in many ways, and more "seasoned", but was always the same personality. He was always curious, sharp witted, and keen to find the funny side of whatever he was involved in; he was always friendly, helpful, caring of others and caring of the environment of the planet. He had a deep fascination for politics and social order. While some of his views on how to understand these things may have changed over time, his tendency to be interested in all these things never waned.
To you Elanor, let me say that Simon was one of my closest friends, someone who I felt was a kindred spirit, and probably the smartest scientist I've ever known. When I saw him, after a break due to living in different cities (or countries), which was very seldom in the last 15 years, it was like we had seen each other just the day before. This is a characteristic of two very close friends. I know the loss is greatest for you and your mother, and will be felt for ever, but please let me say that I know, without a shadow of a doubt that your dad would have thought of you as his greatest treasure in life, and that, despite all of his achievements in professional life, he would count bringing you into the world and raising you as the achievement that would make him most proud. I wish I had got to meet you in July 2015 when you came to Australia. I will say that, even though I've never seen your face, you and Xiaowei will always be considered close friends of our family
I am so very sorry about what has happened and I will miss Simon terribly for the rest of my life.
Personally I can say that I am proud to be one of his oldest friends, having met him at the age of 12 at Pulteney Grammar School as we began 8th grade. He and I played basketball together all through high school, and then continued for several years after in social teams. We were in many of the same classes too, which was always interesting. We spent countless hours partying and laughing together, plus experiencing things like movies and stories, road trips away, and meals with friends.
It is surreal and so sad to think that I will never be able to do that again.
There are so many ways to describe Simon, but one key word is "genuine". From the time I first met him to our last meeting in New York City at the end of September 2014 Simon had grown older, wiser, more experienced in many ways, and more "seasoned", but was always the same personality. He was always curious, sharp witted, and keen to find the funny side of whatever he was involved in; he was always friendly, helpful, caring of others and caring of the environment of the planet. He had a deep fascination for politics and social order. While some of his views on how to understand these things may have changed over time, his tendency to be interested in all these things never waned.
To you Elanor, let me say that Simon was one of my closest friends, someone who I felt was a kindred spirit, and probably the smartest scientist I've ever known. When I saw him, after a break due to living in different cities (or countries), which was very seldom in the last 15 years, it was like we had seen each other just the day before. This is a characteristic of two very close friends. I know the loss is greatest for you and your mother, and will be felt for ever, but please let me say that I know, without a shadow of a doubt that your dad would have thought of you as his greatest treasure in life, and that, despite all of his achievements in professional life, he would count bringing you into the world and raising you as the achievement that would make him most proud. I wish I had got to meet you in July 2015 when you came to Australia. I will say that, even though I've never seen your face, you and Xiaowei will always be considered close friends of our family
I am so very sorry about what has happened and I will miss Simon terribly for the rest of my life.
Message from Justin Lawson
June 14, 2017 7:50 PM
Well said, Chris. Well said. Simon's and my daughter got to play with each other whenever Simon managed a visit - it was a pure delight to witness the next generation at play.
Indeed, I looked forward to sharing old age with him and his constant ribbing of me being older than him...all of less than 2 months!
The hole is huge.
Take care.
Indeed, I looked forward to sharing old age with him and his constant ribbing of me being older than him...all of less than 2 months!
The hole is huge.
Take care.
A candle was lit by Greg Butler
on June 14, 2017 4:35 AM
Message from Helen and Don
June 13, 2017 11:42 PM
You know that we will be with you in spirit on the day of the funeral, and pray that God will give you strength and courage to face the future.
A candle was lit by Helen and Don.
on June 13, 2017 11:40 PM
Message from Stavros Melachroinos
June 13, 2017 10:13 PM
Simon was a very dear friend and colleague. His sudden passing caught us of guard. During our 4 year stay in Maryland our families shared wonderful moments and memories together. It is very hard to think about the gap that Simon is leaving behind, not only to his family, but to the rest of us. We had hips of laugh together and I prefer remembering him as such.
Have a nice trip to the underworld my dear friend. We will all miss you !
Have a nice trip to the underworld my dear friend. We will all miss you !
A candle was lit by Mark Gamtcheff
on June 13, 2017 9:30 PM
A candle was lit by Varis Lidums
on June 13, 2017 7:44 PM
A candle was lit by Despina Pavlis
on June 13, 2017 2:55 PM
Message from Christian Hirt
June 12, 2017 9:25 AM
I was very saddened to hear that Simon has passed away. I have met Simon just a few years ago in Munich and later in DC and in Laurel where he generously invited me to stay at his place. I came to know Simon as a brilliant mind, dedicated family dad, passionate dog owner and a great scientist I look up to. Exceptional were Simon's friendly and open character and and his great sense of humour that made spending time together always fun. Above all Simon was an incredibly humble person which was in contrast to his "science rockstar" status he enjoyed in and beyond the geodetic community. My deepest condolences to Simon's family and friends.
A candle was lit by Gretchen Imahori
on June 12, 2017 7:44 AM
A candle was lit by Jason Holmes
on June 12, 2017 12:44 AM
A candle was lit by Gwen Holmes
on June 10, 2017 6:03 PM
Message from Renee Shields
June 10, 2017 11:02 AM
I was so saddened to hear the news of Simon's death. I met Simon in Australia, when I was attending and presenting at my first international conference on behalf of the National Geodetic Survey. He was so supportive, even though he was miles above me in knowledge of the science - he made me feel like an equal. I'm glad I got to see him a few weeks ago at an NGS meeting. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues. My sympathy goes out to his family.
A candle was lit by Rua Family
on June 10, 2017 10:29 AM
A candle was lit by Xuexia Chen
on June 9, 2017 4:29 PM
A candle was lit by Machiel van der Stelt
on June 8, 2017 9:38 PM
A candle was lit by Matt Harris, Adelaide
on June 8, 2017 9:13 PM
A candle was lit by Matt Amos
on June 8, 2017 3:52 PM
A candle was lit by We will miss you!
on June 8, 2017 3:43 PM
A BASKET GARDEN was sent on June 8, 2017
Your smile and fun memory will be with us forever!
A candle was lit by CK Shum
on June 8, 2017 12:15 PM
Message from Dru Smith
June 8, 2017 9:25 AM
Simon was a rare individual, in the very best sense. He carried within him both an outstanding level of scientific understanding of physical geodesy and the highest capacity for friendliness toward all. He was a bridge builder, a collaborator and a good friend. Whether it be writing papers together or lifting a pint together, he will be sorely missed.
Message from Marc Veronneau
June 8, 2017 8:53 AM
Deepest condolences to family and friends. It is with great sorrow that I learned the sad news. I always enjoyed his presence at conferences or via teleconference calls. The international geodetic community will be missing him very much. A colleague from Canada.
A candle was lit by Marc Veronneau
on June 8, 2017 8:42 AM
A candle was lit by Ernst Schrama
on June 8, 2017 3:28 AM
A candle was lit by Justin Lawson
on June 8, 2017 1:13 AM
A candle was lit by Nicole Halsey
on June 8, 2017 12:55 AM
A candle was lit by Christian Hirt
on June 8, 2017 12:44 AM
A candle was lit by Chris, Terumi and Naomi McKenna
on June 8, 2017 12:38 AM
A candle was lit by Mark Halsey
on June 8, 2017 12:28 AM
A candle was lit by Erricos C. Pavlis
on June 7, 2017 11:32 PM
A candle was lit by Digby Holmes
on June 7, 2017 11:28 PM
A candle was lit by Will Featherstone
on June 7, 2017 8:44 PM
A candle was lit by Kristine
on June 7, 2017 2:41 PM
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