Obituary for William Simmers
September 27, 1977 – October 4, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Wishart Simmers on October 4, 2023.
Born on September 27, 1977, he was the beloved son of the late Stuart Simmers, and is survived by his mother Julia Laidlaw, Step-Fathers Charles Pentland and Tim Hammell, sisters Kathryn Simmers (Scott Morris) and Jessica Hammell, nephews Ian Simmers and Jacob Simmers, and daughter Claire Simmers and ex-spouses Amanda Simmers and Rachel DeNoble.
William, suffered the tragic loss of his father at the tender age of 4. Always feeling a deep connection to his father’s homeland, New Zealand, he chose to make it his home for the past 17 years, living life on his own terms.
A man of many passions, William had an enduring love for music, dark comedy, and design. His lifelong passion for design saw him filling countless books of graph paper with concepts ranging from cars and sneakers to dream homes on the picturesque island he envisioned residing on.
Cars held a special place in William’s heart, leading him to establish his own venture, the Simmers and Daughter Motor Company in 2019. He possessed an innate ability to see potential, dedicating his time to restoring and reselling cars, playing the role of matchmaker to find new stewards for these vehicular treasures.
William’s authenticity was a hallmark of his character. He never shied away from expressing his thoughts, even if it meant delivering a truth that cut deep. His honesty, rooted in genuine care, was directed towards encouraging critical thinking and questioning of beliefs, particularly in the realm of social media debates, which he engaged in with passion and respect.
A man who did things his way, William approached life with a fierce love and a wicked sense of humor. While unconventional in expressing his affections, he cared deeply for those he loved. His heart was vast, and his spirit was larger than life.
Tragically, William, like many of us, struggled with prioritizing his physical and mental well-being. A perfect storm of factors led to a brief yet valiant battle with acute liver failure at Wellington General Hospital.
In the face of life’s challenges, William remained resilient, imparting the wisdom never to let the fear of death hinder the pursuit of love and a full life. His early experiences with loss provided him with a unique perspective, enabling him to face heartaches head-on and encourage others to do the same.
A devoted father, a loving son, a caring big brother and uncle, and a loyal friend, William leaves behind a void that will be keenly felt by all who were fortunate enough to love him. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire us to live fearlessly and love fiercely.
The family will be accepting visitors on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, from 3:00 – 3:50 pm, there will be a service in the Chapel beginning at 4:00 pm followed by a reception in the Celebration Centre. For those unable to attend in person, you can attend via Livestream by CLICKING HERE. Memorial donations can be made to the GoFundMe campaign to support William’s daughter Claire.
