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Simon David Cousins
February 14, 1955 - April 6, 2020
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2020-04-28 11:18:02 View / Comment (0)
Tony van der Spiegel
Simon was my Line Manager at the IPCC between 2005 and 2010. A lovely man to work for with an inexhaustible supply of 'war stories'. I particularly recall a day when I left my home around 0600, picked him up from his home for a meeting at the Sale office, dropped him home then back to mine, probably a 500 mile round trip. (we did share the driving). Needless to say he kept me amused for the entire journey! He will be sadly missed.
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2020-04-24 21:15:33 View / Comment (0)Glyn Jones
We became friends in infant school at the age of 6 and this continued for 59 years with messages traded from his hospital bed up to a few days before he left us. We grew up together as our parents were also close friends and even had a joint 18th celebration with birthdays just 13 days apart. From an early age he was certain he would be a policeman and sure enough off to Hendon he went passing out as top cadet and he never looked back. My career in the oil industry took me around the world but we always kept in touch. There was of course the tough exterior but inside he was such a caring, considerate and loyal friend. Aged around 14 coming back from Bracknell swimming pool we were picked on by 3 boys; Simon told me to ‘step aside as he would deal with it’. Thirty seconds of demonstrating the potential of his judo skills saw the would-be thugs running away and we carried on walking home as if nothing had happened. When my father died in 2010 aged 94 we buried him in his birth village of Llanddewi Brefi in a remote part of mid Wales, only 2 people came from outside the family circle and one was Simon driving 400 miles in the day, it was so appreciated. In recent years we spent more time together with Simon and Debbie coming to Mexico City for 2 weeks in late 2018. First trip out was to the Aztec Pyramids followed by ordering him a special dried grasshopper taco lunch as pictured, to my surprise he ate one full taco. Also took them to a mariachi style restaurant and I slipped the band leader 100 pesos to keep serenading Simon knowing he would hate it and make Debbie laugh. The picture shows his joy, I didn’t know at the time that my friend Robin had also done the same, so we had squirming Simon for 20 minutes. We stayed in Bookham last July visiting Hampton Court, eating calf’s liver, listening to his stories and played golf. I was looking forward to many repeats (except perhaps every Royal story) as I recently retired but sadly this is not now to be. When there was no longer replies to my messages in early April, I knew things weren't good as he was Mr Reliability. I am still in shock that he has left us as always thought him indestructible – he was a very special person and we will miss him greatly! Glyn & Annie .
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2020-04-17 18:05:29 View / Comment (0)
Martin Ward
Mysslan and I met Simon with Debbie soon after we moved to Bookham over 20 years ago. We both have so many great memories of good times with Simon around the dinner table and I at Micky Mouse golf, rugby and the gastro BELCh trips abroad. On one relaxed expedition to Verona, Simon, who I believe had some surveillance training, managed to “lose” a party of a dozen refreshed Englishmen for an hour or two. I suspect to engage in rather more cerebral pursuits in that beautiful old city than the rest of us could manage. Simon took adversity on the chin sadly I was with him on the golf course when he received the sad news of his brother in Australia. Time spent in Simon's company was always entertaining. Simon will be missed and remembered as a friend and a true gentleman and for his erudition, wit and exceptional skills as a raconteur.
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2020-04-17 17:57:05 View / Comment (0)Blue Waters Antigua Resort and Spa
The Blue Waters family is thankful of having to have Mr Cousins as one of our true returning aficionados’ visiting us in Antigua for the Test Matches, we enjoyed seeing him having good times with his friends and he will be missed. Please accept our warmest condolences, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Blue Waters Resort & Spa management and staff
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2020-04-17 15:42:17 View / Comment (0)David Wood
In between matches, Cricket World Cup Barbados 2007. Fond memories
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2020-04-15 22:41:47 View / Comment (0)Chris Leggett
Simon tucking into supper before delivering one of his fantastic lectures at Surrey Hills Gliding Club. I only got to know Simon in the last few years while he and I were learning to glide at the same time. We would often be waiting for an instructor to put us through our paces and Simon always had a story to tell whether it be related to his work, cricket, family etc. - they were always entertaining. He also generously donated to the club to enable us to upgrade the winch. We will all miss him and his wonderful stories.
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2020-04-15 20:34:09 View / Comment (0)Sara Malin
Antigua Test matches will never be the same again with one half of this fun loving duo missing. Simon was a very long standing customer who supported me for many years. I will miss our chats whist on tour that's for sure. Thanks again Sara International Cricket Tours
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2020-04-14 14:57:07 View / Comment (0)Peter Spindler
The quintessential English gentleman! I was so shocked and saddened by Simon's passing, this is how I remember him best - tucking into his seconds in Kenya whilst working for the British High Commission. He was an excellent ambassador for the UK, the IPCC and British Policing in general who we were representing and sharing our experiences of with the Kenyans. They absolutely loved him! We were busy planning our return trip when Simon was tragically taken from us and I will always remember him as the consummate professional that he was. My heart goes out to his family and know they will be proud that his legacy lives on, lost but never forgotten, fair well old friend.
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2020-04-13 20:11:44 View / Comment (0)Richard Moore
I can’t believe that I’m having to write this. Simon has no business dying. He was so full of life - it is too cruel. But, despite the sadness Maggie and I feel, we so want to share our memories of Simon and, inevitably, being Simon, those memories cannot but make us smile. We first got to know Simon and Debbie in the 1990s when our son Jack was a classmate of Peter at Downsend Pre-Prep together. The first thing we remember about the two of them is just how hospitable they were. They had us round to dinner very soon after Maggie and Debbie met at the school and we’ve been firm friends ever since. Their Christmas drinks were legendary. We’ve lived around the corner from Sheridans, in The Ridgeway, ever since we met. But, as Richard works for the FCO, we’ve always been coming back and forth between Fetcham and wherever we happened to be posted. Simon was a great raconteur (a skill he later parlayed into a nifty post-retirement career as cruise lecturer!). Having worked with Princess Margaret for so many years, he knew a lot of FCO people and a lot about Embassies. He could usually be relied upon to have some salacious gossip to impart. Simon was a total copper. He loved the police force and the camaraderie that came with it. He may have been a PC once but, by god, Simon could never be accused of being PC. His jaw-dropping anecdotes, delivered with mischievous relish, from his time in the Special Patrol Group or in royalty protection were fabulously not political correct. Simon had such a huge zest for life and I can hear that giggle/guffaw in my ears now as he ploughed on ever deeper into gore or sexual content, deaf to all efforts by Debbie to divert him into safer waters. He needed one of those signs above his forehead which warned the listener that unsuitable content might be about to emerge! Never, ever dull. I had some great trips to Twickenham and Lords with him. He was responsible, many years ago, for delivering me home after a long day at the cricket the drunkest I’ve ever been. He was absolutely delighted with himself (Maggie tells me – I don’t remember!) as he poured me in the door. The other thing we know about the Cousins is that they do like a holiday! And we’ve been able to provide the odd venue over the years. We had memorable holidays together. Simon and Debbie came to see us while we were in Ankara 3 or 4 years back. And the two families had a great holiday together in Malaysia in the early 2000s when we were posted in Kuala Lumpur. We’ve dug our some photos to share with you. You can see us at the elephant sanctuary an hour or two outside KL. And most memorably we went to Borneo together. Debbie got to see her childhood home. We saw some turtles and orang-utans, explored some jungle and (in Simon’s case) destroyed an acre or two of coral while scuba-diving. But the highlight for Simon was my Malaysian military protection team (there had been some kidnaps in the area a few months earlier). As soon as they met us off the plane, wearing their tour company teeshirts (deep cover but unfortunately only one teeshirt for the week so they were pretty grubby by the end!) and sporting strangely weapon-shaped canvas bags, Simon was determined he was going to get to play with the guns. Much comparing of notes in broken English followed on weapon types and a process of persuasion over several days which led to our kids brandishing the weapons in the photo attached (“But Mr Simon, our boss will fire us”). Simon was a man’s man (see rugby, cricket, drink and un-PC storytelling above) but he was utterly a family man. Nothing else compared. A total romantic, his love for Debbie was absolute and unflagging (and I think most of us know the details of their early sex-life). And it follows from that love that he was a totally devoted father to Sarah and Peter. He took immense pride in their personal and professional achievement from school to the career success they both now enjoy (particularly the gory bits of Sarah’s medical training and Peter’s rugby injuries). And one of the great sadnesses, among many caused by Simon’s way-too-early departure, is that he was not able to be a granddad for longer. He adored being a granddad. I think he may have had a phantom pregnancy during Sarah’s first, so closely did he regale us with its twists and turns. It was a privilege to know him. A week on I still cannot take it in that he has died. A week before that he was chafing to get out of hospital as we messaged on Whatsapp. How fragile life is! But Simon lived it to the full, with an irrepressible sense of fun and mischief, but also with a deep sense of public service to the Met and the IPCC, and total love for his family. The memories make me smile. Maggie and I will miss him. All our thoughts are with Debbie and the family. Sorry for your loss. Richard and Maggie Moore
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2020-04-12 00:13:29 View / Comment (0)
Ali Kelman
I first met Simon through our golf club and by one of those quirks of fate we discovered that I knew one of his colleagues from Kentish Town when he was stationed there in the 70s. It was always a pleasure to have him in the group. His stories were always entertaining and he was missed when he was absent due to ‘cruise ship’ duties. The tales of on board life on the cruises were just as entertaining as some of the royal bodyguard ones - such was his skill as a storyteller. Much missed. R.I.P.
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2020-04-11 17:03:21 View / Comment (0)Peter Moore
I met Simon in 2006 when I joined the IPCC. He was always immaculate and his wearing of contrasting socks was a source of much admiration. Simon proudly spoke of never having worn jeans! Simon had an immense repertoire of stories and tales and could always be relied upon to raise the spirits of colleagues. Simon and Debbie’s BBQs for his team were always a summer highlight. And Simon’s spaghetti dishes on sailing trips were much enjoyed. We shall all miss Simon but will be proud that we had the privilege of knowing him. God bless Simon, our thoughts and love are with Debbie, Sarah, Peter and family.
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2020-04-10 14:58:30 View / Comment (0)John Cummins
Lunch with Simon and former IPCC colleagues late 2018.
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2020-04-10 12:10:46 View / Comment (0)Ian Anderson
Simon was a regular member of our Sunday morning golf group at Clandon and also came on our trip to Spain last year. We will all miss him hugely but he has left us with many happy memories and great "after golf" stories. (Some of which can't be repeated here!). Sunday mornings won't seem the same without Simon but we will always think of him with a smile on our faces. My thoughts are with all his family who he talked about a lot and I know he loves very much. Simon's memories will live on.
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2020-04-10 10:57:29 View / Comment (0)
Nicola Cunningham
I worked for Simon as a young Trainee Investigator at the IPCC roughly 9 years ago. For my first ever on call deployment in the middle of the night, I answered the phone to Simon who sent me to Birmingham under clear instruction to what I was going into. Simon was so very proud of his family and spoke so highly of you all. He will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace Simon x
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2020-04-10 10:45:21 View / Comment (0)
Peta Hamilton
Michael and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of Simon's death and would like to send all our love to Debbie ,Sarah,Peter and all the family. It has taken a few days to process the news. and gather my thought .So here are a collection of random and eclectic memories of Simon through many years of our shared lives. I first heard about Simon when Debbie and I were living in London just starting out on our careers .Debbie told me about this young policeman who was courting her in such a romantic way,roses on her car ,notes through the door and much more. Ned less to say his efforts worked and they got engaged. On the night before the wedding in the hotel where many of the guests were staying ,Simon and "the Boys", decided to have an obstacle race underneath the dining room tables. During one of the races Simon cracked his head on a metal bar and ended up in Worthing A&E. To this day I have never forgotten the look on Debbie's face when she came down the aisle and caught sight of his skull! It must have been love Simon went on to Royalty Protection and became the policeman assigned to Princess Margaret and there got a taste for the high life. We heard stories about the places and events he attended but always the gentleman never anything that would be detrimental to The Royal Family. During this time he and Debbie used to come and visit me and my first husband in Somerset. On one of the visits I went to the airing cupboard and saw a hand gun chained to the hot water boiler. Not something you see every day, so when I quizzed Simon , he told me it was the best place because nobody would find it and if they tried they would get scalded trying to remove said gun from the pipe. Simon always had a wicked sense of humour. Simon was so very proud of the achievements of Sarah and Peter and delighted in being a Grand dad . We saw a glimpse of Simon's feeling when during the father's speech at Sarah's wedding he welled up and was unable to speak for a few moments. We always knew he was a big softies underneath that Yorkshire hard man exterior. Michael and I moved to France an Simon and Debbie became frequent visitors , I do believe that he like to come across and relax in rural France with Debbie's slightly "alternative" boarding school friend. In fact he will be well remembered by our neighbour Yves , who was so impressed when I introduced Simon as General de Gendarmes de Londres. So much so that Simon had the rare honour of being invited by Yves to see his prize pigs. Debbie you will also remember the chicken , penknife and few glasses of aperitif incident. The last time Simon and Debbie came to visit us in France was in October 2019 , when we spent a few relaxing days exploring our region. It was on this visit I discovered that Simon loved French onion soup Since that day whenever I make it I always think of Simon with a little smile. Debbie and Simon were so hospitable and we made many visits to their beautiful home. On arrival Simon would always say on our first nigh "Ruby Murray tonight, Peta" , while plying us with the strongest G&Ts on the planet. He knew that a proper Indian take away was what we missed the most living in France. So many memories of times spent together fill my mind and the two wonderful people who supported me through so many life events. Simon we miss you , your irreverent scene of humour , generosity, silly jokes and kindness . Peta & Michael Laudonnie .
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2020-04-10 01:56:48 View / Comment (0)
Mark van Dyck
I first met Simon under the toughest of circumstances just after the sad loss of his brother Richard. I recall meeting him at the airport and his first words to me - ‘don’t worry you are not seeing things, we look alike’. I was struck immediately by his humanity; even at a time of great personal loss his foremost thoughts were how I might be feeling. As I got to know Simon better I learned about his incredible pragmatism, personal strength and great sense of humour. He was a wonderful man and I know will be greatly missed by all.
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2020-04-09 20:31:30 View / Comment (0)Phil Rambert
I joined the cadets with Simon, we were in the same house and dormitory in Fielding House. A lovely guy, always helpful and friendly, solid and reliable. I remember him accidentally breaking another gadgets arm one night in the dorm giving him a judo lesson! Oops! He’s in this picture, back row, 5th from left. RIP MATE.
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2020-04-09 20:28:31 View / Comment (0)Adrian Tapp
I had the privilege of working with Simon for ten years whilst with the IPCC, for much of that time I was a deputy on his team. Simon was a fair and firm boss, with a great sense of humour known for his endless amusing stories, mainly about his time in the MPS. He also had a very sensitive side, supportive of his team and compassionate in tragic circumstances. Simon was also keen to try new things and even came sailing with us on a 41 foot yacht, not quite the luxury cruiser he became used to. When the wind wouldn’t blow and the tide was against us, meaning we were either going in the wrong direction or even backwards he was keen to get the engine on making progress towards his G and T ! RIP Simon you were taken too early you will always be remembered by us for so many reasons. Adie and Rachael.
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2020-04-09 16:35:41 View / Comment (0)Mark Sutcliffe
Simon was always a gregarious, generous friend. His stories were without equal and his funny asides legendary. Above all Simon looked after his friends in his quiet but authoritative way. This picture was taken towards the end of a lads golfing week last year and it is there I will remember SiCo most fondly. So sad to lose his life prematurely, my thoughts and love to his family, he was so proud to talk about.
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2020-04-13 11:06:13 View / Comment (0)
David Wood
I have had the privilege of knowing Simon for many years, having met through work in the Met and carried that friendship outside of work. He was a loyal and great friend. We travelled together and with others for memorable trips to the West Indies with cricket as the excuse! You couldn't have a better travel companion, he arranged everything!! Princess Margaret was certainly in good hands. He was a very proud family man and all social ventures were fitted around the wider family commitments. His life was full and meaningful, with charitable work, his flying, golf, sport generally, fine dining, family and reading. Always good company. He was a good solid senior investigator and able to balance compassion with ruthless insight. He was arranging a trip for a few of us to South Africa for rugby next year, we will hopefully still go and toast the absent friend. I, like many, will really miss Simon, his life ended far too early. My heart goes out to Debbie and the wider family as our loss does not compare with their. RIP dear friend.
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2020-04-09 15:22:09 View / Comment (0)
Simon Martin
I first met Simon when facilitating a visit from Kenyan Police Officers to see how Professional Standards and Police Oversight worked in practice in the UK. The Kenyan cops included some skeptics in their number but within minutes of starting his presentation Simon had them enthralled. A real English Copper!! (although he was by this time well retired and a lead investigator in IPCC he was still able to engender this impression!) Simon's professionalism and passion for policing and his commitment to service improvement shone through. His pragmatism and sense of humour and ability to relate to all the delegates was self evident! Simon maintained his engagement with the police reform programme in Kenya and later assisted in visits from executive delegates from the Independent Police Oversight Authority and National Police Service Commission. His input was so valued that he came with another colleague to Nairobi where we conducted a thematic review and training to investigators in the IPOA, the second only independent police oversight authority in Africa. He made many friends in Nairobi and will be missed as they were hoping to see him again on future visits. He was lovely man with a big heart and generous nature. Taken from us too soon. Simon Martin
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2020-04-10 14:50:45 View / Comment (0)
John Cummins
I met Simon in 2004, after I joined the IPCC. We had both recently retired from the police service, Simon was very proud of his service in the Met. Simon was a generous man and made sure his team members were supported . Simon wasn’t afraid to ask the senior management difficult questions. During his police service, Simon worked in many different roles and he had some very amusing stories to tell, over the 10 years I worked with him, I heard them more than once, but I still enjoyed hearing them. After we left the IPCC in 2014, we both worked for a short period in Belfast, the time we had out there was without doubt one of the most enjoyable times in my working career, every night a different tale was told. I shared Simons love of cricket and enjoyed days at the Oval and Lords with him. Simon has many friends and he had a great career, however his greatest love was his family, he was so proud of Debbie, Sarah and Peter and the success they have achieved, the addition of grandchildren made life even more enjoyable for him. The world is a poorer place without Simon.
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Adrian Tapp
Adrian Tapp
After such a lovely ceremony and fitting tribute to Simon a few of us got together (on line) to toast our friend and colleague. The theme from the ceremony continued, our memories of Simon, his stories and sayings. Many made us laugh, some cringe, many can be repeated, some can’t! Cheers Simon, thank you for your company, friendship and stories. RIP and sleep well, good bye old friend (for now).
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