Simon Eveleigh

We loved Simon! He was our favourite skipper when we charted our Peculiar Gin boats in Devizes. We’d always talk families and he’d say how proud his was of his kids and his young grandchild. He will be missed.

As Simon’s neighbour for the past 12 years, I couldn’t have wished for a better person to live next door to. I can’t comprehend what has happened and miss seeing his smile and cheery disposition every day. A huge loss but a wonderful person to have known. Sincerest condolences to Sophie and Emma.

It is not often that someone leaves such an instant and lasting impression. I only had the pleasure of meeting Simon once but from the outset he made me feel as though we had been friends for ages. His warm and friendly manner together with his smile and sense of humour were immediately obvious; it was the perfect example of how to treat others. I will not forget Simon or our short meeting and send my thoughts to his family at this very sad time.

Simon did an amazing job for the Trust when he agreed to join us to sort out all the details of our buildings and properties (which were in a poor state) and he created the first class records we now have. Of course, like so many of us, he then got hooked into other Trust activities! A truly special and lovely man - we will miss him so much.

It was so saddening to hear this terrible news. Simon was part of the crew that brought Jubilee to Newbury in 2011 and from that day always took a keen interest in its operation – he was a definite part of the Jubilee family. Simon was a good skipper, knew what he was doing, his laidback manner made it a pleasure to be a part of his crew. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. At every annual maintenance he would be doing something, in the loo painting (don’t know how he squeezed himself in there), painting something else that didn’t move or repairing something of a wooden construction. There will always be a part of Simon close by whether it be in the canal where he lost at least two phones or his car keys which he waded in to retrieve to enable him to get home but moreover in the hearts and minds of crew and people lucky enough to count him as a team mate and friend.

It's always been fun, boating with Simon. His support and wisdom in helping train boatmasters will be sadly missed by us all and his personal support over the last few years has been of great value. My kindest condolences to his daughters and wider family.

I was shocked to hear that Simon had succumbed to this devastating virus. I had just spoken to him 2 weeks before when again he was helping out with the KV. He was a great KV boat manager, always giving sound advice to all. On our many trips together he spoke fondly about his girls, as we cruised up and down the canal. Simon will be sadly missed in Devizes and I send my sincere condolences to his family.

I was very privileged to meet Simon as a crew member aboard Kenavon Venture. He was always good humoured, thoughtful and considerate. I enjoyed being a member of his crew and he looked after us all. Simon will be missed by me and all those who knew him