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It’s taken me a long time to think of the right words to describe how much I thought of Si. He probably didn’t know how many times he had me in stitches. I remember his dry sense of humour from day one at Aon. There was always debate and friendly banter. There was always a caring nature. Si had a heart of gold. He worshipped Vicky and it was so evident that they were best friends who loved each other so very much. I’ll miss Si. A unique and kind soul. Rest easy xx
Si, what a one off. It is hard to believe that you are gone, but I am very grateful for the many happy memories and laughs. From the very first moment that you emailed me with the line, ‘I only have one question: black or red?’’ I knew that we were going to get on. We shared many happy times on the terraces of Vale Park. Well, Vicks and I were tremendously happy, you were more a connoisseur of football, happiest when sat still appreciating the quality of the game! You welcomed me to Aon with a lunch and many words of your very individual wisdom. Your wit was the stuff of legends, and being considered a friend did not exempt me, and thank goodness! The three of us spent many happy evenings together, often Vicks and I would irritate you with endless chatter and wine ( I recall plaiting your hair once!) Spending time with the two of you was always a delight, such fun times, filled with laughter. Your support of me meant a lot. I recall many of the understated comments that you made and some of your sound words. Vale Park will not be the same without you. Say a fond hello to Gummy for me. Your name will always bring a smile, which is a fabulous legacy.
It’s taken a while for this dreadful news to sink in. Si was a very special friend to me & we enjoyed a close friendship as flat mates at the Polygon for 2 years from September 2003 and thereafter. An odd couple 27 year old & 52 year old but from the first time we met at Caunce Ohara we instantly sparked off each other and I had no hesitation in accepting his offer of You looking for a flat mate? Hilarious times from late night fry ups (one of Si’s specialities) to our boys only trips to New York, Paris & various road trips around the UK especially when he got his driving licence. He’d drive anywhere as long as we fed him. There would usually be Si me & my mate Tom. We did the drinking Si did the eating. My teenage boys really took to Si and have very fond memories of many nights at the Polygon including a Friends last episode party Yikes! He sure did have an extensive box set collection X files 24 Millenium Sopranos& Friends of course are some that come to mind that we spent many an enjoyable hour ploughing through them. It was great that we experienced New York at Xmas & New Year together with my sons also.I know he loved the trip & it was great that he & Vicky carried on becoming seasoned travellers to the USA I can’t possibly do Si justice here but it’s so good to hear that so many people appreciated his friendship and sense of humour. There is no doubt that he was a true one off and I have been privileged to have spent so much time with him. He was a complex intelligent guy with a tremendous wit which maybe to some could be a little cutting at times but always funny. Deep inside Si was a kind caring private soul.He would be selective about who he let in. Not a hugger in those days but you would count yourself lucky when you got his headbutt in your chest as his sign of affection. And then came Vicky who transformed his life and there is no doubt that Si died a happy man in their lovely home. Si & Vicky have shown us all that you don’t have to be joined at the hip to enjoy a successful happy marriage. I remember seeing them together in the flat for the first time blasting the hell out of each other with gusto on a war video game. Hmmm I thought what a perfect match for Si! Si you were a true loyal friend that I will sorely miss but your memory will always be with me. God bless
This was taken at a beautiful guest house we stayed in in Charlotte, NC. Si loves sitting out on this balcony commentating on the ridiculous noise all the crickets made!
I can’t believe it’s been a week since the funeral. Just missing him so so much. Going through all the holiday pics from our various trips and wanted to post this one. It’s from a place that we absolutely love in Atlanta called Caribou Coffee. So many happy hours sitting outside in the evening heat of Georgia just chatting and laughing and watching the world go by.
I've known Simon before I started working in the same office in Manchester (that's when you know someone is a legend). Since starting at the same location as Simon I already knew I would get on with him, his personality and presence did not go unnoticed and his sense of humour was one of a kind. Most days he would announce that he would be locking up (as he was constantly working after hours) and even that he would make entertaining and make me look forward to the daily jokes. Recently, I was honoured to work along side of him on his team after being approached, I jumped on the opportunity as there was no one else I would rather work for than Simon. He would often joke to me about sitting next to him and see how long I will change my mind to that idea but quite frankly I was very excited to get to know him more and share some peanut M&M's which I recently discovered was one of his favourites and shared with me. I was yet to have a nickname but told me he will think of one, makes me wonder what it could of been. What an incredible human being to have met and pleasure to have known. I will definitely miss him. Rest in Power Si....Never forgotten! X X X
I’ve known Si since high school... 37 years. It seems like yesterday and yet we have had 37 of fun together. I knew Si. I knew what made him happy, what made him sad. I knew what made him angry and what made him laugh out loud. How do I even try and condense 37 years of being mates into words that can even hope to do you justice Si? I can’t. Anyone seeing these comments and close enough to Si to be on this memorial page will know him well enough to know what he was like. I have hundreds and hundreds of memories to draw on, so I’m lucky that way I guess. Oh so much in my head old friend. I’ll miss you dearly.
Vicky has often told me, during our many road trips to Manchester Titans’ away games, that she and Simon were simply the best of friends. No drama - just good fun and happiness – which was always the loveliest thing to hear. I remember listening to the most amazing stories from holidays abroad – particularly when Vicky and Si had been away watching American football games or driving incredible pick-up trucks together. Although I didn’t know Si for long, I remember him as such a kind and softly-spoken man. He always insisted on sitting in the back whilst Vicky drove me (repeatedly!) around Manchester for games, although he was automatically setting himself up to drive us or the car home. He seemed to do this primarily so we could gossip in the front and catch up, but he also never failed to engage in witty comments from the back about the streets we were on or what we were chatting about. He was an absolute gent and a gem of a human.
I started working with Si in 2007 when we were both the newbies at Manson’s as it was called then. First he was a colleague, then my manager and then a really close friend. He really was one of the funniest people I have ever met and often had me in stitches in the office with his stories about getting lost, the bins, the mayoress or his bowel collapse moments! He had nicknames for most of his team mine being Fringe or Fringezilla depending on what mood I was in! Every morning when I walked in I would hear him make this dread noise and say “El Diablo” the cheeky sod! He often called me a cougar and I remember coming in work one day to a beware of the cougar sign stuck on my monitor! He would also joke about me crying poverty being a single parent and then booking a holiday by playing “it’s a hard knock life” on his phone! He really did have a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He really looked after me over the years and was a great manager to me. His knowledge and work ethic were unbelievable and will probably never be matched by anybody! You probably all know that China hated certain words which I would regularly wind him up with so it only seems right to finish this with Si you were ‘perfect’ in every way and I will miss you so much. I will never ever forget you. Rest in peace ‘buddy’ lots of love Lisa aka Fringe xxx
I met Simon back in 2015 when I started at Jelf and we got on straight away. Over the 4 plus years I worked with him, there were so many funny moments and times in the office that are fond memories. He also had a nickname for me which was 'hairy canary' due to my exceptionally fast growing hair/beard! Simon was very helping and understanding when i was going through bad points in my life and did everything he could for me and for everyone in the team. I can't quite believe he's gone and that we can never talk about places to visit in america or discuss our mancrushes on the rock! Simon was the best manager I've ever had or could ever ask for and I learnt so much from him and I could genuinely call him a friend - although if you asked him he didn't have any friends! I really am going to miss Simon as I know we all are and hope he's resting peacefully. Miss you Simon.
I came to work with Simon in June 2018 and instantly loved the guy, his humour, kindness, everything about him. He had a thing of giving people nick names in the office and took him a couple of weeks to get mine, starting with bet lynch as I was wearing some leopard print top but he wasn't happy with this. Due to my nature of saying as it is, he came up with militant and it stuck, in the 20mths that followed don't think he ever called me Lesley. He did have a second name for me, the mustard militia due to my liking of wearing mustard. I can't believe I'm not going to hear these names again. Never a dull moment when Si was around that's for sure. Missing you Si
Simon, my lovely friend. There are so many memories from so many years working together but one that will be my favourite was the day you started calling me Lilo. I hated it, then I got used to it because there was no getting away from it, then I got to like it, it was my nickname. Who is going to call me Lilo now. I will miss you so much and think of you often especially when I am eating peanut M&Ms. Rest peacefully Si. X
What can I say about Si that hasn't already been said. Si was a warm, caring and funny man and it always came across what a great couple you made. Vicky, you know my issue with him turning down the Bears to become a cheesehead but that just shows the love and devotion he had for you. I know his interest in Port Vale had waned over the years I still remember our pre-game drinks in Burslem where we were asked to leave the pub for our own safety as the 'not-rights' were due in any time. Your trips round the US always made me jealous and I do hope you get to continue with those in his memory. RIP Si. Casper
We are Legion... Rie has described Simon on here as an old fashioned gent and I think that is a perfect description as Simon was a quiet man but with a fantastic way of highlighting the mundane for comedic effect. The bins, the Mayoress and the latest addition in his geek collections of Star Wars etc all kept me chuckling over my tea reading Facebook. (Anyone who can find the comedy in insurance deserves a medal) He really was Legion though and was the perfect accompaniment to Vicky - each bringing the best of the other out in abundance. Even when you didn't attend our get togethers (who would stand in the way of a Diane/Vicky Haribo fuelled road trip?) your presence was very much felt and that will continue I'm sure. Rest In Peace.
First met Simon about twenty years ago when he was working alongside Nick at Caunce O'Hara. He came across as shy at first but then you realise what a warm, witty man he is with his own unique viewpoint which never ceased to make me laugh. I remember Vicky telling me she simply loved him to bits, and what a lovely partnership they had, . Donna has posted a photo of him with the guitar at Ultimate Power was that really in 2014? - what a laugh that night was and Simon happily sat there with all us girls ! His posts on social media are legendary, but not as legendary as the man. Salutes to you Si Chi. xx
Si Chi, the man, the legend, the creator of the legendary “China Shuffle” of which I am proud to say I was there when this amazing moment arose! For those of you not in the know, Si had the most amazing “shuffle/dance” when playing bowling, that amazing me, Vicky & Michael we’re close to peeing when we witnessed it. Although a man of few words unless it was a post regarding his beloved Mayoress, the world will truly be a quieter place without you. Your dry wit and love/hate relationship with insurance has amused many of us over the years. RIP Si Chi, good night and god bless xxx
Si, well what can we say?...…..The usual stuff about 'taken too soon' which is a phrase we're sure you would've hated as much as 'wine 'o' clock'! We met you years ago as a 'plus one' of Vicky's and you have been entertaining us ever since. A quiet but ridiculously funny and witty man, you were at your best observing the mundaneness of everyday life. We loved your 'bin wars' and know this - Vicky has set reminders to ensure your bin legacy remains. But who will keep us updated on the antics of the 'Mayoress'? (Did this make you the Mayor!?) and how will we ever know what the cat has deposited in your house at 5am??? A first early outing for you to Michelle and David's wedding led to an 'abandon ship' situation half-way down the M6 (and an awkward situation on the slip road whilst you and Vicky 'discussed' the matter and we pretended not to hear!) At least you made it to your wedding (and a beautiful day it was too) and best not to mention the trouser malfunction at our wedding! At least you can't avoid your own funeral - but at least the lockdown has done you a favour and limited the size of the crowd in attendance - for whilst you would've hated the attention you would've had a big crowd - you were loved Si. We will look after Vicky in the weeks, months and years to come. So Si, go now and rest in peace and know that your memory endures in the China Clones which are so numerous in this world!
Si's 40th Birthday - he didn't want a fuss but organised his own party!
Simon was my friend - he may have denied it but he was :) I remember meeting him 17 years ago and thinking he had the best name ever, like a 1980's pop star, and what I still consider to be the best ever head of hair in insurance. He took the mick out of me mercilessly and I will forever be known to some as Debit Ebbitt. Once he and Vicky were an item Simon resigned himself to the fact he was never getting rid of me and decided to make the best of the situation. While he and Vicky were roaming around America I was in charge of his precious moggies. Regular updates on their welfare, including photographic evidence, or I'd be stalked on messenger! To his credit I was usually treated to a Shabna for my efforts. He was a good friend, always gave me good advice and wasn't slow to tell me when I was being a bit of a dick. Simon made Vicky so happy and I loved hanging out with them, there was always a laugh to be had. I will miss him terribly x
It’s hard to explain the difficulty in writing this, firstly because I still can’t quite believe you’re gone but secondly all I can picture is you taking the mick out of the use of clichés. Your reputation certainly proceeded you. I had no idea of what I was walking into when I met you to chat through the job at Jelf but I was reliably informed that you were a bit of a character. From being my boss to becoming my friend I have so many happy memories of you - mainly of us ripping the shit out of each other (and sometimes others) but also the support you always gave me and knew I needed sometimes before I did. Your sense of humour was like no other I’ve come across before and ensured no day at work was ever boring – favourites are Gary’s jumpers and the unpublishable phrases thrown at Mike across the desk. I think it’s safe to say I won’t come across anyone like you in the work place again. The love and care you had for those you held in high esteem was resolute. I have never known someone have so much love for their partner, as many jokes that have been thrown Vicky’s way there is no doubt that what they have is extremely rare. Thank you for being a great friend – you really will be missed.
I can't believe that I am writing this...Si you were stolen away too soon & will be greatly missed by all those who knew you. My memories of you are of a quiet man, sometimes shy but always very perceptive & quick witted! Your social media posts were infrequent to say the least, however what you lacked in quantity you made up for in quality! Your tweets were rare yet gold; probably the best tweets of the year!! I loved our annual debate as to whether die hard could be considered a Christmas film or not - while you & I were on the same page I know Vicky will vehemently disagree, a tradition I will continue with, I'll fight your corner! Rest in peace Si, know that you will be missed, nos da xx
Ultimate Power at The Ritz : Halloween 2014 : Chi wearing my witches hat and playing a borrowed guitar
The man, the legend - Si Chi. Seems mad that he is no longer with us, giving his insightful, dry comments on the world around us. Whilst he was often anything but PC, he was always honest and frequently outrageous! The first thing I remember hearing about him from Vicky is that he was a snappy dresser and made her laugh. That pride and happiness quite rightly continued to shine through all of their far too short time together; even if he did have to hang his head in shame at having to wear jeans to a wedding thanks to a trouser malfunction! What a true partnership they had, complementing each other and allowing each to be the best version of themselves: who could ask for more? Fighting for top spot on who could get themselves in to the most comic situation, was just an added bonus for those of us lucky to know them both! Si had a quiet kindness about him that is reflected in the memories of those that knew him, in many ways an old fashioned gentleman. I will remember him fondly and think of him as being somewhere in America rather than gone - I think he would like that!!
Si, I can’t believe you have left us and what’s more it is not fair that I can’t say goodbye. I remember starting in insurance broking as a ‘clark and processor’ as you would have put it. You used to come in early and work late. Your desk was always a tip and you used to blow your nose on your gym towel but you worked hard and we had huge laughs. Later we were moved apart for ‘training purposes’ which actually meant we were having far too much fun. We did end up sitting opposite each other again eventually and the fun continued. From John’s ‘Bredbury Sharks’ trips to thanking Donna for ‘Popping in’ at the end of the day, the Jacuzzi Toucans are still referred to and only the other day we were texting about up the ‘toot’ and ‘roight in the nought’ which still makes me laugh. White William the security guard, Lal Malhan’s Greasy Bread and your two gold fish you had on your desk – Classic and Jones. And for some reason, and I can’t remember why you always called me Wilson so I called you Preston. To this day I can hear you say ‘China, as in the country’ when someone asked your name on the phone. I’m laughing to myself as I write this and remember all these things. I was gutted when you left COH for AON. We found out which hotel you were doing you AON induction at so called and left a message with reception, something to the effect that the ‘Goat was doing much better now’. In any case you met The Mayoress when you worked there so it was a good move and we did get to work briefly together again. I’m going to miss you, our inane text messages and the laughs. You have had such a massive impact on so many people, you will never know, and you have had a massive impact on me. I only have happy memories of laughing till I couldn’t talk, I miss you already.
I will always remember Si with of the fondest memories. His humour was one-of-a-kind and he was pure comedy, even if he didn’t realise how much of his sense of humour was legendary. I will never forget the years I spent working with him and how much of a close friend he was. Si and I were good friends and had such a good laugh together. Two lasting memories for me...I just remember his Fishtank on his desk at work. He was so dedicated to looking after those fish but it was the weirdest thing to have on your desk at work! The other one is a bit gross (and I know Si would be cringing at me telling you this) but he used to have a towel at the side of his desk that he had used from being at the gym or to wipe himself down if he’d got soaking wet at lunchtime. The worst thing was he used to sneeze into the towel as well! Every time he sneezed The towel would come out... I always remember telling him how unhygienic it was and that it went through me. Of course being Si this just made him do it all the more!! I remember him coming up to me and telling me that he had met the most incredible woman. This was epic! He was besotted. Having known Vicky from the insurance circle it seemed an unlikely match, with her outgoing personality and his introverted style. However it was a match made in heaven. I have never seen him as happy as he was during those years he was with, and married to, Vicky. If there ever was a perfect couple, this was it. He really had found his soulmate. We haven’t talked a lot recently, I got married and had kids in our lives just went in different directions. One thing I regret more than anything is not seeing him recently and introducing him to my little family. I know he would pretend not to care and say he wasn’t interested but he would’ve loved to have met my little girl. I’m glad to know that he has seen, mainly through social media, that my dream of a family came true and I am so so blessed and glad to see that his came true as well. His cats were his babies and he absolutely adored them. Along with Vicky they completed him. He was a man of few words but those words were always pure comedy, sarcastic or genuinely caring. Cruelly taken from this world way too early. Si, you are the only person who will ever get away with calling me Zilla (after Godzilla) and it’s my most treasured memory. A legend taken too early. Si, you will be missed
The first time Vicky mentioned “this really cute guy” in the office, I knew that Si was going to be special. Vicky was positively giddy – to use her own phrase – and I had never seen her that way before. Si loved Vicky, his cats and his home… and not necessarily in that order! He was not a party animal, happy to be in his own company and yet he never sought to change Vicky in any way from the outgoing, amazing person that she is, but his quiet ways complemented her and together they were a team. Si was a man of few words, but had the driest sense of humour. His commentary on life via Facebook always made me laugh out loud – his distain for “office speak” and the minutiae of insurance life; his love of Rachel Riley; his hatred of back to school photos; his never ending appreciation for the order of the bins and his pure rage at those who put the wrong rubbish in the wrong coloured ones and, of course, taking the piss out of Vicky. Often I found myself howling with laughter at his descriptions of “The Mayoress” and her endeavours in singing, golfing and her various sports related injuries. I do think it is fair to say that Si was not great with weddings – for our wedding he was last seen heading up the exit slip at Stafford services on foot, and an unfortunate incident with his trousers at Diane and Paul’s.. for a man who didn’t like to be the centre of attention, he was memorable, if not for all the right reasons! I would say there was an exception fo his own wedding, but though his choice of bride was impeccable, the same could not be said for his best man… who could forget the main topic of the speech being “dark, dark days”? So inappropriate for a wedding, but sadly true for the events of the past few weeks. One recurring theme for Si was his delight in finding pictures of “China clones”, always with the comment “We are Legion”. Si, you were unique. We will miss you.
One of the happiest days of our lives - getting to see the Packers play the Cowboys in Dallas with the parents.
Meric Kesic
Meric Kesic
I knew Si from primary school when he first moved to the area, we quickly hit it off. I hadn't seen him in 10 years or more but messaged now and again on Facebook, I loved reading his posts, always funny and always made me smile. He loved his sports, watching and playing, and I think he was probably the only kid in high school who supported Port Vale rather than Stoke!, and I remember one season where he just kept chanting Rudge out, I had no idea why, I never followed football that closely but I assume Rudge had made a decision Si thought was poor. I have so many memories of Si and long summers playing football, tennis, cricket and then later nights out to Valentino's and The Place. He was an extremely kind and intelligent man and always had words of advice when needed. Even though I haven't seen him for a long while I know I will miss him forever. Rest easy old friend.
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