Help Simon, Edmonton’s much-loved Red Lobster server

I’m Simon’s wife, who had the privilege of working by his side for many years. I saw firsthand the joy he gave to customers every day, and the extent of his efforts to make their dining experiences memorable and their food the best it could be. He checked every plate, fixed every problem, and truly cared about his guests. He particularly delighted in learning magic tricks for your entertainment. In the 90s he conducted school tours. At the turn of the century he spent three wonderful years in Brampton, Ontario, a place still in our hearts. Back in Edmonton during the hiring crisis of 06, he demonstrated the utmost loyalty to the company by taking on extra shifts in the kitchen and staying after many nights of serving to wash dishes until the sun came up.

The sun isn’t shining today. Yesterday, after the worst week of our lives, Simon had a leg amputated. He is in hospital facing a long road ahead, including more surgery for the other leg and two aortic aneurysms.

The sun hasn’t been shining the last few years either. The number and length of his shifts has been cut back. His sections have grown smaller while other servers were given much larger sections. In the pandemic he was among the first people laid off, and afterwards he was given one shift a month while certain others received six shifts a week. You might think this was the consequence of failings, but no, he was still achieving targets and caring for his customers with a passion.

You know what happens when your hours are taken away? No benefits.

You adored him in your childhood. You took your children to RL and asked for Simon. You were eager to share your milestones and achievements, and he celebrated the best of times with you. You took comfort in his compassion at the worst of times. You called his special blend of skills Simon service, and you came back for more.

I know he’s in your hearts, and you were always in his. It was never just a job. Help him get back on his foot. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.