Simon Blake’s Return Home

Hi, my name is Jodie and on behalf of Simon’s friends and family, we are fundraising for our friend, cousin, brother, son, uncle, colleague, etc.

Simon Owen Blake recently passed, suddenly and tragically, on 04/02/2023. Simon who had just recently turned 38 years old, was a wonderful human being, who was probably at his peak professionally. At the time of his death, he had many accomplishments and was evidently on track to achieve much more judging by the projects that he was working on and his celebrated works.

Simon positively impacted the lives of those he came into contact with and we are all feeling the pain and sadness that comes with the loss of an exciting and charismatic person like Simon.

Here are some of the wonderful things people have recently shared about him:

“I am beyond sad to have lost our dear Simon. My best and only friend. The reason why I’ve resided in Canada for the past 8 years, is because of your selfless, gracious, loving brother. I am deeply saddened and feeling somewhat lost and scared to continue without him” N - Friend

“I worked with your son here in Canada at the Apple Store. I cannot begin to imagine what you are experiencing. We are heartbroken to have lost such an amazing friend and coworker. Our deepest condolences to you and yours” J - Friend/Former Co-Worker

Simon, or Sy, as he was also known by some friends, had a hugely positive impact on all that he came into contact with. He touched the lives of so many around him.

Simon was committed to his work as a Digital Creator. At the time of his passing, he was working for Guru Studios, Canada, as well as with various clients as a freelancer.

He was the life of the party; the heartbeat of social settings!

11 years ago, Simon seized the opportunity to leave the United Kingdom and pursue opportunities in Toronto, Canada. With some extended family on the ground in Canada, Simon had a sturdy foundation of support. His new life in Canada was not without its challenges, though he worked hard to over them and he came to love his life in Canada. Over the years he built a solid social and professional network.

Simon had strong ties to both the UK and Canada. As such we want to acknowledge his connection to both countries and raise funds to facilitate a memorial service in Canada, where family and friends in the US and Canada can pay their respects, followed by transporting his body back to the UK, his original home, for a UK funeral service, and where his body can also be laid to rest. We want to appeal to all those who want to support Simon’s family.

We are all devastated by Simon’s untimely passing and were not prepared for the high costs involved. We want to give Simon a nice send-off, in honour of his memory and say our last goodbyes both in Canada and the UK.

We are currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of Simon’s funeral/memorial services, including transportation. We hope to raise up to £30,000 as soon as possible, over the next couple of weeks, to support related costs.

Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help our family during this difficult time.

Important information: Christopher Blake (Simon’s brother) is the beneficiary of this campaign. As the organiser of the fundraiser, I, Jodie McCalla (Sister/Friend) am raising the money on Christopher's behalf, and will ensure the proceeds go directly to Christopher’s personal bank account.

Funeral Home Canada: 

Ridley Funeral Home 

3080 Lake Shore Blvd. 

W. Etobicoke, ON, 

M8V 1K3

*Please be aware that if we manage to raise more than is required we will contribute the excess towards preserving Simon’s creative works and initiate the setup of a foundation that we are planning to celebrate Simon’s dedication to the Arts, and support young talented children to fulfill their potential.

Thank you