Tribute
PERRY, Simon Jerome:
Passed away peacefully on 19th December 2025 at Wellington Hospital, aged 65 years. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Christine. Loved father and father-in-law of David and Adrienne, Kate and Simon. Besotted grandfather of Isabelle and Henry. Respected brother of Nick, Matt and Dominic.
Our thanks to the staff at Wellington Hospital for their care and kindness towards Simon and our family over the last five weeks.
A service to celebrate Simon’s life will be held at Cedarwood, 17 Parata Street, Waikanae on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, at 11:00am.
The service can be viewed at the following link https://shorturl.at/jeRMj
6 replies on “PERRY, Simon Jerome”
Christine, Kate, Simon, David, Adrienne, Isabelle and Henry,
We extend to you all our very deepest sympathy on the passing of Simon and our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Sending our love
Ian and Christine Lewis
I first met Simon in January 1979, as we all arrived at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Trentham. Simon and I were both assigned to C Section, in the 23rd Ken & Nancy Burnside Cadet Wing.
What followed was a very formative year for 80 18yr Olds all grouped together, which thinking back in itself is a recipe for disaster, especially when we had such wonderful instruction led courses as how bombs are constructed, which coincidentally timed with guy fawkes. There is nothing like the sound of a home made explosive device being detonated on a quiet Saturday morning, and 20 odd Police Cadets scattering in different directions from the Rugby field.
Anyone who has been through Trentham will remember with great fondness the legendary water tower run. This was a 2km run up a steep dirt road to a water tower located behind Trentham camp. We were first introduced by having to complete the run several times as punishment, however we must have been very slow learners, as we progressed to having to carry a chair on the run. We enjoyed this so much the chairs were replaced with a desk, however this was still insufficient until finally there was the sight of 80 Cadets struggling with both desks and chairs up to the water tower.
This is the kind of character that both Simon and I developed over that period and is how I will always remember Simon, as having a very special bond that was forged together. Simon will be greatly missed, taken too young, but I will always have the memories of Simon as we struggled along with those damn desks and chairs.
Kevin Terrey-Ocock
Hearing the eulogy today reminded me of the story of Simon’s mustache, which I would like to share.
As cadets we were all required to be clean shaven.
Half way through our training our instructors advised that we could grow a mustache if we chose, however, we only had 1 month to grow said mustache, after which time the instructors would judge who could retain a reasonable growth. Those that could not grow a reasonable mustache would have to shave it off.
This was a big deal at the time, being the first time we were permitted to do something different and unique. Not being competitive 18yr Olds at all (yeah right), there was a furious competition to see who could indeed grow a suitable mustache, thereby assisting us in looking a little older in the process. To be fair not everyone entered into the competition, however Simon and I both undertook the challenge. After 1 month judging was held (it was quite a serious process). Of the 80 Cadets, only 10 of us were judged worthy of retaining this new status symbol, both Simon and I being part of that group. I can understand how proud Simon was to have his mustache, I still have mine to this day.
I was very sorry to hear of Simon’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him in the Police and will always remember his professionalism, integrity, and sense of humour. My heartfelt condolences to Christine, Nick, and the whole family. Thinking of you all and sending my sincere sympathy at this time.
Dear Simon’s family
I worked with Simon a few years back (at Venues) – such a kind and humorous man, and clearly so proud of his family.
I mentioned once how I love candles (no idea how it came up) and he told me that Christine made candles and he would bring me some, which he did.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kellie
So sorry to (finally) hear of Simon’s passing.
He was a really supportive boss to me during my time in Wellington CIB;, the kind of manager one hopes to have.
Ian.