Simon Gordon-Smith

Simon Gordon-Smith died peacefully on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023, in Marbella, Spain. He was born on April 14, 1948, to the late Michael and Ruth Gordon-Smith in Nanyuki, Kenya. 

Simon is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rostya Gordon-Smith; four children, David (Alyson), George (Charakie), Richard (Jami), and Henry Gordon-Smith; his brother Russell Gordon-Smith, sister Lena Blower; and his eleven adoring grandchildren. 

Condolences and remembrances from those around the world who have been touched by Simon’s generous spirit may be posted here on this Memorial Page. 

Simon was born in Nanyuki, Kenya and grew up in England and attended Sedbergh Boarding School in the Lake District, UK, where he was the captain of the school’s award-winning shooting team. He attended the University of Central London, where he met his future wife and love of his life, Rostya, and got married in the local church in Hampshire. Simon graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He earned an MBA from City University Seattle. 

Simon was responsible for various construction projects from Brazil to Japan. In his late twenties, he helped construct one of the longest pipelines in Brazil at the time. In his thirties, he worked on the original Vancouver Island pipeline project before moving to Hong Kong. As a civil engineer and project manager, Simon built over a dozen chapels and church buildings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blessing the lives of thousands of Latter-day Saints in Thailand, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Russia. In his forties, he transitioned into corporate life and began a career with Chase Bank, building their operation center in Yokohama, Japan. 

Simon loved to sail and took opportunities to be on a boat every chance he got. He was a world traveler, builder, devoted husband, exemplary father, and doting grandfather. In his 60s, he took up competitive mountain biking, and throughout his life, he dedicated countless hours to serving others and helping those within his church community. He was a Bishop, High Counselor, Elder’s Quorum President, and committed Minister.

He will be missed by his family and friends. We will see you again.

Services for Simon will be held in Engalnd and in Utah. The service in England will be held on Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 2:30 pm, at the Chesil House located at 4 Chesil Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO230HU.

Services in Utah will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11 am at the Draper LDS Chapel at 13112 South 700 East, Draper, Utah, 84020.