Louis Simon
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Louis (Lou) Simon, formerly of Grosse Pointe Shores, died January 26, 2021 at home in Stuart, Florida in the company of his wife of 69 years, Nancy. Born April 16, 1932 he was the sixth child of George and Frieda Simon and the first of two after their emigration from Lebanon. Louis started school in Detroit knowing little English and there began a life of determination to continuously learn and strive to achieve. He met Nancy soon after graduating from Grosse Pointe High School and they married on January 3, 1952. Lou began his professional career as an apprentice making wood models and patterns for automobile manufacturing, and in 1961 started his own company, Simco Industries, in Roseville, Michigan. Ultimately employing over 100, many people formed their career paths under Lou's tutelage. In addition to supplying patterns, tooling, and interior trim to automotive companies, he developed, patented, and produced machining products used globally across many industries. Lou and Nancy were longtime members of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club where he spent many hours on the tennis courts with his buddies, sailed, and entertained family and friends.
After retirement Lou continued his passion to create and build. He was an active member of the Treasure Coast Woodcarvers, and his sea turtle, mice, and caricature carvings became an impressive artistic portfolio. A self-taught luthier, he made mandolins, guitars, a banjo, and other musical instruments for himself and family members. Friends and neighbors relied on him for a wide array of projects and repairs. Lou was a lifelong learner and avid reader, and relished living on the ocean where he could cast a fishing line, gaze at the horizon, and occasionally reel in dinner. He enjoyed cooking his mother's Lebanese recipes, and his lamb shish kebob, kibbee balls, and other dishes were truly stellar.
In addition to his wife Nancy, Lou is survived by children Robert (Lisa), Dr. Nancy Simon (Jeffry Spain), Lisa Fuller (Michael), David (Anne) and Janet, grandchildren David Spain (Lauren), Alex Simon, Katherine Bridges (Brandon), Cara Strickler (Aaron), Elizabeth Clark (Henry), Janna Fuller, Emily Simon, Lydia Scovitch (Joseph), Margaret Spain, Alexander Deschenes, and Jessica Deschenes, five great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. His tales of childhood escapades, gregarious personality, and declarative words of wisdom will be greatly missed by all.
The immediate family will gather in Florida for a Catholic mass in February. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064, www.youthranches.org. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Funeral Home, Stuart Fl.