SIMON Boas, whose reflections on life, love and the joy of just being following his cancer diagnosis brought comfort and inspiration to millions around the world, died peacefully yesterday with his family at his bedside.
In a statement released soon after he passed, Deputy Carolyn Labey, the Minister for International Development and Simon’s boss, said: “It is with profound sadness, as chair of Jersey Overseas Aid, that I announce the death of the executive director Simon Boas following his courageous battle with cancer.
“Simon was an inspiration and larger-than-life character who impacted thousands of lives here in Jersey as well as millions around the world.
“Simon passed away peacefully in Jersey today, surrounded by his family. Our hearts go out to Simon’s wife, Aurelie, his parents, Tony and Sarah, and his sister, Julia, during this time of profound loss.”
He had been in Jersey Hospice since the end of last week, where he continued to communicate with friends online and received a personal letter from the King and Queen, delivered by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd.
Simon shared his thoughts on mortality, the one thing that unites us all, and the miracle of life in three pieces of exquisite writing initially published in the Jersey Evening Post and subsequently reproduced by the Mail on Sunday and The Telegraph. Simon was also invited to read out one of his essays on BBC Radio 4 and was interviewed on the Today programme.
The JEP essays, other pieces of his writing, some of the many responses he got from around the world, and his responses to them will form the basis of a book, A Beginner’s Guide to Dying, which will be published later this year, with money raised being donated to people in the developing world and children needing palliative care. The book is available for pre-order from Amazon, Waterstones and publisher Swift Press.
In paying tribute to a much-loved colleague, Deputy Labey said: “Simon brought his expertise and experience to JOA following a distinguished career in international development spanning many years, with a focus on the Middle East.
“In his eight years as JOA’s director, Simon delivered on a vision which transformed JOA into the agile and respected international aid agency it is today, giving tangible impact, reflecting the generosity of Jersey and its residents.
“Beyond this, Simon extended his boundless energy and voluntary spirit to chairing Jersey Heritage Trust, serving in the Trinity honorary police and offering his time to the Samaritans.
“More recently Simon was able to use his warmth, intellect, writing prowess – and his own tragic circumstances – to offer comfort to so many, endearing him to all who were lucky enough to have known him and beyond. He intimately shared his cancer diagnosis, inspiring millions around the world with his positive approach and outlook on both life and death.
“His words went viral, were published in national newspapers and his uplifting messages were discussed in pubs, read out in common rooms and shared around kitchen tables all over the world. People wrote to him from every continent, thanking him for being so honest, for engaging in the challenging conversation around cancer and death and providing comfort to both those experiencing the illness and those caring or concerned for a loved one.”
She added: “In his final weeks, he continued to attend board meetings, continued to serve in the honorary police, wrote a poem and even found it within himself to write a book, A beginners Guide to Dying, which will be published later this year and where the proceeds will be donated to palliative care charities.
“He received the Bailiff’s Silver Medal for ‘his inspirational contribution to the Island’ and was honoured by the World Jersey Cattle Bureau in recognition for the promotion of the Jersey breed in central and east Africa.
“Shortly before his death, Simon received a personal letter from King Charles III who praised Simon’s exceptional charitable service and conveyed his admiration for his courageous approach to his illness.
“While we all mourn Simon’s passing, both commissioners and the dedicated staff at JOA find solace in the privilege of having worked alongside him and the honour of sharing some of his journey with him. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, compassion, sense of humour and love of life.
“Rest in peace dear friend. You will be so very deeply missed and will remain forever in our hearts.”
