Ross Simon

There are some people who come into our lives and we are forever changed. For those who had the privilege of knowing Ross Simon, he was a man of integrity and honor. Dedicated in all he did, Ross would easily drop everything to help someone in need. Larger than life and with no fear, he could light up a room and his charisma naturally drew others to his side. Most importantly, Ross counted his family as his greatest blessing and he loved them more than anything. He gave his all and then some, and for these things and so much more, Ross will be deeply missed.

With much financial uncertainty, the decade of the 1980s witnessed numerous banking institutions fail across the U.S. while deep in the throes of a recession. Even so, the decade also signaled the age of video gaming and the advent of rollerblades. In 1984 in particular, Prince and Madonna were at the height of fame while the first commercial CD music players began being sold. Amidst these changing times, there was only one thing on the hearts of William and Dawn (Benison) Simon and that was the March 14, 1984, birth of their little boy, Ross at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A very smart and energetic young boy, Ross was the middle of three children in his family, joining his older brother, Eric, and later welcoming his younger sister, Stacey. During his youth, Ross experienced all the adventures of childhood and always with a canine companion by his side. He was active in Cub Scouts and church, and he attended summer church camp, too. Ross loved riding his mini bike and snowmobiling with friends and family. A friend of many, he attended Mattawan Schools and went on to earn his GED at the age of 16 through Kalamazoo Public Schools. He later received further education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Ross was a hands-on type of man and was eager to learn a trade. As a kid, he learned valuable instruction and insight watching his father work inside the garage. He studied and self-educated himself in becoming a machinist. He was very mechanically inclined, and liked working on cars and many other things around the house. If there was something that needed to be made or fixed, Ross had confidence in tackling the project. No project was too big or too small for Ross.

It was while going through a friend’s photo book when Ross spotted Amanda Greenwood, the young woman who forever changed his heart. They met through their mutual friend, and even though it took three weeks of Ross’ determination and persistence in asking her out, she finally agreed. For the following seven years, Ross and Amanda dated and came to share the love of their precious son, Dylan, born on February 14, 2006. Ross was a wonderful father and loved his son more than anything. With a deep, shared love, Ross and Amanda sealed that very love in marriage on August 21, 2010, at their home before family and close friends. Ross counted his marriage to Amanda and the birth of their son as the happiest days of his life.

The best of buddies, Ross taught his son how to fish at some of his favorite fishing spots on Little Paw Paw Lake, Eagle Lake, and Sugarloaf Lake. Like his father before him, Ross also taught Dylan how to work on mechanical things. They enjoyed going four-wheeling together, playing disc golf, and at times they were nearly inseparable. In fact, they were truly one another’s, “best bros.” Family and the loyalty of family were close to Ross’ heart. He provided well for those entrusted to his care, and together Ross and Amanda gave their son a loving and caring home. As a family they loved traveling up north, renting a cottage now and then to simply get away and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere. Other activities that the family enjoyed together were amusement parks, museums, disc golfing, bonfires and parties.

Whether family or friend, Ross was always willing to help in any way he could, giving of his time without expecting anything in return. It was great to share his company with his uncanny sense of humor. Even though he was honest to the core and had his share of opinions, Ross was just as respectful of other’s opinions, too. No one ever had to guess what was on his mind; he wore his feelings on his sleeve. His honesty was one of his best traits.

Ross loved music. He preferred the sounds of rock-n-roll and alternative, including Chevelle, Tool, Bob Seger, and Off Spring. Along with friends, he especially enjoyed going to concerts at venues such as the Van Andel Arena, Allegan County Fair, and those held in Detroit. When it came to watching TV, his favorite shows were Ax Men, American Pickers, and Pawn Stars. He was also an avid reader of mysteries. Around the house, Ross was comfortable working in the kitchen. He was eager to learn from an early age how to cook from his mother, and he loved spaghetti and grilling out. He and Amanda loved entertaining friends at their home where good times were always shared. Being with friends and being around people in general found Ross in his element as he could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone.

With a heart that could find a million different ways to say, “I love you”, Ross Simon was a man beloved by all who knew him. He brought the greatest joy to those he knew and loved and added much to the lives around him. He was a hard strong worker in everything he did and always put forth his best effort. Gone much too soon, Ross will be well remembered with love and much admiration.

Ross Simon, age 32, of Kalamazoo, died on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Learn more about Ross by visiting with his family and friends on Friday from 5-8 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive where services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday. Members of his family include his wife, Amanda; his son, Dylan; mother, Dawn Simon (Fiancé Chuck Bickings); father, William (Janet) Simon; his brother, Eric and sister, Stacey Simon. Other members of his family include his grandparents, Patricia Benison, Carol Greenwood, and Mary Lee and Donald Gilman; father-in-law, Leo Greenwood Jr.; sister-in-law, Anna Greenwood; nephews, Michael and Shawn Connor; several other aunts, uncles, and relatives. Please visit Ross’ personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for his son, Dylan.