I am very sorry that it took the obituary notice in the Old Pauline magazine to remind me of Simon. He was in the same classes as me for several years, where we wore our fishy scholarship tokens on the foothills approaching Cicero and Xenophon (we both diverted to the sciences).

Sadly I never got to play Smallfield CC, but I recall his killer delivery as a schoolboy cricketer: the (relatively) fast-medium full pitch hitting half an inch below the top of middle stump. Another memory from almost 50 years ago suggests he may have taken part in an orange-peel fight in the classroom just before an afternoon session: the unreasonably good-humoured master started the next lesson amid the rubble: "Is there a smell of oranges?"

From the messages here as well as my own recollections, it was plainly a great mistake to lose touch with him.

On behalf of Aqualisa:

I never had the privilege of working with Simon at Aqualisa but after spending more than 30 years with the company he certainly left a very big legacy behind him. Simon was at the heart and soul of everything Aqualisa still stands for, a company that takes good care of its staff and making Aqualisa an enjoyable place to work at. Simon ensured Aqualisa supported those in need and also a company that supported local community. During the few times I had the pleasure to meet Simon, I saw first-hand just what a generous kind man he was besides being very knowledgeable. He is really missed by all that have worked with him at Aqualisa and on behalf of the staff at Aqualisa, I would just like to express our heartfelt condolences and our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this time.

Colin Sykes - CEO

In the name of our family, especially my parents Erika and Gerhard (+), Stephanies godfather, I would like to express our deepest condolences.
We keep Simon in our hearts forever.
Oliver, Switzerland

The most generous and kind man, we will miss him x

I would like to add my deepest sympathy to the family of Dex. 
We were often partnered together at Aqualisa weekly badminton matches at The Darwin Leisure centre in Biggin Hill due to our diminutive stature and I have to say he was deceptively nimble on his feet and quietly competitive. He resolutely kept to wearing his old branded Aqualisa fleece despite the company spending a considerable sum on rebranding and my frequent cajoling. I will miss him but know he is in a better place now. RIP.

What a lovely, generous and kind man Simon was. I worked with him at Aqualisa over 30 years ago and he remains in my memory as a thoroughly decent chap. RIP Simonx

Simon was a very generous man who could always light up any room he walked into. He will be forever in our hearts.

I have know Simon for a very long time and he was a always a gentleman. 
It is sad that in these times, the extended family meet at these times.
You will be missed by everyone who knew you. Rest in Peace.

The loveliest man, a great friend and a huge loss

xx

Dear Uncle Simon,

Seeing so many people leaving such beautiful messages here shows how loved you were and how much you will be missed. I’ll deeply miss our time spent together at Christmas and at Elmer. You were always a fantastically calm uncle, with a great sense of humour and a deep intelligence. Rest in peace.

Zoe xx

Simon was named after Simon Peter, one of Jesus' disciples as our mother had just finished reading a book called 'The Big Fisherman' and liked the names. She couldn't have known how Simon would become 'the rock' in so many of our lives.

Thank you, Simon, for always being there for me and my family, especially over the last 17 months.

I'll always remember Uncle Simon as a generous man who I would always look forward to seeing when I came down to Elmer. I will also know him for his great knowledge on many subjects and our conversations on history and politics. He will be missed greatly 

I have just received an email from Deborah Jane Leah (in Spain), please read from one of the group that took on the Aqualisa Three Peaks Challenge back in 2000. Fantastic memories.

"I am saddened and deeply shocked to hear of Simon's passing. I have such fond memories of my time at Aqualisa 25 years ago when I was his PA for 7 years. He was such a kind and generous person, with a great sense of humour. I shall always remember the Nestle Rolo waiting for me on my desk when I got back from my lunch break (Rolos were my passion!), our long lunches in Chows, and his support and cheer when we did the Three Peaks Challenge in 2000 ... Good times, never to be forgotten

RIP Simon."

What does one say on a wonderful man; Dex (Simon Peter Dexter). This not a record of his career at Aqualisa it is a very small insight on Dex the person.
When I first met him, he was just 25 and recently qualified as an accountant. His character started to show through in several ways, I guess the important ones were his professional approach, his care for others and his passion for cricket. His education and training gave him the guide to where he wanted to pursue, his care for others, well that took some time to understand for a while or where that came from. Over the years my conclusion was that his care for others started when he was young at home with his family, two loving parents, one sister and two brothers. A garden that was longer enough to play cricket, what more can a boy want or need!
I could write many stories here such as the time when Dex arrived at work, came into my office and I noticed he was wearing his slippers, “Dex what’s with the footwear”? “Oh, *hit, I’ve put my slippers on, sorry” he was safe enough, went home and had a sleep following a late night! Another is a time when I offered him to accept a company car as a part of his benefits (his selection of various Minis, Hillman Minx was his normal transport). “Well Martyn I will think on this and come back to you at the end of the week”. The following week, he said he wouldn’t accept the benefit, “why Dex” was my response “was it to do with Tax charges” oh know “I couldn’t guarantee that it would be available because it would be the way that my family park their cars at home it may block mine, we just take the first available” He eventually accepted a company car!
If you read the message left on this site from Geoffrey Gestetner it is difficult to add to; Dex was a wonderful man and a good friend, we enjoyed our time working together, watching cricket together and sadly sharing our stories together during his time in hospital and latterly at his home in Smallfield. He knew his days were limited and his sadness was not being able to spend many years with his many nephews and nieces, his brothers, and his extremely supportive sister.
He is at peace now and we must never forget him, we will make opportunities to celebrate his friendship and love to us all.

So very shocked to hear such sad news. Simon will always be remembered by Smallfield CC players. I played cricket there with Simon for many years and will always remember his reliability at No11. When Simon came in, a draw was assured. His philosophy was "the aim of a game of cricket, is not to lose" So many times we snatched a draw from the jaws of victory. RIP Simon

Simon was a much loved and valued member of smallfield Manor cricket club i knew Simon for over 30year a kind gentle man always willing to help out one of the slowist spin blowers I have ever seen and best no 11 batman u will be sorely missed

I'm incredibly glad I spent time over the last two summers down at Elmer to complete my image and subsequent memory of you. Whether it was discussing tactics for lords of the realm, or commenting on the latest political developments, your analysis was always interesting to hear (even if I didn't always understand it). You were always calm, patient and generous, I'll try to make sure the grass continues get cut down at Elmer.

Rest in Peace Uncle Simon 

Simon was a valued member of Smallfield Manor Cricket Club and will be greatly missed
His sense of humour and generosity were very appreciated as was his contributions to playing the game
A very stubborn number 11 and on occasion a very successful bowler

I knew Simon through Smallfield Cricket Club. He was a great guy and valued member of the club and it is very sad that he passed away.

Simon loved his cricket , and was always a very loyal , generous member of Smallfield Manor CC .

For as long as I can remember, he has fulfilled the role of Treasurer on our Committee.

In his playing days , his non spinning spin bowling deceived many a good batsman .

His athleticism in the field was best summed up during a game on Ashdown Forest , when he very nearly disappeared down a particularly big rabbit hole , whilst chasing a ball to the boundary !

Always first to the bar , always smiling, his presence at our club will be sorely missed.

RIP Simon

A note from a friend is recorded here.

The purchasing manager at Aqualisa Paul Manwaring reminds me of an incident involving Dex (Simon). The Aqualisa ‘sack race’. This is a director challenging a new member of staff to participate in a ‘sack race’ outside the factory. £1 was given to each participant i.e., £1 to Dex and £1 to the enthusiastic competitor. At that time Dex was not seen at his ‘prime level of fitness’ so the result should be safe to predict. The stake holder was given the £2.
The race began, competitor jumped at breakneck speed to win comfortably. Dex, going at a modest (very slowly) – probably evens slower than when he was in his junior school, finished at least 1 minute behind! The stakeholder immediately paid Dex!
The challenger complained that he won – NO said Dex, the agreement was to “race you for £1”. Still makes us laugh after all these years!
This is just one of many examples of Uncle Simon’s competitive approach; runner-up wasn’t the purpose of entering the ‘race’!
Paul describes Simon as ‘knowledgeable’, ‘intelligent’, ‘competent’, ‘quick-witted’ and ‘generous’ and no one would disagree.
Martyn

This is an extract of a message I received yesterday from Geoffrey Gestetner, a young sometimes over enthusiastic Harvard graduate, Cambridge Scholar with a goal to exceed in whatever he wanted to be involved in. He was sent down to us at Aqualisa to 'break him in' to learn some of the practical elements of business. Dex and I took on the challenge!

"They say your first love is your deepest and that’s probably also true for the first business you run. The experience is, of course, shaped by the people you work with. When I was a very young Managing Director, I had the greatest fortune to have Simon and Martyn to support me, give me wise counsel, let me make the small mistakes and stopped the big ones. What was clear from the very start was Dex’s complete love for and commitment to Aqualisa; he understood the soul of the business and would do anything to preserve it. He was quite prepared to fight his corner and support his team but also recognise the need for change and that business is always challenging. Simon worked unbelievably hard but was present at every company event. He knew many of the customers and suppliers and could give good advice on how to deal with them: he knew when to push and when to quietly give in. Simon was respected, liked and admired by everyone who worked with him: he called a spade a spade but not in a particularly offensive way and all those he came into contact with knew that he had only the interests of the business at heart. Simon simply had no personal agenda. 

I shall never forget my departure from Aqualisa. I was sad to leave after a fantastic and ever enjoyable three and a half years. Simon assembled the entire company on the factory floor. He then gave a very simple speech; “Geoffrey. It’s not often that I give a speech, but I could not pass up on the opportunity to observe that as we have had to endure you for so long, it’s only fair that Heatrae get you now. It gives me great pleasure to hand you your P45 in front of the whole company. Good luck.”

Geoffrey remains as a good friend.

I’m absolutely gutted to hear that news. Have fond memories of him – a thoroughly decent guy.

In all my years of dealing with him, he always wore a smile, was honest and pleasure to have as a customer and friend.

RIP Simon

Keith Parker

Hi, Dex was my boss for more years than I can remember. A more loyal generous man you will never find. He was unbelievably supportive when my mother died and if it wasn't for him I don't believe I would still be at Aqualisa. RIP mate

Sads

Uncle Simon, you'll be greatly missed by everyone. Thank you for your generosity and kindness over the years. Say hello to Grandma, Granddad from me and always make sure you look out for Felicity the Cat xxx

Uncle Simon, you were so unbelievably generous and contributed to every single success. You were the one that always provided me with the key equipment to be able to take my music and sport to the next level.

My Uncle and God Father, a generous, modest and brilliant man. You will be dearly missed

Rest in peace Uncle Simon x

Thank you Uncle Simon for your warm company, fine sense of humour and kind generosity. And for not taking part in family games of Trivial Pursuit, because you'd have trounced us all! I'll miss you deeply.

Always such a calming, loving Uncle, with a quick wit which always made me smile. A visit to Elmer without him being there will never the same. Will miss you Uncle Simon

Best man, best friend, thank you for being my brother