Crash victim dad of two
A Taranaki father-of-two who died after a road crash will be remembered for his kind heart, proud nature and ability to make people smile, his grieving widow says.
Simon Clark died in Wellington Hospital on Thursday after a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 3, north of New Plymouth, on Saturday August 10.
The 48-year-old leaves his two young sons, Charlie, eight, George, four, and his ‘‘soulmate’’, Belinda, who described her husband as cheeky and generous man who will be missed immensely by all – especially their boys.
‘‘I’ve explained what’s going to happen – he’s always going to be here in our hearts and be here with us,’’ she said.
Belinda said she is thankful for all the happy memories she has of Simon, including photos of their travels and notes he used to leave her around the house, which she plans to make into books for her sons ‘‘so they can always remember him’’.
One positive the family has been able to pull from Simon’s death is the fact that three of his organs were donated to help those in need.
They wished his heart could have been donated to someone in need too, ‘‘but we always said his heart’s too big’’, Belinda said.
‘‘He touched so many people’s lives. He’d do anything for anyone.’’
Originally from Auckland, Simon moved to Taranaki at the age of 15, and had proudly called it home ever since.
He met Belinda in Taranaki around 19 years ago.
At the time he was often taking jobs that sent him overseas.
The pair own three different businesses, including Taranaki Powder Coating, which Belinda said resulted in him meeting a lot of new people who have been deeply saddened to hear of his death.
‘‘He worked hard all his life,’’ Belinda said.
Simon was also well known in the boxing world, and was always an active person.
He once played rugby for New Plymouth Old Boys’, and son Charlie recently played his first rugby match on the team’s grounds.
Simon loved living in Taranaki and everything about it – the family even built their home so they had constant views of the mountain, Belinda said.
‘‘He was very proud.’’
The crash left Simon with critical injuries and he was taken from Taranaki Base Hospital to Wellington Hospital the day after
He touched so many people’s lives. He’d do anything for anyone. Belinda Clark
the crash.
He died there on Thursday, surrounded by family, as a result of his injuries.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
- A service to celebrate Simon’s life is being held at 11am on Friday, August 23, at Eagers Te Henui Chapel, New Plymouth. A private cremation will follow.