SIMON CUERDON - A UNIQUE SOUL

The world is a much poorer place after the sudden passing of Simon Cuerdon on June 30. The leading light of the Armed Forces Scooter Club for several decades, Simon was a massive presence in both scootering and Northern Soul communities. His impish sense of humour had been forged in the British Army and was easily misunderstood by outsiders, but the truth is that the only thing Simon couldn’t tolerate was intolerance itself. He was one of the few people on earth who genuinely judged someone on their character rather than characteristics.

Once embraced into his circle of friendship the bond was strong and he would be there through both good and bad times, often understanding that someone needed help before they’d realised it themselves. Always armed with a quip or one-liner, Simon was eager to play the clown, but close friends knew a different side to him. The unguarded Simon was kind, thoughtful, impeccably mannered and incredibly intelligent. His Facebook posts had a cult following and his writing can still hold its own against such greats as Python or Milligan.

By his own admission Simon was a poor mechanic, but nevertheless over the years several of his scooters featured in Scootering magazine. He was also a connoisseur of Northern Soul music, but despite having an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject had little time for those who, in his opinion, took the lifestyle too seriously.

His death, so quick and unexpected, reminds us all that life is fragile and we should live it to the full. Our thoughts and sympathies are not only with his wife Carol, son Zak and sister Bev, but also with his extended families in the AFSC and on the Northern Soul circuit. They should all take comfort in knowing that he was a man who could fit more adventure, love and laughter into one weekend than many could in a lifetime.

If we were all a little more like Simon, the world be a much better place to live in.