Next Event : The 2009 Artichoke Classic

Simon Rhoden

Simon Charles Rhoden. Rhodes, sims, sime, si. Brother, son and friend to many.

Simon was a lover of life - cheeky, funny, a cutting sense of humour, determined, strong willed & ambitious, and an inventor of silly things. Skilled at any sport, with his father's natural ability, he was hampered by his useless lungs. On the footy field the ball would follow him - he wished it away so he could rest. In the snow he had heaps of style - always wanting to impress. He didn't surf for 5 years because his lungs had no air. After his come back he did it better than most of us ever will. We loved surfing together. He planned a career in graphic design & film.

Determined to live he chose to have a double lung transplant. He was really scared but wanted to live. He was bent in half backwards, and had a new set put in. It didn't work that well and required over 30 subsequent operations. In the end he got sick of it. He just wanted a normal life and not to have to fight for every breath.

Mum kept him going when he couldn't get off the couch and fought with him every step of the way. They were very close. At 13, Kate was his first love. They had a special bond and loved each other very much to the end. He organised his own passing, our home was full of friends who helped him through that dreadful night. His friends were very important to him. He hoped we will all stay friends.

Nick Rhoden