Sadly, we lost another member of the extended Targa Newfoundland family this week. Ken Simmons was a respected journalist and long-time fan of motorsports and car culture. He competed in three Targa Newfoundland rallies as a co-driver, earned a certificate from the Bridgestone Racing School at Ontario’s Mosport track, and wrote a weekly column in The Telegram newspaper in St. John’s (later the Saltwire Network) about cars and racing. On the artistic side, Ken taught himself to play guitar, paint and create stained glass pieces for family and friends.
This is how we was described in the newspaper below his column: Ken Simmons, The Telegram’s new media editor, breathes exhaust and exhales clean, fresh air.
“Ken was way ahead of his time,” says Targa founder Robert Giannou. “When he worked with the Telegram he pushed motorsports as far as he could even when he was sports editor. He was a serious friend of the event. He will be missed and our sport has lost a serious and dear friend.”
He passed away on November 17, 2024. He was 62. We offer our condolences to his family and friends. You can read his obituary here and below.
March 20, 1962 – November 17, 2024
Ken Simmons passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, aged 62 years old. His final days were spent surrounded by a revolving door of family members, longtime friends, and treasured colleagues. Ken has joined his beloved mother Pearl, who passed last December. In a strange twist of fate, Ken and his mother are reunited almost 11 months to the day.
Left with a lifetime of precious memories to cherish forever – his loving wife of 30 years Karen, son Johnathon (Hayley), daughters Wendy and Sherry (Ronnie), granddaughter Lily, sister Jennifer, father Bruce (Pearl), and sisters-in-law Beverly (Roland) and Coreen (Alvin).
Ken wore a LOT of hats: father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, journalist, reporter, photographer, editor, musician, singer, motorcycle enthusiast, avid book collector, stained glass artist, and race car driver (well, navigator, which he would argue is an important distinction), but you most often would see him rocking his Tilley hat… Even though he was more likely to be watching Jeopardy than watching birds.
A peep into Ken’s jam-packed home office will give you a lot of insight into who he was as a person. Amongst a billion books, comics, music gear, and car-related stuff, family photos are tucked in absolutely everywhere – a physical reminder that his deep love for his family was immeasurable, and that he always wanted to keep us near him (even if he was hiding from our shenanigans in his basement refuge).
A glimpse at Ken’s social media will show you a lot of pictures of “smiley dog” Lola, pictures from jams with friends, posts about car and motorcycle culture, love and support for local arts and artists of all disciplines, with a good few anti-capitalism or cheeky political memes sprinkled throughout.
Ken will be remembered by many as someone who could always bring laughter into a room, with his big booming laugh, wide smile, loving demeanor, and big bear hugs. He’ll also likely be remembered for his quick wit and mild sass – With over 40 years in media, it’s no surprise that he had a way with words… to make you laugh, to inspire you, or just to make you think. He’ll also probably be remembered for his ever-expanding collection of ridiculous t-shirts featuring awful puns – a true Dad in purest form.
Visitation will take place in Hickey’s Funeral Home, 570 Conception Bay Highway, Conception Bay South on Thursday, November 21 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a service in Hickey’s Memorial Chapel at 6:30 p.m. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.hickeysfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of donation, Ken’s children request that you take time to call your dad, or another loved one. Life is precious and fleeting – Celebrate those little moments of joy, love, and connection whenever and wherever you can.
