Celebrating the life of
Simon Cols
Passed away on January 05, 2016
Simon Cols, 92, faithful and loving husband of 66 years to Mary Ellen (Trotter) Cols, passed away peacefully at the Hospice of Savannah on January 5, 2016, after a period of declining health.
Simon was born in Antwerp, Belgium, the second of six children of Albert Cols and Anne Stoopen Cols. He attended college in Liège, Belgium, and General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, where he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Trotter. They were married on August 6, 1949, and went to live in Antwerp. They moved back to Flint in 1958 and then to Emerson NJ, San Juan PR, Harpenden UK, and Centerville OH, before retiring to Skidaway Island in Savannah in 1985, where they have lived ever since.
For nearly three decades since retiring, Simon volunteered countless hours as Mr. Fixit, working at the Social Apostolate, Hope House, and the Park Place Outreach in Savannah. In 2002, the Savannah Morning News named Simon the “Volunteer of the Week” for his service to the community.
Simon was a member of the St. James Catholic Church where he served as a lector, as well as volunteering thousands of hours to the parish. He was an avid tennis player, hockey player, and golfer, carding two holes-in-one at the Landings courses.
For almost a century, Simon has been a kind son and brother, a loving husband and father to their six children, a favorite grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was a rare man; he will be greatly missed.
Simon Cols is survived by his wife Mary Ellen; his children Patricia Cols Frykberg (Eric), Dominic Cols (Sandra), Matthew Cols (Patricia), and Danielle Cols Sussman (John); fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two sisters and one brother in Belgium. Simon was preceded in death by two of his children, Christiane Sendek and Gregory Cols, and by two brothers.
A memorial mass will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at St. James Catholic Church with a reception following at the church. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital of Memphis TN, or the Social Apostolate or the Park Place Outreach of Savannah.
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Simon - driving around in golf carts and alligator spottings during summer vacations south when I was little, family reunions in Belgium and Mexico, and happy memories when he and Mary Ellen visited Canada. He and his brother Roger were both very special little brothers to my grandmother Biche (Francoise), and were two men I know my father admired. During a recent visit to Belgium, I had the pleasure of catching up with relatives and sharing stories about the two of them. Uncle Si, you will be missed very much. Love Kiddo (Diane)
- Diane Cook (Scrafield), Toronto, On
To the entire Cols Family, Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Mr. Cols; a lovely man, indeed, that will be greatly missed by all whom knew him. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Margaret Kempf Lange, Stephen John Lange IV and Margaret Scarlett Lange
- The Kempf Lange Family, Savannah , Georgia
Mary Ellen and Simon were one of the first couple we met when we moved to the Marshes in 2005. Trilby and I immediately liked the Cols and spent many delightful dinners with them. Simon had a most pleasant personality and was a joy to be with. He will be missed. Sincere sympathy to all the family. Max
- Max Duncan, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary Ellen,we were so sorry to hear about Simon's passing.We send our sincere sympathy and prayers on the loss of a truly good man.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry for your loss, Mary Ellen. Simon was a very good friend of Sidney's on and off the golf course. I remember you both with affection. My deepest sympathy to you and your family Betty Poleynard
- Betty Poleynard, Savannah, GA
Mary Ellen, Few people can touch one as profoundly with just a nodding friendship as Simon did. I feel you are both friends, and I will truly miss seeing Simon's smiling face and wink at mass every Sunday. My prayers go out to you and your entire family as you mourn your real loss .He was an extraordinary man.
- Ellen Jones, Savannah, Ga
Thanks for allowing us to take care of Mr.Cols he was a brilliant& very intelligent man. PEACE & BLESSING H.W.L.C & Staff
- Carolyn milton, savannah, ga.
To Patty and her Family, Deepest condolences. You are in our prayers.
- Jacques & Monique Hauss, Woodbine, GA
Dearest Family, our love and prayers go out to you. Alice and Fred Goerke
- Fred Alice Goerke, Woodbine, ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Simon was quite a man and we are sending thoughts and prayers to you all.
- Maggie and Sandy, Fairfax, VA
My condolences to Mary Ellen and the family. I have many fond memories of Simon. You two were a great team and an inspiration to so many people. My love and prayers are with you.
- Lisa Luckett, Savannah, GA
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Simon - driving around in golf carts and alligator spottings during summer vacations south when I was little, family reunions in Belgium and Mexico, and happy memories when he and Mary Ellen visited Canada. He and his brother Roger were both very special little brothers to my grandmother Biche (Francoise), and were two men I know my father admired. During a recent visit to Belgium, I had the pleasure of catching up with relatives and sharing stories about the two of them. Uncle Si, you will be missed very much. Love Kiddo (Diane)
- Diane Cook (Scrafield), Toronto, On
To the entire Cols Family, Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Mr. Cols; a lovely man, indeed, that will be greatly missed by all whom knew him. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Margaret Kempf Lange, Stephen John Lange IV and Margaret Scarlett Lange
- The Kempf Lange Family, Savannah , Georgia
Mary Ellen and Simon were one of the first couple we met when we moved to the Marshes in 2005. Trilby and I immediately liked the Cols and spent many delightful dinners with them. Simon had a most pleasant personality and was a joy to be with. He will be missed. Sincere sympathy to all the family. Max
- Max Duncan, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary Ellen,we were so sorry to hear about Simon's passing.We send our sincere sympathy and prayers on the loss of a truly good man.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry for your loss, Mary Ellen. Simon was a very good friend of Sidney's on and off the golf course. I remember you both with affection. My deepest sympathy to you and your family Betty Poleynard
- Betty Poleynard, Savannah, GA
Mary Ellen, Few people can touch one as profoundly with just a nodding friendship as Simon did. I feel you are both friends, and I will truly miss seeing Simon's smiling face and wink at mass every Sunday. My prayers go out to you and your entire family as you mourn your real loss .He was an extraordinary man.
- Ellen Jones, Savannah, Ga
Thanks for allowing us to take care of Mr.Cols he was a brilliant& very intelligent man. PEACE & BLESSING H.W.L.C & Staff
- Carolyn milton, savannah, ga.
To Patty and her Family, Deepest condolences. You are in our prayers.
- Jacques & Monique Hauss, Woodbine, GA
Dearest Family, our love and prayers go out to you. Alice and Fred Goerke
- Fred Alice Goerke, Woodbine, ga
We are so sorry for your loss. Simon was quite a man and we are sending thoughts and prayers to you all.
- Maggie and Sandy, Fairfax, VA
My condolences to Mary Ellen and the family. I have many fond memories of Simon. You two were a great team and an inspiration to so many people. My love and prayers are with you.
- Lisa Luckett, Savannah, GA
Sorry I am late. We lived across the street in Emerson from this fine gentleman. My story is about having to get glasses as an 11 year old. I was embarrassed and self-conscious, but Mr. Cols made a difference in my life when he joked with me about how all smart people wore glasses. That taught me compassion and relieved me of my embarrassment. Thank you, Mr. Cols.
- Michael Norton, Medford, New Jersey
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
