Kinmel Bay man who died ‘was always there for people who needed him’

Simon Lee Stead died suddenly aged 34 on Tuesday, October 10.

He is survived by his grandfathers, Jim and Eddie; his parents, Caroline and Simon; his siblings, Craig and Nicola; his nieces and nephews, Archie, Isla, Ioan, Enfys and Llew; and his aunties and uncles.

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Born in St Asaph, Simon attended Towyn Infants and Juniors school, and later Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan in Abergele, before being offered an apprenticeship at aerospace company, Airbus.

Simon went to work for Airbus until 2017, by which time he had already travelled to 50 different countries at the age of 27.

After leaving Airbus, he moved to Saudi Arabia, having taken up a job manufacturing planes.

Simon Lee Stead in Saudi Arabia (Image: Craig Goodall)

Craig Goodall, Simon’s brother, celebrated the life of a “complete one-off”.

He said: “He made friends and touched people’s lives everywhere he travelled to. He was a Good Samaritan, always looking out and helping others in selfless acts.

“He used to ‘vlog’ his trips abroad, and loved playing family bingo when home, and singing cheesy songs on karaoke with his friends; Westlife’s ‘World of our Own’ was his favourite.

“He was a complete one-off.”

Stacey Goodall, Craig’s wife and Simon’s sister-in-law, has set up an online fundraiser page in memory of Simon.

More than £1,400 has already been pledged on the Facebook page, with proceeds going to the UK charity, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.

You can donate yourself here: www.facebook.com/donate/2453882711459672/332356882679654.

On the page, Stacey wrote: “We are raising money in memory of our amazing Simon Lee, who left us far too soon.

“Simon Lee has touched so many people’s lives all over the world, and everyone will agree what an incredible, happy and unique person he was.”

In a statement, Simon’s wider family paid tribute to a man who “lived his life to the full”.

A family statement read: “His smiley, happy, cheeky grin will be remembered forever. His love for all of his family, and especially his nieces and nephews, was unprecedented.

“He lived his life to the full, travelling the world multiple times, and believed travelling was the only thing you could buy which makes your life richer.

“He will never be forgotten, and stays in our hearts forever.”

Simon Lee Stead (Image: Craig Goodall)

Simon’s friends also remembered “Dobby” through numerous tributes.

Harry, a friend from school, said: “We live in a world where people are judged by class. ‘Dobby’ had none of that, and treated everyone as equals, and society should learn from that.

“He was the link between all his friends who failed to keep in touch. He never failed on that front and he brought people together.

“If ‘Dobby’ saw an elderly man sitting on his own in the pub, he wouldn't think twice to go and speak to him, and then come back with some hilarious stories.

“He made everyone feel good and impacted so many people's lives positively.

“His family should take warmth knowing they raised one of the best human beings who we have been lucky enough to have had in our lives.

“I will be forever grateful and proud that I got to spend over 23 years knowing him. We will all miss his big, cheesy grin and incredibly funny stories, but we will never forget them.”

James Hay and Matt O’Leary, friends who Simon made in school and college, added: “Simon Lee taught us that there’s a bigger world out there. Life is short, so make the most out of every moment.

“He was always there for people when they needed him; he never judged, he just embraced them.

“He would travel the world back home to ensure he was there on all the big occasions, sharing the memories at home with us all.

“He would surprise you with a new unique story and adventure that would always put a smile on your face.

“He touched everyone and everything with his outlook on life, and we should all be determined to cherish the moments and experiences in life and not the possessions.

“We love you, Dob, and we will miss you, but we are happy you are now at peace.”

Simon Lee Stead (Image: Craig Goodall)

Sam Henning, a friend Simon made during his days at Airbus, added: “Simon Lee, thank you for sticking by me and getting me that second chance. (You are) forever in my heart.”

Simon’s funeral will take place at Denbighshire Memorial Park and Crematorium, St Asaph at 4pm on Monday, October 23.

This will be followed by a reception at The Plough, St Asaph (upstairs), where people are invited to remember “happy memories and his fun sense of humour”.

Donations to PAPYRUS are encouraged in lieu of flowers.