Geoffrey (Geff) Simlo (9 Oct 1931 - 31 Aug 2015)

Back in 1971 and oblivious to the finer points of lawn care, I remember meeting Geff for the first time and immediately being conscious of two things: 1) Geff Simlo's lawn was immaculate and meant a lot to him, and 2) Steve and I were being trusted to play on it. This responsibility was communicated to me in a few words and what appeared to be the friendly but fixed gaze of a Mancunian hawk. A year or two later, Geff took me and Steve to see City away at Arsenal; something I hugely appreciated having never seen Arsenal play before. Of course, we sat with the City fans and, with the same piercing gaze, I received a new and even greater responsibility: not to get us all beaten up by celebrating Arsenal's goals! Geff loved his lawn and City, and I still feel quietly proud that he could have trusted me with them both. The last time I saw him (at Steve's wedding) we talked about old times and new, but mostly about football. Geff's directness was as undiminished and enjoyable as ever, qualities that I think were perfectly captured in a photo of him from that day.

Back in 1971 and oblivious to the finer points of lawn care, I remember meeting Geff for the first time and immediately being conscious of two things: 1) Geff Simlo's lawn was immaculate and meant a lot to him, and 2) Steve and I were being trusted to play on it. This responsibility was communicated to me in a few words and what appeared to be the friendly but fixed gaze of a Mancunian hawk. A year or two later, Geff took me and Steve to see City away at Arsenal; something I hugely appreciated having never seen Arsenal play before. Of course, we sat with the City fans and, with the same piercing gaze, I received a new and even greater responsibility: not to get us all beaten up by celebrating Arsenal's goals. Geff loved his lawn and City, and I still feel quietly proud that he could have been trusted with them both! The last time I saw him (at Steve's wedding) we talked about old times and new, but mostly about football. Geff's directness was as undiminished and enjoyable as ever, qualities that I think are perfectly captured in a photo of him from that day.

It was early in 1999 when I got a very brusk call from Geff Simlo, looking for a financial adviser. He decided to have a bit of a "beauty parade" of advisers and I was on his shortlist. I had a chat with him and then a meeting and I found him to be very honest, direct and frank. I hoped that he would decide to work with me but I had to wait and see. I liked him and Marian.

A week or so later I called him to see if he had made a decision and he told me "If it was a football match you'd be winning 2-0". Typical Geff. Of course he still had one more to see but I'm glad to say the final score was 3-0. This began a very enjoyable 16 year relationship with Geff and his family. What a great man. To me, he was a no nonsense man, tolerated his chrones and the associated complications like you would brush away a fly. He took great delight of course in telling me every gory detail of the incidents over the years. His relationship with Marian was enviable and the affection between them for all to see. I too have enjoyed his wisdom, his photographs, his travel stories, his zest for life. We always agreed that whatever happened to him, he and Marian had had a great life. No regrets.

Me? I had a client who became a friend. When I was rushed to Hinchingbrook for emergency surgery some years ago, he and Marian came to see me (although I was out for the count) and I woke up to a huge bunch of flowers. He told me I looked pretty awful (no messing!). When he was in hospital earlier this year, I went to see him and he said he thought I was almost family.

A top man. I will miss him. You wouldn't go far wrong if you adopted Geff's attitude to life.

Geoffrey (Geff) Simlo , i never see him face to face.. but i know him from Mark's facebook.. a Humorous, responsible, full of love.. he is a good man. proud of him and very happy to know him (even never met, no talking etc..)

I wish I had known you better at school, Mark and your parents; truly amazing people that I've come to know recently through the magic of Facebook. What a blessing they have been to you and yours, family, friends (whom I suspect were actually treated as extended family), and neighbors. Your Dad has most certainly left a big footprint on this world. He truly made a difference!

Living on the opposite corner to Mr Simlo, gave me a birds eye view of "the gardens" ! Memories include bars of soap given to my Mum from one job I think he held. The day the moles invaded what seemed to be the only garden in the area and the day the willow tree had to be felled always something garden related !

I knew Geoff ever since I was born he lived opposite my parents and both him and Marion where lovely neighbours .
He loved his garden and I am sure his garden loved him back as no one else in the village could grow plants like Geoff . He was kind and full of lovely story's of his travels around the world and could always give me great advice on the best places to go and visit .
The house on the corner of Glebe Road will always be Geoff and Marion's to me and I will think of him every time I go by .

Every little helps X

I recognized Geff from Marks Facebook posts and pictures, we were in Morrisons down the cold meat section, I was confident it was he as he had an iPhone firmly in his grip, like me I'm sure his shopping list was on his device, I introduced myself as Marks friend off Facebook and he seemed to enjoy the recognition

Fly hi you top gentleman ??????

Recognizing Geoff from Marks Facebook posts and pictures, we were down the cold meat isle. I knew it was him he had an iPhone in hand so I introduced myself, one top gentleman fly hi Geoff ????

I never got the pleasure of meeting Geff or get to know him, but in away I felt that I did, through all photos that Mark put up of Geff and his mum.

Geff had a wonderful seance of humor, so loved to see the thing that him and Mark would get up too. It was like reading a good book, you could never put it down, because you had to see what happened in the next chapter.

Geff you had one amazing life, God has a new adventure for you, rest in peace.

I met Geff through work, but I mostly remember his as a friend. Like Ven, I also travelled with him across the country, meeting customers. Perhaps customers is not the right word. For Geff, his customers were also his friends. This must have made him the master salesman he was.
"If it is not fun, why do it" - this certainly applied to everything he did. I remember, not only the meetings with customers, but also, and especially, the many fine concerts I went together with him and Marian.
I am sure he enjoyed life to the full, as long as it was possible. He told me of his illness a year ago when we last spoke, telling me he was already then on extra time.
My sincere condolences. You had a great father. Everybody at Loval will remember him.

Richard Hedin informed me yesterday about Geff. I was not in touch with Geff since a long time , but he was mentioned by me anytime I needed to explain to young sales people what really means to be professional in this kind of job.
He was one of the first persons that I met when I joined HT in 2002 and I shall always keep with me memories of nice days spent together traveling UK from North to South (with some dangerous moments on the way as his driving style was something unusual) , carrying HT flag from a customer to another and doing good business anytime we were working together on some project.
His stories about his trips with Marion all over the world, his jokes, sport conversations about Manchester City and many other things were the dressing of our long hours in car!!!
R.I.P. , Geff, you have been a good partner and a good friend.
Ven Peroni
CEO HT SPA ITALY

I was out with Matti from Loval for lunch today. Your father and mother used to stay with him in Finland. I was asking him if they ever took part in the sauna / lake dips but apparently not, which does not surprise me. They went to many concerts together when in this country. Matti told us about Geff's problem and it was no surprise he lasted longer than expected. I did just leave a message on his mobile answer phone not knowing he was no longer with us. I had much respect for Geff and it is sad to think he is no longer with us. He came to visit us at home a few years ago and was particularly interested in our eldest child that has cerebral palsy. One of his grandchildren also suffers.
He was the master salesman who will always be admired. He used to phone my father each evening to advise him of his day. That doesn't happen in the present society.
I enjoyed reading your words which did him great justice. I wish you all well.