Revd Sandra Jones, Liverpool Diocese
Simon was my Diocesan Director of Ordinands. My heartfelt sympathy to Simon's family. Simon was such an encouragement to me when I trained to be a Reader in Liverpool Diocese and then trained for ordination. He made learning fun and when he preached it made God's word come alive. May he rest in peace.

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Revd Andrew Turton, Liverpool Diocese
So sad to hear the news about Simon. I met him as I started my discernment journey. He was always encouraging in my own journey to ordination, in Liverpool Diocese, but left just as I started my Ordination training. A sad loss I'm sure for Chester Diocese, as well as to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all whose lives he touched. May he rest in Peace and rise in glory.

Revd Catherine Johnson, trained as a Reader and then Ordination
It has been a real joy to know and work with Simon over the years. I have many fond memories of him and am so grateful for his enthusiasm, his patience, his generosity of spirit and his encouragement. I remember his storytelling - making a group of trainee Readers cry at his telling of the Rag Man and howl with laughter at Jesus' Day Off; his good humour when teaching and just his overwhelming kindness. My thanks to his family for sharing him with us all and my prayers for them as they grieve. Rest in peace, Simon, you were so loved and you will be so missed.

Revd Dr Janine Arnott, Colleague
Simon was a gift: kind, capable, generous, and warm-hearted. He brought joy and light to every occasion and enriched the lives of those around him. We have lost a true brother in Christ, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Revd Pauline Rowe, Colleague at Liverpool Diocese
I first met Simon during my training for ordination on the All Saints Mission and Ministry course. He was a tutor, a mentor and the person who "signed me off" to be ordained in June 2013. Simon was kind, caring, encouraging, a very good listener in times of doubts or concerns. He taught in a way that was easy to understand even for me who had not been in a classroom for 35 years. After my ordination as SSM I continued to see Simon as we both worked in the offices at Liverpool Diocese until 2016 when I became a stipendiary minister. I will always remember Simon as a very supportive person to each and everyone of us who studied on the course. Our lives have been enriched by his presence, his hard work in teaching us, his gift of listening and encouraging as we all grew in God's call to serve.
I am deeply saddened by his death, it is such a great loss.

Judy, St Mark's Worship Team
Deeply saddened by Simon’s passing. I constantly look where Simon would be standing to play his guitar and the realisation that he will no longer be there fills me with great sadness. He was such a talented musician. I also dog sat for him on several occasions. In the words of Luke Skywalker from Star Wars which Simon was great fan “No one has really gone.” You will live on in our hearts and fond memories Simon.

Rob Green, Co-Facilitator Reader Training with Simon in the early 2000s
Simon was the kindest, loveliest and most supportive colleague and it was a joy to work with him. He had so many gifts but was also deeply humble. I know that I am one of very, very many people whose lives were touched by his life and ministry. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Tad Baranski, Colleague at ICL/Fujitsu in the 1990s
At that time, in the 1990s Simon and I became good friends. Our faith in Jesus kept us sane in a hard and demanding commercial environment. Simon was, of course, great at his job. Frankly Simon would have been a huge success at anything he chose to do in life.

Simon and I often chatted about his impending response to a clear call from God to enter full time Christian ministry. I remember him leaving to study in Oxford with sadness, I knew I would miss him dearly, but also delighted that he would start a journey of serving his heavenly Father and all those who also loved him. Thankfully we managed to meet up a number of times during his training.

Simon was, of course, very intelligent, passionate, caring, gracious, generous, amusing, quick witted, giving, selfless, hard working. His infectious smile (was he ever without a smile that lit up a room and everyone in it?), honesty and skill in listening are some of his gifts I will remember always. I will never meet a man like him again, and our time together is a clear highlight in my life. There is nobody I would ever have trusted more.

Jesus, I am sure, boasted about Simon to his father: Matthew 10:32 "Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.". Simon always told others about Jesus. Now, Simon can see the Saviour he served faithfully, face to face. Thank you Simon for who you were.

Revd Aled Seago, Diocesan Colleague, part of Ministry Committee
I first met Simon as part of the 'First Base' transition to first incumbency course, and then after joining the Diocesan Synod ministry committee I was able to work alongside him a bit more. He was always a joy and an encouragement to chat to. I do, and will, miss him greatly.

Revd Elaine Chegwin Hall, Canon Emeritus at Chester Cathedral worked with Simon over the years in various roles, more recently in the ministry team as convenor for deliverance ministry
Simon was engaging, empowering and encouraging. He enabled people to believe in themselves and to develop their God given gifts. I loved him for the joy that he brought when entering any room, for his careful ability to listen and value people's contributions and for the difference he made in my life and in the lives of many others. We are truly blessed to have known him. I am desperately sad to hear of his passing and have been holding his family and his colleagues in prayer.

Revd Jo Pemberton, Colleague who Simon supported through training and curacy
I will always value Simon's wisdom, encouragement and Christian friendship. As my mentor there is a huge hole in my life and those who he helped through their Christian journey. I pray for his family, friends and colleagues. For Simon's soul to rest in eternal peace. Amen

Jeff Jerram, Occasional Worship Leader
Simon was involved in my OWL course where I found him to be enthusiastic, engaging and informative. I subsequently led worship where Simon presided at Holy Communion. I will always remember a verse from Scripture Colossians 3 v17 because of a session that Simon ran at Foxhill. He was a charismatic gentleman and he will be missed.

Roy Edward, OWLs Course Spring 2026, Heswall PWA Spring 2025
Simon was a sparkling, kind, gentle, wise and funny man. Though I knew him only for a short time he left an indelible mark. We are all the poorer for his sudden passing.

Isobel Chetwood, Occasional Worship Leader
So saddened to hear of the death of Simon. He was inspirational in his delivery of the OWLS course mixing teaching with humour, warm encouragement and spiritual guidance. Rest in peace and rise in glory.

Anne Samuels, parishioner in Simon's deanery in the 1990s and throughout Simon's career
I am tremendously grateful for Simon's honesty and open-ness, humility, heartfelt commitment, and sense of humour. He has been so generous with his wonderful communication skills and has been an inspiring trainer, giving us all a sense of our worth and enabling us to discern our own gifts and see how best to use them in the service of Christ. I have felt great affection for him and shall aways remember his 'jolly' voice, full of laughter and encouragement. I share the grief and loss of so many and feel deeply for all who have been closest.

Lee Longden, Former Colleague (All Saints)
My all abiding memory of Simon was his sheer vibrancy - it’s no coincidence that some of us affectionately and irreverently referred to him as Tigger when his presence was a welcome antidote to our occasional cynicism. I was very fond of Simon, despite the bad jokes(!). I loved the way he constantly tried to see the best in people (even when they didn’t deserve it or had let him down), tried to point to the best in the Church (even when it didn’t deserve it or had let him down), loved, encouraged and fought for his students (especially those who were struggling), and was entirely trustworthy, conscientious and reliable. I am desperately sad that life proved too great a struggle for a precious soul, and send my heartfelt love and condolences to his family and close friends. For some of us, we mourn his loss and think ‘there but for the grace of God go we’. Rest well, good and faithful friend and dearly loved child of God.

Karl Williams, Worked for Simon in the Discernment Team
Simon was one of my tutors through Reader training, training for ordained ministry and post ordination training. I worked for him as part of the discernment team, and with the delivery of the OWL courses. I have always been in awe of his incredible depth of knowledge and his great sense of humour and quick wit. It was a real privilege to work with him, and he will be so sadly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have worked with him.
Rest in Peace and rise in glory.
Your brother in Christ.
Karl

Revd Canon Anne Edwards, Coordinating Chaplain Emmanuel Theological College
So sorry to hear of Simon's death. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to work with him in his many different roles over 25 years. His humour, wisdom and encouragement were so much appreciated by many. Praying for all his family, friends and colleagues.

Yorke Menzies, Foundations for Ministry
God’s love shone through Simon. He was a faithful servant and discipled many. I shall treasure the memory of our final Agape meal. I am praying for God’s peace and comfort for all his family, friends and colleagues. What a blessing Simon was and how privileged we are to have known him.

Alison,
Love and prayers for all who are affected by this tragic death.

Revd Canon Dr Judy Hunt, Former Diocesan Director of Ministry and Mission and Colleague

Simon was a wonderful colleague and a brilliant teacher / trainer for fellow disciples of Christ – in his skill, in his commitment and in the way he was concerned for those with whom he was in contact.

I first came across Simon in the mid 1990’s when we were both tutors on the Diocesan Reader Training Course. Simon taught Year 2 (Church History) and I followed on in Year 3 (Mission, Ethics and Worship). It is a tribute to Simon that the members of the group had always been encouraged and enthused during Year 2!

At the beginning of 2003, I became Director of Ministry and we were soon advertising for a Ministry Development Officer – Simon applied and was clearly the best person for that post. At the time, I was so pleased that he was appointed and my gratitude to him and for him grew over the years that we worked closely together.

Team work was key to developing support for ministry (lay and ordained) in the Diocese, as we aimed to listen carefully to God and to other people. We formed a team that broadened out to encompass others – both paid and volunteer staff. Simon was an encourager to people in and beyond this team. He was kind, loyal, humorous and a pleasure to work with.

Simon’s role as Ministry Development Officer coincided with a time of massive upheaval in the world of theological education and ministerial training within the Church of England. He always had a ‘can-do’ attitude, which I appreciated, in terms of trying to help individuals rather than putting a system in place that all had to fit into, no matter what their previous experience or their current situation. The work that Simon did with Ruth Ackroyd and others in the University of Chester was truly ground-breaking. Operating in this field at such a time was by no means easy, although it could be exciting. I cannot think of anyone who would have been a better colleague during this era.

Simon and his ministry became a channel through which God touched so many lives – hundreds over the years – in a positive and fruitful way.

In more recent times, following my retirement from full-time ministry and a move back into the Diocese, Simon and I had met on several occasions and begun to do some work together once again. I shall miss him so very much – but in expressing this, I am aware that loss I feel is so very much more keenly and deeply experienced by his family. They, and also colleagues of Simon in more recent years, are in my thoughts and prayers.

Simon – thank you for being such a loyal friend and valued colleague.

I am using this prayer:
Simon
You shared your life with us:
God give his eternal life to you.
You gave your love to us:
God give his deep love to you.
You gave your time to us:
God give his eternity to you.
You gave your light to us:
God give everlasting light to you.
Go upon your journey, dear one,
to be surrounded by Christ’s love and light
in his life eternal. Amen.

David Hermitt, Diocese of Chester
Simon always had a smile and was willing to share a joke. His wisdom, kindness and compassion will be missed. My prayers are with his family and close friends. May he rest in peace.

Jenny Gillies
Simon was a friend. We worked together between 2005 - 2010 and he later taught me briefly. We have stayed in touch.

Alan Hewitt, Occasional Worship Leader
I am shocked at the news. Through his ministry and guidance on the OWLS course I know helped me a great deal.

Jeremy Maynard, Occasional Worship Leader (OWL)
Simon was the Lecturer on my recent OWL Course. Over a period of four weeks he coaxed us into becoming OWL's and his frequent and amusing anecdotes took all the stuffiness out of what could be regarded as a rather stiff academic exercise. His lightheartedness made the learning process highly enjoyable, uplifting, and also spiritual. He will be sorely missed, may he RIP, God Bless his memory.

Liz Roberts, Trained as an ordinand when Simon was Diocesan Director of Ordinands at Liverpool Diocese
Simon was such a special human being: kind, thoughtful, caring, encouraging and motivating. When I went to my Bishops' Panel, a card from Simon and Debbie Ellison was awaiting me: typical of both of them. And when I was accepted, he sought me out, gave me a huge hug and promised to pray for me. So typical of him! I shall miss his humour, the lightning wit of the man, and his deep devotion to God. May he rest in peace and rise to glory.

Julie Rigby, Lay Reader
Simon you were a lovely man who knew when to laugh with you and cry with you. You were more than a mentor you were my friend. I know that you are in heaven and my heart goes out to your family and loved ones at this sad time.

Katharine Emery, Occasional Worship Leader
Such a shock to hear of Simon's passing, my heart goes out to his family and friends. I only met him a few times as he lead the Occasional Worship Leaders Course I attended. I very much enjoyed the course and was struck by his enthusiasm and encouragement. He was a brilliant teacher, very personable and engaging. He will be greatly missed by many.

David Herbert, Former Colleague
How sad. Simon was a great source of encouragement for me as I moved into a new phase of ministry supporting continuing ministerial development. I know that so many will have flourished as a result of his encouragement and his outstanding teaching ability. He helped lay foundations for ministry for hundreds of people - with his voice coming across loud and clear in all the course materials. My prayers are with his family and his close colleagues at Church House.

Dimitri Paul Savvides, Licensed Lay Minister
Simon was so personable and relaxed that he immediately put you at your ease. He was a great encouragement and his calm reassurance persuaded the 'Chester 8' to change to Emmanuel TC for our final year of LLM training in 2023.

Revd Ian Enticott, worked with Simon on Foundations for Ministry 2002-2010
Simon was always upbeat and infectiously cheerful. He was a great encourager and it was a delight to work alongside him teaching the Foundations for Ministry course and re-shaping some of the modules. He was a special friend and I will miss him greatly.

Revd Ron Iveson, Colleague
Dear, dear Simon, your smile, warmth, winsomeness, passionate faith, deep erudition, musicality, friendliness, breadth of concern and ability to engage all folks from just everywhere are just some of the memories which I will hold dearly but in the end you were Simon ...loved, respected and cherished deeply ... I'll miss you.

Mike Holt, Reader/Licensed Lay Minister
Deeply saddened to hear about Simon’s death. Simon gave me a second opportunity to train as a reader, and in doing so, I had the full college experience, through Emmanuel Theological College. On licensing day, last October, Simon took time out to walk and chat with me as I collected my reader's scarf in preparation for the Bishop's charge. It feels like personal family loss, a fellow brother in Christ. Rest in peace, Simon

Revd Dr Tim Robinson, Lay Reader
Rest in peace Simon. You were an inspirational teacher, and a good friend over the last 20 plus years, always full of enthusiasm and positivity.

Aly Tuft, Occasional Worship Leader
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Simon.
He was an encourager and had a wonderful personality and sense of humour..
Thank you for being part of my OWLs journey
R.I.P Simon 🙏

Keith Fletcher, Reader
A kind and generous soul, who will be sorely missed. I give thanks for the ministry he gave to me and St John’s, Walton. I pray for his family, colleagues and friends, and know that he is now in heaven, with our Lord and Redeemer. God bless you Simon, and the service you have given across your life.

Alice Brown, wife of Julie Withers
Julie had known Simon for many years and always spoke very fondly of him. Whenever we saw him he always had a lovely smile. Such a shock to hear of his death. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues. Rest in Peace Simon, you good and faithful servant xx

Anne Joyce, Reader
Simon was helpful kind and wise. He was a great encourager.

Helen Rutter, Licensed Pastoral Worker
Simon kept on encouraging all the way through the years of training, at times when I nearly gave up he somehow took the pressure off. I am very grateful to have met Simon. May he rest in peace.
❤️

Ken Smyth, Lay Reader
I first met Simon in the late 1990s/early 2000's during my Lay Reader training.

Julie Smyth, Foundations for Ministry
Thank you, Simon, for your gift of teaching, guidance, and ongoing help during my Pastoral Worker training. I'll never forget your smile and wonderful caring nature. Rest in peace 🙏 God Bless Julie xxx

Michael Banham-Guerrero, Foundations for Ministry
I had the privilege of knowing Revd Simon Chesters through the Foundation for Ministry Course. He was a beacon of compassion and knowledge, traits that endeared him to everyone who had the pleasure of attending his courses over the years. Revd Simon's impact on those around him was profound. His teachings were not merely about imparting information but about nurturing a deeper understanding and connection with faith. His approach was always inclusive, making everyone feel welcomed and valued.

As we remember Revd Simon, our prayers and thoughts remain with all who knew him, particularly his devoted family and friends. The lessons we learned from him continue to resonate, offering comfort and guidance. We hold onto the belief that Simon's spirit continues to guide us, offering wisdom and insight from Heaven. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

God bless Simon for all he has done. His contributions to our lives and our faith journey are immeasurable, and his memory will forever inspire us to carry forward his passion and dedication.

Revd Emma Handley, trained for ordination under Simon's direction
Simon was the best teacher - interesting, engaging and able to communicate dull theology in a way that made it fascinating. He was funny and friendly and compassionate - always good to talk to about stuff. Like everyone else I feel in a state of shock about his passing. He leaves a huge gap because he inputted so much. I am praying for his wife and family because they must feel devastated.

Revd Christine Turner, Colleague
In loving memory of such a wonderful supportive tutor, friend and colleague over the years from college to the world of vicardom. There are really no words, to express the sadness of you saying goodbye to be with Your Saviour. Your infectious enthusiasm will remain with all who knew you and thank you for all that you brought to the Anglican Church, that was fresh and new and creative and delivered with fun and energy. With heartfelt prayers for your family and friends and colleagues. You will be missed by so very many people, God bless you Simon, rest in the love of Jesus.

Yvonne Kerridge, Licensed Pastoral Worker
Simon was very kind to me during a particularly difficult time in my life and personally guided me through the licensed pastoral worker training. Sending sincerest condolences to his closest family, colleagues and friends.

Lynne, Ordinations Photographer
I was shocked to hear the sad news of Simon's death. He was such a kind and caring man. He always made sure I was OK and had what I needed and I will never forget how he checked I was OK when I had a crash in my car on the way to an ordination. I will definitely miss Simon and his encouragement he always gave me.

Rachel, Colleague
I'm not sure I will ever hear 'splendid!' again, and certainly not the cheery and good-humoured way - that, amongst many things, will be hugely missed. Simon was thoughtful, kind, generous, patient and a joy to work and serve alongside. He blessed those with whom he worked. He was part of my vocational journey in so many ways; asking helpful, challenging questions in his thoughtful and kind way.

I remember rocking up at Church House after a busy day, with some time to spare before another meeting. The smell of pizza and garlic bread wafted from upstairs, and Simon's offering was spread out before us all. Such a precious moment of community and friendship, gifted to us by Simon's generosity and care.