David Simon Dies at Age 56

A graduate of D.C.'s Roosevelt High School, he attended Howard University. With his gifted voice he launched a career in entertainment during high school, beginning as a 16-year radio disc jockey and as a television producer. He was appointed as Washington, D.C.'s first motion picture film commissioner tasked with encouraging studios and film makers to make films in D.C. Earlier this year, he was an impassioned volunteer for the presidential campaign of Howard Dean, working daily at Dean's Virginia headquarters in Falls Church. A cherished friend of the Falls Church News-Press, he was often seen at the paper's frequent public events and celebrations.

He is survived by his parents, Grace and Chanclor Simon, two sisters, Sheila Williams and Rhonda Simon, one brother, Howard Simon (Linda), a loving godson Simon Van Steyn, many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Van Steyn delivered a eulogy at a memorial service Monday:

"I had the exceptional good fortune of being brought up in the company of David Simon. My life was shaped by David's presence right from the start. Hours after I was born he cradled me in his arms and I was introduced to one of the best friends I would ever have. Pardon me if my recollection of that day is a little fuzzy, but I can assure you that as I gazed up at him I got my first look at the smile that I would know him by for the rest of his life. Accompanying his warm embrace was the soothing voice by which he sung to me my first songs. If only every newborn child could have this kind of introduction to the world.

"Of course, after day one, life would get increasingly more complicated. But through all my stages and changes, David remained someone I could always relate to and rely on. His youthful, humorous and radiant personality made him the best godfather a nine year old, a 15 year old, a 20 year old or a 26 year old could ever have. I relished spending time with him.

"While those wonderful times built our friendship and would provide me with some of my fondest memories, what really stands out is how much I learned from him. Not through any particular piece of advice, or specific guidance, but through his philosophy of "people come first." In David's world you guys came first. Before work, status, material possessions, distance or petty differences, he focused on how he could brighten your day, how he could do you a favor, or how he could simply get you to relax and enjoy yourself.

"David was a pure genius at this. It was his life's work and he was good at it. For that and a million other reasons we will miss him. Good bye, buddy. I know you'll greet me in the next world with the same smile that you greeted me in this one. I'll love you always."