Dick Simon 86, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully among family on September 1, 2022. He joins his beloved wife Valene Swensen Simon, mother Florene R Roundy and stepfather Arthur E. Simon, son Tim M Simon, son Richard D Simon Jr, and grandson Richard D Simon III. Dick is survived by his children Kelle (Julie) Lyn (Helen), and Sherry (Jon), he has 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way, his sister Saundra Simon Menotti and brother Keith D Brown.
His story: Richard D Simon was born 86 years ago in Provo, Utah but was raised on his grandparent’s ranch in Meridian, Idaho. As he tells the story, his life revolved around two things: work and trucks. “You could say I’ve been on a truck since I was one year old.” When he was 16 his grandfather Wayne Roundy sold everything he had and went on a Mormon mission. His mother lived in Los Angeles, so he went to live with her. He had already saved a good deal of money, but continued to work hard at the produce market and in grocery stores, saving every penny. He had a new car, but decided to trade it for a 2-ton tractor and a 32-foot flatbed trailer and move to Utah.
When he was 26 (1962) years old, his step-father passed away. He purchased his first diesel tractor and a trailer with a refrigerated unit. This was the beginning of Dick Simon Trucking, Inc. His wife Valene, always supported him with whatever he decided to do, and helped in many ways. She was the bookkeeper. As he brought on other drivers, she would bundle up the kids and take them with her to pay the drivers at two or three o’clock in the morning when they would get in. She would even drive the semi for Dick so he could get some sleep, usually between Elko and Lovelock, where she could pretty much drive and not have to shift gears. It was around this time that the “Sweet Simon” the skunk logo made his appearance. As the story goes, in those days Dick Simon would haul just about anything and ended up getting a contract hauling perfume for Max Factor. Soon his trailer started smelling pretty fragrant, maybe too much so. Dick took his truck to a detailer in Salt Lake City who was so good that you wouldn’t tell him what you wanted on your tractor, you’d just let him practice his art. When Dick went to pick it up, he was in a hurry with a load ready to get on the road. He found his beautiful black tractor with “Sweet Simon” skunks painted all over it. He was furious, but there was no time to fix it or argue. To make a long story short, his new look was the hit of the highway. He and Valene got so mush positive response from motorists that the skunk stayed, and a logo identity was born.
In the early 1980’s Dick Simon had 26 tractors. He landed a contract with Smith’s Food King that required doubling the fleet nearly overnight. Later on Dick decided it was in the best interest of the company to take it public. As a result, Simon Transportation Services, Inc. was launched on November 17, 1995, with stock traded on the NASDAQ. In 2000 Dick Simon Trucking, Inc. boasts a fleet of tractors 2300 strong, none more than two years old and 3,500 refrigerated trailers. Serving all 48 contiguous states as well as Canada and Mexico, the company’s prestigious client list included the Nestle USA Companies, Kraft, Pillsbury, Albertson’s and the ConAgra Companies. Dick Simon was an honorable man in an honorable and invaluable profession. He retired and resigned as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer on September 19, 2000.
Dick loved to golf and achieved 11 hole in one’s during his lifetime. He was a member of many golf clubs during his lifetime: Alpine Country Club (UT), Hidden Valley Country Club (UT), Willow Creek Country Club (UT), Terrace Lakes (ID), Desert Horizons Country Club (CA), The Plantation Golf Club (CA), Bighorn Country Club (CA). He was an amazing man with so many people who loved and admired him. He will be dearly missed but will never be forgotten!
In Lieu of flowers please donate to suicide prevention https://liveonutah.org
Funeral Services for Richard D Simon will be Wednesday September 7 at Larkin Sunset Gardens 5 – 8 pm (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd., Sandy, UT). Graveside services Thursday, September 8th at 11 am Valley View Memorial Park (4335 W. 4100 S., WVC, UT).
Mae he rest in heaven with every you haul there Amen. From a truck driver as my self,
Dick was just so full of life. I’ll miss you my friend
Sorry to hear that prayers for him and his family R.I.P
I am so sorry for your loss
I have known Dickie since 2014 but just this year spent more time with him. Playing gin. A game he played well
Dick was a kind man. A proud man.
A man I am happy and proud to have known
My sincerest condolences
Dear Simon Family ,
My heart goes out to each n every one of you for such another Great loss from you family.
My prayers of comfort are with you all ! He was the greatest man ever ! All my love Bobbie Schwehr
Dick was a pioneer when it came to being successful. I met him on a number of occasions, and admired the man. He will be missed .
Sorry to hear about Mr Simon God bless him am family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayer and hugs
RIP sir big respect for you and your company, I've never heard nothing but good about you. I've had some good conversations with your drivers and they all spoke good of you. Another old school driver layed to rest. RIP 🙏 and God bless you and the family.
Deepest condolences to the family of Dick Simon I had the privilege of driving 1559 long hood pete best company I ever drove for........
Condolences to the family and friends RIP
We will miss Dick Simon so much. He was an amazing, and wonderful, man. His story—the American Dream realized.
Our sincerest condolences❤️. Nanette and Jim
Sherry, Jon, and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Although I never personally met your dad, I saw his trucks on the road! That skunk logo is well remembered. He sounds like an amazing, hardworking and dedicated man that raised a great family. Having lost my own father 18 months ago, I truly relate to your loss. I know Dick must be looking down proudly at the family and legacy he left from his place in heaven with much love. Heart hugs to all of you. Love, Connie
Thanks for letting a green kid behind the wheel many moons ago, that experience has carried
me down many many many roads.
We'll see ya later sir.
Dear Big Brother: I will miss our phone calls, a quick trip to Utah or Palm Springs. You always looked out for me, making sure I married the right man, checking on Jim time to time. Mom and Valene will be thrilled to see and talk to you again. The Roundy Family (cousins) are getting smaller and smaller. I loved riding in your big truck when I was younger. I am very proud of your success and a wounderful family.
All my love, Little Sister.
Dick was such a great friend to so many people. He was the “Trail Boss” of our golfing group and we were always in disarray when he wasn’t there to take charge. It was always so clear to everyone how much he loved his family and how proud of them he was. His obituary says it best; He was an amazing man who will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Sincere Condolences to the Simon family. Dick was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Ron and Aviva Snow
Mr Simon will surely be missed by me and the Bighorn family. He was very kind and generous to everyone around him , I was one of the lucky ones to know him . RIP my friend
Kelle, Lyn, Simon Family:
There was a time in my life when your dad and I were closer than brothers; litterally sleeping in the same bed (truck sleeper) We drove together for Cliff Stubs and Utah Wholesale Grocery. Later I worked as his accountant for a couple of years. I love your father and pray that you all remember the generous soul that he was. God bless you all.
Wayne Snow
Hi Kelle and Julie. We send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family for the passing of your dad. We look forward to seeing both of you soon
Mark and Sherri
Never met the man but he did very well in the trucking industry may he rest in peace!! Much love and respect this (show off) on the side
Dear Kelle, Julie and your whole family my heart goes out to you ❤ I'm so sorry for your loss Dick was an amazing person I loved working for him! What a happy soul, lived life for what it was!
We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. We had know Dick through the trucking industry for several years before knowing him as a friend. Dick was a great person and can be proud of what he accomplished during his lifetime. He was a pioneer in our industry and his legacy will continue for years. I know he was very proud of his family and always put them first. What a great guy! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Marvin & Charlie May
My heart is with the whole Simon family. I will never forget Dick, nor will my family. Dick was an amazing man and a great friend to have. I always enjoyed the lunch's we had at the office, and all the great laugh's about the good old day's. I could go on for Hours about how great Dick has always been. Dick was alway's the man that never expected more then what he would expect from his self. And always treated everyone like they where family. Dick you are a real legend in trucking. Thank you fro everything you did over the years. You will never be forgotten. RIP my friend, And thank you for all the memories. Once a skunk, Always a skunk.
Chris Sorrentino
May Uncle Dick rest in peace. The angels will sound, all trumpets shall play all will rejoice when he enters Heavens gates!! I'll forever hold you in my heart your memory will burn bright. Joyous travels will become you as you walk among the stars--- my eternal love Uncle Dick Sleep well
Please accept my condolences.
John loved talking cars with Dick! He will he truly missed. We are so sorry.
Danielle and John
Craig and I send our deepest love and condolences to a legend of a man whom shaped his family and business ventures to a world few have seen.
We are in awe of Dick like our father whom are true legends and will have a lovely glass of something! Together!
So much respect from Craig and Dean
John loved talking cars with Dick! He will he truly missed. We are so sorry.
Danielle and John
They must have needed a leader badly, Dick was a awesome man, he was the boss, his success is proof, he was fair and honest man, who was willing to stand behind employees, and ready to handle issues with much tact. While making you feel his friendship was honest. All he expected of drivers. Was for them to come to work and do their job. It don't get any easier to work for a man, because he has been out there himself, and knows what it takes.. love and miss you Dick.. hugs and prayers to the family. Love you all
Praying for the family of Dick Simon to be at peace and confort during this time. Dick is a well known personality in the trucking industry and will be remembered.
GOD BLESS to Lyn Simon and Family
Dick was a good friend and companion for the many years that I knew him a Bighorn. We all will miss him. He was also a very lucky man to have the family he did have.
I used to work for him back in 2001 and he was a great guy and great friend who is sorely missed my prayers for you and your family