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* Bruce Simon was truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. He was a kind man. He was also an effective, highly knowledgeable lobbyist. Bruce was a great White Sox fan and often hosted charitable and other events at the park.
Bruce passed away last night. This world just won’t be the same without him.
* From Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
My heart aches at this loss, but I thank God for having put me in Bruce Simon’s path over 20 years ago. It gave me the opportunity to meet one of the most amazing, kindest and caring souls in the world. Every time I was lucky enough to see Bruce or spend time with him, it was like seeing and feeling warm sunshine on a cold and cloudy day. I will always treasure our friendship and time together.
Even though Bruce was an incredibly successful lobbyist, I never really saw him so much as a lobbyist but instead an amazing public servant and advocate for millions - someone I really looked up to. I am a better elected official today because of Bruce’s influence on me starting in 2001, as an incoming freshman legislator. He taught me early on how important it was for the most vulnerable among us to have a voice of advocacy fighting for them from those in positions of power to do so.
I genuinely loved Bruce and will miss him dearly. He left an indelible mark of goodness on our state.
My thoughts and prayers are with Marguerite and Bruce’s kids at this time. Bruce loved them more than anything in the world. Being a husband, father and a grandfather was his best and favorite job.
On this earth, Bruce’s lungs gave out. But I know that he got a VIP Express Pass into Heaven where he was able to take the deepest and most gigantic breath of well-deserved Heavenly air. He’s at peace now surrounded by those he loved who went before him, and keeping an eye on all of us. Godspeed my friend until we meet again. ❤️🙏🏼
* RIP…
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 9:26 am
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goddammit
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 9:37 am
Another stalwart of the Capitol is gone. RIP Bruce. Condolences to his family.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:00 am
Bruce was a wonderful person, liked and respected by everyone that knew him. Before his career as a lobbyist he was a trusted legislative liaison for IL human service agencies. As a staff person in those days, I could always count on Bruce to be honest and knowledgeable. He cared about the issues and knew the legislative process. He was a truly kind and gentle man and will be missed.
Comment by Pool boy Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:00 am
Pool boy- Yes, Simon worked at Rehab Services before its incorporation into DHS. Didn’t know him well but he was very well respected by all. Rest in peace.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:14 am
Great man! When my wife got cancer and it was not looking good, he and his wife bought food to our family to ease our burden. Then, when she was healthy enough, he gave us his Sox tickets as he knew she was a big fan. He and his whole family are the kindest people I know, and I rarely say something like that about anyone.
Comment by Lurker Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:15 am
Bruce was a true gentleman and mentor to many. They don’t make them like him anymore. God Bless you, Bruce. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
Comment by on point Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:15 am
Despite being a Sox fan, Bruce was on of the kindest people you could meet. He was always willing to help someone in need, sometimes even if they didn’t know they needed the help. As a lobbyist, he was above reproach. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with him on the shores of Lake Michigan in August swapping stories about family and politics. To Marg, the love of his life and a good Cub fan, you have my deepest sympathy. To Eileen, Mary Kate and Michael, know you meant the world to father and you always will. He will be sorely missed.
Comment by MKM Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:43 am
Great guy all around.
Comment by MM Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:49 am
Almost every conversation with Bruce started with him asking how are you?, how are you doing? In the heat of battle on the craziest days at the capitol Bruce genuinely cared about the person first. It made him an incredibly effective advocate.
I remember a long rain delay at a White Sox game where the two of us sat in the stadium club and he gave me a master class in lobbying. Invaluable for someone just getting their start. Those lessons continued over hundreds of lunches, dinners and conversations at the rail. Bruce is a true friend and mentor.
We are all better off for being fortunate enough to share time and space with that soft spoken giant of a man. He set the bar high.
Comment by Franklin Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:53 am
A huge loss for Illinois. Bruce was one kindest people under the dome. He was wealth of information. I will never forget when he called my first day on the job as Director of Legislative Affairs at DHS.
He didn’t have to offer his knowledge and help but he did so. He told me “I just to make sure you are success and know I’m here if you need something”.
They don’t come any better than Bruce. May he Rest in Peace, prayers to his family and friends.
Comment by Randy Wells Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 10:55 am
Rest in peace, Bruce. Truly one of the best.
Comment by Percy Plantagenet Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 12:12 pm
Simply have to agree with all the comments already listed. Truly one of the good ones!
RIP Bruce
Comment by Etown Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 12:36 pm
A truly wonderful, wonderful man. I had the great honor of working with him and for him and humbly following directly in his footsteps in several positions when still in Illinois State Government in the Thompson administration. He was very patient with me and so many others. I learned a great deal from him and will miss him very much.
Comment by Early Illinoisan Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 3:06 pm
Bruce was a saint. He did more things for more people behind the scenes and never asked for or wanted the attention. Bruce helped hundreds of people over his lifetime.
May God bless his family. Marguerite and the three kids, grandkids, and friends.
Comment by Mark Denzler Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 3:13 pm
Bruce was such a kind man and gentleman. Prayers for him and his family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Comment by MHS Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 4:38 pm
Bruce Simon was one of those guys who made you proud to be a lobbyist. Bruce was an outstanding advocate, but was always willing to listen to different viewpoints.
He’ll be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Comment by Jim Nelson Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 11:03 pm
Sincere condolences to Bruce’s family and many friends, what wonderful tributes written.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 24, 23 @ 11:20 pm
It is said that one’s children are a reflection of a fathers character. As someone who works with his daughter, without ever meeting him I know he was very caring, had a big heart and always put others first.
Comment by Neil Wednesday, Oct 25, 23 @ 10:29 am