Prized memories: Simon's favourite jacket, Guns n Roses shirt and electric guitar with some other mementos supplied by friends and family.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
In a touching tribute to a local legend, the Shepparton community gathered to bid farewell to a cherished figure whose music had woven into the city’s streets.
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With tears shed and heartfelt memories shared, it wasn’t difficult to understand why Simon Jones was adored and cherished by many.
Held at Encounter Christian Church on Thursday, April 4, about 100 people attended the funeral to give this local icon the send-off he deserved.
As the crowd entered the room, they were welcomed by seeing Simon’s rock memorabilia centre stage.
Cherished items: Simon's amplifier, guitar and drum kit.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Friends, family, and acquaintances came together to pay their respects, and while emotions ran high, there was still a sense of unity in commemorating a well-lived life.
Honour: Martin Jones reading out a poem for his late brother Simon.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Throughout the service, members of the audience sang their hearts out to beloved rock hits played frequently by Simon while he would busk outside Kmart in Shepparton.
Simon created a sense of normality surrounding busking, and one of his admirers, Max Morrison, noticed this.
“Making people’s day better out of it, making busking normal, he was always there — absolute legend,” Mr Morrison said.
With each chord strummed and notes sung, memories of Simon’s music echoed through the hearts of those present, evoking a bittersweet symphony of remembrance.
Attending the funeral: (Back) Warwick Barling, Israel Barling, 18 months old, and Simon's niece Danalle Barling. (Front) Oaklyn Barling, 3, and Olivia Barling, 5.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Amid shared stories and laughter mingled with tears, there was solace in recognising his music’s impact on the community and beyond.
Memories: Simon's sister Cecilia Pople shares some memories and read Bible verses.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Simon’s younger brother, Martin Jones, said one of his favourite memories of his brother was “drum solos in bands that didn’t want him to keep going with the solo”.
Simon was fondly remembered by those close to him for his warm smile, cheeky humour, kind-hearted nature, and unwavering dedication to bringing joy to the streets of Shepparton and surrounding areas.
Remembering: Simon’s brother in-law Greg Pople was the emcee for the service.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“Simon was everyone’s mate, no matter who you were,” Simon’s sister, Bernadette Jones, said.
Many found comfort and familiarity in his presence, and his absence left a noticeable emptiness within the community.
As the service concluded, there was a profound gratitude for the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary individual.
Touching tribute: Immediate family, friends and extended members of the family come together as one to pay tribute.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Though Simon may have taken his final bow, his sense of humour and love for others will rock on for many years to come.
In verse: Poem from Martin Jones to his late brother Simon Jones
Poem by Martin Jones to his late brother Simon Jones
Oh, Simon, if you only knew,
Oh, Simon, from your little stool.
The touch and embrace that you did create,
The tears and the sadness that you would make.
But the love and the light from the music you did share,
All of that from your little chair.
I wish there was a rock ‘n’ roll heaven,
For there you would surely be.
For music was your lifeblood,
It was your everything.
Whether playing in a band or busking down the street,
People used to gather around to hear our Simon’s beat.
Gunners, Mötley Crüe, and AC/DC too,
These were some of the tunes he would play for me and you.
Def Leppard, KISS, Metallica and Skid Row too, just to name a few,
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