James writes My brother Simon inspired others around him. He had a principled approach to life, and was better than most at living to these lofty ideals.
 I am left with existential questions, and some unsatisfactory explanations   -   that he probably had a very good answer to!
What we are all in reality left with is memories. I am a curator, gatekeeper and recipient of these rare treasures, and am responsible for their upkeep. I will try my best to keep them on display, and proudly show them off to others. Hold on to the great and good, forgive and learn from the bad, but remember it all.
 
When things feel hopeless or lost, the great thing about Simon was that he had an opinion on nearly everything. The chances are that he has already given me the advice that I now desperately seek from him.
 When you climb even the greatest summit, on a landscape of unimaginable scale and magnificence, we do leave something on that mountain, we leave a footprint.
Although the journey was shorter than we all would have liked, it gives me strength to think that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. 
 
Simon had plenty of these, he would glide across a stage or green room like he absolutely deserved to be there. And he did! Assured and witty, with a thirst for knowledge, he left an impression. Many of my fondest memories of him span many cities and venues around the world   - sharing that knowledge, eating fine food in amazing surroundings, consuming the culture, and befriending the locals. 
We would invariably be accompanying a tour, a band, a crew, an artist. He took on a paternal role offering up his vast experience and understanding, and would delight in passing this on. I would  often watch with a proud, perhaps wry smile as I watched this surrogate family trying to impress him!
 
I was no stranger to this! As a child he was my babysitter, mentor, clown, instigator, bad influence, good influence, teacher.
A constant source of fun & humour, Simon would throw himself wholeheartedly into things. Be it martial arts, Arsenal or music, he was happy to indulge his OCD tendencies ....painstakingly collecting, cataloging and organising the various artefacts and souvenirs-from Star Wars, computer games, weapons, records all the way up to his legendary, “Mary Poppins like” tour supply bag.
 
That speaks of the man, the example, and the standards that you set, Simon.   My hero.
I will do my best, I feel a part of you when I speak, joke and laugh. I hope that others do when they speak with me.
 
The de Winters are missing an amazing brother and son, the “Road”  is missing one of its most dedicated warriors, the stage  -  a caring custodian, his friends  - a droll wit and loyal defender.
 
Thank you bro