A Thanksgiving Funeral Mass for Mr Simon Charles RAFFIN will be offered at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, COHUNA on MONDAY (31st July, 2023) commencing at 11:30am.
Location of Church can be found here
A private cremation will be held.
We wish to encourage you to express your sympathies and condolences to the family via a post on this announcement which the family are able to access and read.
(All messages are pending the approval of staff to avoid inappropriate content)
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ANZ Sarcoma Association (sarcoma.org.au) or a charity of your choice.
I only just heard of Simon’s passing. I was so shocked to hear this. I worked with Simon at ANZ on a few complaints and he was always the calmest, most considered and fair person who contributed to some amazing customer outcomes. I knew Simon only as a work colleague but he left a huge mark on me and I pass my sincerest sympathies to his family.
Simon,
I just found out of your struggles and passing last year. I miss you so much.
Thank you for being such an amazing person and friend. The kids from out of town in year 11/12 we were bonded together. Thank you for your generosity, kindness and passion. I loved our time together and think of you as one of my best friends. I am so extremely fortunate that you shared your life with me in late high school and early uni days as we all moved to Melbourne. I loved hanging out in the city and dancing like nobody cared. Because honestly. They didn’t. But we had a ball. I think of you often and still use the password you set up for me back in the late 1990’s. Love you heaps. And hope you are at peace xxxx
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke and family,
We are so heartbroken by the loss of Simon and all that you had to go through for the past months.
We are so glad to have had the opportunity to meet him at Luke & Caroline’s wedding and even through our short interactions, it became clear what a wonderful, funny, witty and clever human being he was. Simon radiated warmth and laughter and we felt immediately drawn to him. Reading the below comments from so many people who knew him better and shared such wonderful anecdotes is both incredibly sad and inspiring to hear how much joy he brought to some many during his time with us.
We wish you much strength and send love your way!
Lauren & Roman
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona & Luke,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your beautiful son and brother.
I was blessed to have worked with Simon at ANZ, he was the salt of the earth, a wonderful person and the best lawyer I have ever worked with – so kind, respectful, calm, compassionate, wise, intelligent and his ability to help us come up with the right solution was a genuine gift.
I loved his sense of humour and the warmth in the connection he had with all our product and marketing teams. He would light up a meeting with his presence. We all loved him and are utterly heartbroken with his sudden passing.
There aren’t many people that leave a genuine and long lasting impression – Simon was one of these rare gems! I will miss our chats Simon, so grateful our paths crossed.
Biggest hugs to the Raffin family and all his friends x
Dearest Raffin Family
I was so shocked and saddened when I heard news of Simon’s passing.
Simon and I attended uni and Queen’s together. We lost touch for several years but had reconnected in the past few years. It seems like only weeks ago that we last caught up for coffee.
I will miss you, Simon. Your guidance, thoughts and friendship. Your cheeky smile when passing on news…
To the Raffin Family, take care. We are thinking of you.
Allison
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Simon a few years back. He was without doubt one of the lovliest, funny, kind and intelligent people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Life was always fun with Simon around. I am so sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to have crossed paths with Simon.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona & Luke,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of Simon – A beautiful man gone way too soon. I will miss seeing him out & about.
XX Sharon
Dear Ann and Charlie Thinking. Of All Your Beautiful. Family. Love And Take Care 💜💐💕
To Charlie, Anne, Sarah, Fiona and Luke.
Deepest condolences on the loss of Simon.
May he rest in peace.
Steve, Yvonne and the Copat family.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke,
Sending our love and sympathy on the sad passing of Simon. As Remy’s Godmother I will always honour Simon as his Godfather. We are all inspired by his courage. Love Madeline, Patrick, Annabelle and Clementine
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke and families.
I was so saddend to hear the news of the passing of Simon, although I didn’t know him very well, I have read the many messages left and he was a person that was loved and admired. With the words intellectual, gentleman, kind, loving, incredible and remarkable, just a few to mention, you must all be very proud of him and what he achieved during his life.
I remember the days when mum and dad would comment about Charlie and Ann’s beautiful family and how wonderful the children were, they would say such a credit to both parents!
It is always very sad to hear the passing of someone so young and so talented, Simon appears to have made such a large impact on so many people during his short life, I’m sure his family can only dream of what could have been?
Why is the question we all ask is these situations, unfortunately we never seem to receive an answer to help us come to terms of what has happened.
Nadia and I (Mara Pigatto) wish you all our sincere condolences during this difficult time, I hope that reading these beautiful messages/stories about Simon can bring you some comfort of what a truly wonderful person he was.
Deepest sympathy to Charlie,Anne,Fiona,Sarah, & Luke on the passing of Simon.
Thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.
Lorraine Lionel Learmonth .
Dear Raffin family,
I am truly saddened to hear about Simon’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts.
Simon and I were friends from St. Joe’s and I recall that even as a teenager he was eloquent, composed and accomplished. These were qualities I certainly admired but which were also intimidating until I had the pleasure of getting to know him and seeing how humble and kind hearted he actually was. Simon was generous with his support to friends and class mates and his keen wit would often brighten my day. I loved our chats and remember his cheeky laugh very fondly.
Our condolences to the Raffin family.
Simon was a respected colleague and friend at Norton Gledhill. He brought to Norton Gledhill his intellect, engaging personality and commitment to the law. We are the better for having known Simon.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke, Caroline & Remy
Extending our love & heartfelt sympathy to you all on the loss of Simon.
What happy memories we have of the old St Mary’s days and now cherish when our paths crossed over the years. Simon always had a brilliant intellect and while he achieved much in his short life, more importantly he was a brilliant human being with his feet firmly planted on the ground.
He was the very essence of the phrase: “Live, Love, Laugh & Leave a Legacy”
Rest in Peace Simon.
Roslyn, Cliff, Leo, Reuben & Amber
Cannot believe Im seeing your face on this page Simon …..To Anne ,Charlie and family sending my sincere sympathy …..My thoughts and prayers are with you all Marita
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke. Deepest sympathy on the loss of your brilliant and charming son and brother.
From Marion Richardson and her girls and their families.
To the Raffin family,
We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. I was saddened to hear of Simon’s passing and have many fond memories during our primary school days together. Simon was always kind, polite, thoughtful and his knowledge was incredible. Sending you all love and well wishes.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your son Simon Anne and Charlie and Family.. My love and thoughts with you all..Maree Hayes (Hipworth)
Dear Anne, Charlie, Fiona, Sarah and Luke
On behalf of Simon’s ANZ friends and colleagues, our deepest condolences. To say that Simon was respected and admired does not do justice to the pleasure he was to work with. Simon exuded intelligence, kindness and calmness. But Simon was more than a colleague. He was a beloved friend, with a cheeky smile. The first one to ask how you are and offer a helping hand to anyone in need, Simon will be deeply missed. We are better people for having known him.
Our thoughts are with you.
Simon’s ANZ friends and colleagues x
Dear Raffin Family,
My sincerest sympathy on Simon’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Simon through my friendship with Fiona and always found him to be charming, welcoming and so genuinely authentic, a true gentleman. I know there are no words to take away the pain of your loss. I am thinking of you all and sending you lots of love and strength as you navigate this difficult time.
Simon, Caramilk and Nagi Fan Club forever.
Love Ellen xx
Thinking of you all xx
Charlie, Anne, Fiona, Sarah, Luke, Caroline and Remy~
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to know Simon is no longer with you all.
I knew of Simon through my best and dearest friends Luke and Caroline , and had the pleasure of meeting him before their wedding. Someone who lit up the room and made my cheeks hurt (I can still feel that exact sensation ) from laughter. I was immediately drawn to him~ he was a true gentleman… kind, interested, interesting, witty, authentic, hilarious, cheeky, and simply so fun.
I will remember the speech he gave on behalf of Charlie and the Raffin family at Luke’s wedding. An insight into your unbreakable and inspiring family unit~ full of love, admiration, respect and support.
I can see his face now on the dance floor, next to the saxophone player. I was a true fan of his! So I can barely imagine the heartache you must feel having had him in your life forever. Albeit far too brief.
The qualities he possessed are ones I will always remind myself are most important.
And I have no doubt our little Remy’s love and bond with his Zio will love on in him for all the years to come.
Sending love to you all.
xo Emily
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke and family
We are so sad to hear of Simon’s passing and send our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Love and Prayers from Augusta Copat, Jeanette, Alan, Shane, Brett.
Who was Mrs Goulding and Sister Zita’s favourite? Simon, hands down! My sincere love to the Raffin’s.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Simon, spent many a time chatting on the school bus. Keeping you guys in our prayers.
Dan, Sal and Boys.
Deepest sympathy to Anne and Charlie and the rest of your beautiful family on the loss of your son Simon. We remember him from his early years in Cohuna and him coming to our Ubaplican Youth Group. Praying for you all, may he rest in peace, gone too soon. Les and Lynne Crichton
Dear Anne, Charlie, Fiona,Sarah and Luke, I’m saddened to hear of simons passing. He was a kind soul and an excellent academic mind. I enjoyed studying Italian, English and our shared passion for public speaking. An eloquently spoken gentleman whose friendship during secondary school was valued highly. May Simon rest in peace and your hearts be soothed by your faith. Holly and family
Dearest Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke,
I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Simon, your beloved son and brother. He was taken way too soon and my heart breaks for you all. I will always have fond memories of our families times altogether, especially when we were much younger, right through to the special days of marriages and babies. Our deepest sympathies go out to you all🌹
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke and family,
Deepest sympathy on the heartbreaking loss of your beautiful son and brother, Simon.
We will never forgot his quick wit, infectious smile and incredible intellect.
So many fond memories of family times together, meetings and adventures with St. Mary’s Youth Group and many more.
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
With love, Phoebe.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke.
Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy on the passing of Simon.
We knew him best as our Caroline’s wonderful brother in law and godfather to Remy. The tributes already written come from people who knew him well and paint the picture of such an intelligent, fun loving and gentle human being who has left us far too early.
In the last three months we saw another side to Simon. He never once complained about the events that overtook him and he faced insurmountable odds with extraordinary courage, dignity and faith. In that he taught us all and was truly inspirational; we will always remember him. Veronica and Ian
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Simon I have such fond memories of spending lots of time with you all when we were kids. And I know mum and dad will be passing on all their love as well. Deepest sympathy, love and prayers to you all. Mel, David and family xx
To the Raffin family and friends,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Simon.
I worked with Simon at ANZ. He was always a true gentlemen in all my dealings with him and will be thoroughly missed.
Rudi
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah Fiona and Luke, we are sorry to hear of the sad passing of your beautiful son Simon. We will always remember happy times shared at Cohuna particularly the kids early years. With our love. Marg and Peter Hall and family.
My sincere condolences to the Raffin family. I knew Simon through work and he always came across as a genuine, thoughtful, kind person that had a calming presence that could settle any room. A true gentleman that will be greatly missed.
Charlie, Anne, Sarah, Fiona, Luke
Lucio, forza. Forza a voi tutti.
Mary(Marson) and Barry xox
So saddened to her of the loss of your beautiful son Simon.
A true gentleman.
Sincere condolences to Anne, Charlie and all the family.💐
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona & Luke- sending all the light, love and strength in the world to you all at this sad time. Cannot believe Simon is gone. Lots of memories from our young years and comparing notes as the ‘chosen’ church readers every Easter and Christmas. He truly was the nicest person- polite and genuine and loved his family. Such a loss for all, gone way too soon. Rest in Peace. Felicity
Our deepest sympathy to you Charlie, Anne, Sarah, Fiona and Luke and Raffin families on the passing of Simon.
Simon would always stop and say hello when he noticed us while he visited Cohuna.
Kind, caring and a great ambassador when he did his public speaking while we were in the Lions.
Sending you all our love, sympathy and plenty of prayers at this sad time,
from Des and Marie Hudson ❤💙💐
Dear Charlie, Anne, Sarah, Fiona, Luke, family & friends
I was saddened to hear of Simon’s passing, my deepest sympathy to all.
We worked together at ANZ and connected with our common love of Cohuna and the northern plains. What a wonderful colleague. Always thoughtful, methodical and collaborative to the many challenges we faced.
Simon, I will miss your timely words of wisdom, calmness and warm smile of support.
My sincere condolences to Anne,Charlie, Sarah,Fiona, Luke and family not only on the loss of your son and brother but one of life’s true gentlemen. Never a more sincere and eloquent man you would meet, always had great conversations when we would bump into each, all too infrequent though. There is another new shinning star in heaven God bless to all. Love and best wishes Ross Crane.
Deepest sympathy to Anne Charlie Sarah Fiona Luke and family a lovely Christian family gone too soon my prayers are with you love Geoff
Condolences to Anne, Charlie and family. A gentle boy and beautiful swimmer. Geoff and Ann Dale
Dear Raffin family
Our deepest condolences to all of you on the tragic loss of Simon. As almost every post here recounts, he was a kind and gentle man who made time to speak with, and listen to, every person in the room.
We are all thinking of you during this extraordinarily difficult time.
Lots of love to you all
Julian Hammond and Diana Hogan (and extended families)
I met Simon at Queen’s College when I joined as tutor in the Senior Common Room (SCR, his initials) and we have been friends since. He stood out because he was so wise, clever, hilarious, humble and kind. It didn’t surprise me when I read he won the plain English speaking state competition when he was about 14 or that he was editor of Melbourne Uni Law Review Alumni Association. I’m sure there are many more of his accomplishments I’m yet to discover. He was a talented speaker and writer (during COVID we exchanged hand written letters; lucky me because his hand writing was beautiful), and he loved Italian language and culture. He was adventurous and took himself off on interesting holidays; I joined him a few times and saw some of the most spectacular churches in New Zealand! At Queen’s we attended Mass and I loved listening to him sing those beautiful English hymns. To me, Simon had all the qualities of a compassionate priest and he lived life according to his values. Why, I remember once when I was struggling he taught me to pray! What incredible people his parents must be to have raised such a remarkable young man. If I’m not wrong, he would have turned 44 today. I feel blessed and grateful to have known you, Simon! And may the perpetual light of God shine on YOU now, darling 🙏.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke, I am so sorry to hear of Simon’s passing. An eloquent, intelligent, generous person gone from this world far too soon. Much love to you all.
Sincere sympathy to the Raffin family at this very sad time xx
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke, sincere sympathy on the passing of Simon what a kind lovely caring family man he was. Sending hugs and prayers to you all at this very sad time. Cannot be there on Monday but will be thinking of you all.
Love Marg and Jeff Reade.xx 💕
Our deepest condolences to Anne, Charlie & family on the loss of your loved son/ brother from Lyn & Allan Breen
Sorry to hear of the loss of Simon, thinking of you all.💙💙
Sincere condolences to Ann, Charlie, Fiona, Sarah and Luke and families. Remembering Simon as the kind and gentle person we knew.
XX Jenny Mathers and families
Dear Ann, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke. Deepest sympathy for the loss of Simon. We shared many great times growing up in Cohuna. Very saddened to hear the news. Simon will be missed by all. Thinking of you all.
Nick Hall
My heart hurts to hear this news. I studied law and lived at Queen’s College with Simon. He was always such a funny, cheeky, gorgeous person and great company. My deepest sympathies to those who loved him.
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke,
My deepest condolences on Simon’s passing.
He was one of my dearest friends at Queen’s College and law school. We spent many happy hours laughing together, sharing law notes and talking politics. I fondly remember meeting Simon and you all in Venice in 2001 for a day enjoying Italy.
While I saw less of him once I moved overseas and interstate, we had a lovely catch up last Christmas in Carlton. Simon was in the same great form as ever, a brilliant conversationalist, as we caught up on the last year’s news.
He was devoted to his family and I know will be so very sorely missed by you all. I will miss him terribly too.
Warm wishes,
Georgina Downer
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah Fiona Luke and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
What an intelligent, caring happy man Simon was. Always the same whenever we crossed paths, loved a chat and a laugh. I will always remember his smiling face and infectious laugh.
Thinking of all the family at this difficult time. Rest in peace Simon.
The Raffin family,
I’m saddened to hear of Simons passing, a gentle soul who always had time.
May he be at rest
Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow
Bree
My deepest sympathy on your loss of Simon, just to young to leave this world, I always admired the faith of the Raffin family and know now that he is in the arms of the angels watching over you all. May he rest in peace, no more pain. My love to you all💔😘😘
Dear Ann,Charlie,Sarah,Fiona,Luke and all the family. So sorry to hear the sudden passing of your loving son/brother Simon our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.Deepest sympathy love from Mauro Theresa Mark Rebecca Steven Danielle Alyssa Noah Leah Milana Alessio Pigatto.
So so sorry to hear this tragic news. My love and prayers are with the Raffin family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
My deepest condolences to Simon’s family and siblings on such a tragic loss. Simon, was an exceptional gentleman and an absolute pleasure to have worked with. You will be missed at our monthly risk management forums and I will treasure the note you dropped me, advising of your upcoming surgery and absence from work. Your humility and approachable nature, despite your seniority at ANZ, will be what I will always remember. Thank you and God Bless.
I still can’t quite comprehend this devastating news.
I was at Queen’s College at Melbourne Uni with Simon. I remember he was always a calming influence on the more stressy types (like me). He was always up for a giggle, and he had an impressive set of pipes to belt out a song or two. We went our separate ways from there before our paths crossed again as we both worked at ANZ in Legal. Simon was a great colleague and then an even better manager. He was so thoughtful and kind. He always knew what to say and what to do. And he laughed at all my silly jokes.
My deepest condolences to his parents, sisters and Luke and friends. I am thinking of you all at this sad time.
RIP Snoop Raff. You were taken way too soon. I’ll never forget you. You were 1 in a million!
Love Moz x
Dear Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona, Luke and family,
How devastated we are to hear of your sudden loss of Simon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
All our love, Margot & Stephen.
I went to Secondary School with Simon in Echuca. He was a great friend- funny, so clever and always up for a chat. Thinking of his family at this devastating time xx
Dear Charlie, Anne, Fiona, Sarah & Luke and family, our hearts break for you all. To lose your precious son, brother & uncle is devestating for your family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Simon will always be remembered and was the epitome of all that was good & kind. Sincerest sympathy to you all, Love Rod & Caren Coates xxx
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. I studied law and lived alongside Simon at Queen’s College, and he was an incredible intellect and character. Always so generous and up beat, and his positivity totally got many of us through gruelling law exams. I extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones.
Our sincere condolences to the Raffin family on your loss of Simon. Thinking of you all 🙏🏻
What a terrible loss to the world. Such an intelligent, kind, thoughtful young man. Il mio amore per tutti. Moss
Ann, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona,Luke and family,
A terrible loss for you all and for this world.
Fond memories of a bright, intelligent, cheeky boy and teen who brought light and laughter to the room and so much love to his family. May your wonderful memories carry you through this tragic time. RIP dear Simon.
Tammy, Kurt, Hannah and Jackson
Dear Ann, Charlie, Fiona, Luke ,Sarah and all the family. Sorry to hear the sad news . Simon was such a gentle, loving person taken too soon in life. Thinking of you all at this time. Take care Love Anne , Andrew and Luke.
Our deepest sympathy to Anne, Charlie & family, what a shock. Lovely memories of Simon as a young fella, remember him well in with Bob & Jean. Kaye & Todge.
My deepest condolences to Luke and the Raffin family. Thinking of you all during this tragic time.
Thinking of you all, with Simon’s passing, Charlie, Ann, Fiona, Luke and Sarah. All our love, Margaret and Rob Alexander ❤️
To Anne and Family. Deepest sympathy. Thinking of you all at this time. Keeping you in our prayers. Lyn & Ian
Dear Anne, Charlie Fiona,Luke and Sarah, I am saddened to learn of Simons passing. We have lost a beautiful man who will be greatly missed.
Praying for you all. Love Leonie
My sympathy to Anne Charlie Sarah Luke
On the passing of Simon .He was lovely kind man
Who will be missed by all who he touched .
Pam Amanda Sally lingenberg and family 🌹
Dear Charlie Anne Fiona Luke Sarah and all the family,
So sad to hear of the loss of your son/brother Simon. What a kind and loving person Simon was. Life is a mystery. May all your happy memories bring you comfort. God bless. Jennie goulding ❤
Dear Anne Charlie Sarah Fiona Luke and family
Our deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of a wonderful deeply devoted family man praying for you all at this sad time RIP Simon
Maxine and Bryan
Anne, Charlie, Sarah, Fiona and Luke,
I am so saddened to hear of Simon’s passing ; my sincere condolences x
Such a gentleman will be deeply missed by all. Deepest sympathy to Ann and all the family. Xx xx Jodi Bannister
Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear son Simon. Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.
Leiza, Dallas and family.