It is with great sadness we learned that Old Viking Simon Cromack (O89) lost his long but courageous and inspiring battle with Glioblastoma on August 19, just one day after his 54th birthday.

A large number of the Shiplake community will have been aware of Simon’s illness, with so many having stepped in to support him and the fundraising for his treatment. They did so because Simon himself was so deeply loyal, loving and supportive to all who had the joy of knowing him. From his time in Orchard House to the hospitality businesses he worked in, founded and nurtured, Simon drew in so many people with his infectious humour, simple hard-graft and dedication.

In February a group of Simon’s friends from his Shiplake College years surprised him with a lunch at the school and reminisced about times in the classrooms and on the playing fields. Simon loved his rugby at Shiplake, a passion he later carried into playing for the family pub side at The Five Horseshoes and then as a volunteer club coach, a role in which he energetically championed girls’ rugby. 

His overwhelming passion in life however was his family, and especially his wife Steff and daughters Ella and Nelle and our thoughts are with them all.

Simon’s funeral will be held on 16 September with full details to follow.