Obituary of Ove Christian Simonsen

Ove Christian Simonsen died, age 87, on January 23, 2024 in Toronto of complications due to pneumonia, without pain with his family by his side.

Ove was born March 19, 1936, on the family farm in Redvers, Saskatchewan to Simon and Anna Simonsen. Ove grew up with 7 siblings: Jack, Simon, Chris, Vern, Louise, and Eva now deceased, survived by Inge.

From his humble beginnings, he gained his Architectural degree from the University of Manitoba and his masters in Urban Planning while In Denmark at the University of Copenhagen. Ove was fighter, fearless, sharp witted, funny, adventurer, explorer, scholar, creative intellect, conceptualist, designer/entrepreneur and humanitarian; For those who have met him would agree! And he fought until the end. Ove was especially passionate about his work that took him, and sometimes his family, across the world to places like Canada, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Uganda, and the Sudan to name a few. Working with governments of such countries, contributing and impacting on their socioeconomic development, where his expertise was sought after and recognized. Ove’s other great passions were for food and cultural artifacts. He loved exploring these while working and living in these countries. Family meals were not just times of great conversation of world affairs but also a ‘taste’ of this cultural diversity. Ove loved his eggs … any style!

He was a loving family man leaving his wife, Phyllis of 47 years, his children, Natasha, Marcus and Anna, and grandchildren, Maya, Max and Taiga. Ove will be missed.

May He Rest In Peace.