Keith Simmons

We are all so proud of Dad and his achievements and we can honestly say he is truly inspirational to us. This is not only based on his success as a business man, whilst coping with the day-to-day struggles of being deaf, but also with his work on renovating the Bournemouth Deaf Centre and caring for others. His hard work helped the local deaf community so much that it resulted in Dad being recognised as the Volunteer of the Year by the Mayor of Bournemouth in May 1996 and he was awarded an MBE in the 2000 New Years Honours list by the Queen. This was at the same time he made the family business such a local success, ready to pass on to us, his three children. We are so thankful for all the hard work he put in during his 26 years of running the company and the legacy he has left us. Having now retired he is sorely missed by us all at the company and the staff comment about the void he has left behind. It is his smile and sense of humour that makes him such a geniune and loved person by anyone he meets. We aim to continue his philosophy that being a good person and looking after people is the most important aspect of having a good life. We would love you to consider this application we have made on behalf of our Dad who is a through and through sport fanatic and religiously watches any sport, especially athletics, whenever possible. It would be an amazing way for us to say thank you for everything he has done for us. Des Simmons, Veronica Strongman & Anita Smith Chairman and Trustee of Bournemouth Deaf Society, President of Bournemouth Deaf Club and Chairman Wiltshire and Dorset Deaf Association.