We Remember
SIMLA, Jeff
April 11, 1962 — May 27, 2023
On May 27, 2023, at his home in Kelowna, BC, Jeff passed away suddenly in his wife’s arms.
Jeff will be missed dearly by his wife of 35 years, Brenda; his daughters Carly (Sheldon) Westrheim and Kayla (Zac) Gauthier; his four grandchildren, for whom he’d do anything, Norah, Hudson, Atticus, and Amelia; his brother Larry (Wendy) Simla; and sister Deborah Simla (Dan Kennedy). Jeff was sadly predeceased by his parents, Walter and Marjory Simla; and sister Sandra Simla.
Jeff was born and educated in Kelowna, living in the community of Rutland. He held many careers including The Kelowna Daily Courier and Your Dollar Store With More head office. In his later years, he came to know the Lord and became faithfully involved in ministries. He was Executive Pastor at Metro Community for 8 years where his servant leadership lead the community through one of their most difficult seasons with incredible character, dignity, and honor. He was working diligently to build a new vision in his last post at Remple Construction.
Jeff loved family time, especially with his beloved grandchildren who brought him so much joy. He always chose to spend as much time as possible outside, where he could be found riding his bike or enjoying water sports. One of his happiest places was on the boat with fishing rod in hand.
Jeff was loved by many, and his loss will be felt by many.
A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Metro Community, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to Metro Community or BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM
Location
Metro Community, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
Metro Community or BC Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: metrocommunity.ca/give, www.heartandstroke.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for SIMLA, Jeff is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Metro Community, 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Our hearts are breaking for you Brenda, Carley and Kayla. Jeff was an incredible husband, father and grandpa. The love you all shared together will go on. Keeping you all in our prayers at this very sad time.
Andy and Kim Macaulay
Brenda and family – we too are among the many who had the privilege of knowing Jeff. He was a great friend, and among his many contributions to society – he was also a good hockey player. But above all – he came to know the Lord and became a ‘Fisher of Men’. May you sense comfort and strength during this difficult time. Harry & Helen Brust
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Jeff’s sudden passing. We didn’t see him often but when we did you could just pick up talking with him like it was just yesterday you saw him last. He will be greatly missed by all. Our love and prayers go out for your family. May God give you peace and be your Comforter…
Dear Brenda and family – such a shock to receive the news of Jeff’s passing. It’s so hard to find the words to say those things that are deepest in our hearts but please, please know I am thinking of you. Wishing you healing that touched both body and spirit…. Peace in those moments when you need it most …..And strength to sustain you day by day. Keeping you in my prayers and asking God to keep you and yours close. Larry and family and Deborah & Dan – my heart aches for you as the loss of your dear brother Jeff came so very soon after the loss of your dear mother. Please know that prayers and caring thoughts will be with you for a long time to come. Please take good care all of you and God Bless and keep you in his care. With deepest sympathy , much love and God bless all. ♥️ Beverly Simla
God has called a good man home too soon. Jeff’s shining love inspired many of us reach higher heights. May he rest in peace
Brenda, Sarah and I will both will always treasure our time with you and Jeff last week. I will remember how proud he was, showing me his pictures of his grandchildren….he sure loved them. Our hearts ache for your loss…..”heavens gain”. Holding you and your family in our prayers.
Love Joyce and Sarah Mainland
Brenda and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear the news of Jeff’s passing. He was a tremendous light and so much fun! I have so many great memories of his humor and kindness during my days at WPC! Praying you feel the presence of Jesus as you grieve this loss, and are comforted by the knowledge he’s getting Heaven ready for the rest of us!
Dear Brenda and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Jeff.
Sending our sincere condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy, Ralph and Annette
Dear Brenda and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. The memories we created together during our high school days and the incredible journey we embarked upon in Europe will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Jeff was not only a dear friend but also an integral part of our wedding day. His presence brought joy, laughter, and an irreplaceable energy that made our celebration complete. The memories we created on that special day will forever be cherished.
During this difficult time, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace Jeff. You will be missed more than words can express.
With heartfelt condolences,
Frank and Cathy Ambrosio
My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with Jeff at the Courier. He was a great co-worker. We shared many laughs together.
Jeff and Brenda are dear friends of our family. We have enjoyed countless dinners and events with them for the last 25 years.. Jeff was always ready to listen. He had an open and sensitive heart. Additionally, Jeff had a great sense of humor that we loved dearly. Jeff loved his family more than anything and always strived to be the best husband, father and grandfather that he could possibly be. Jeff had a very full life. I will miss him dearly.
Jeff supported me in many ways. He was an attentive listener which enabled me to express what was in my heart. He always seemed to understand. Personal or business didn’t matter. He believed in me.
Jeff was there for me when my 32 year old son Adam died from brain cancer. I grew to understand that we both shared similar beliefs in the Lord.
I pray that Jeff continues his work for the Lord but from a different perch. He has helped hundreds of people find their way.
God Bless you Jeff. May you rest in the light of Heaven.
Love you pal,
Bryan
Brenda and family, I knew Jeff through work, and since I retired a while ago, I just found out about his passing by accident. Jeff was a warm and caring person, always available to help. Please know that prayers and caring thoughts will be with you for a long time to come. With deepest sympathy , God bless