Simon Robert MacFarlane Walton

On Sunday, August 13th, Simon Robert MacFarlane Walton passed away surrounded by his wife, Frances, and three children, Harry, Pippa, and Nell. He was brother to Andrew, Geoffrey and Michael, brother-in-law to Paul and loved them and their families profoundly. He was a resident of Ridgefield CT for over 19 years.

Born in London, England, Simon grew up in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and spent his childhood exploring the outdoors, playing sports, and traveling throughout the country and France whenever possible. He attended the Royal Grammar School, where he developed a love of rugby, and read Economics at University College London from 1981 to 1984. Simon served as an elected Student Officer at UCLU Student from 1984-85. He also coached the Women’s Rugby Team at UCL and was an occasional DJ. His taste in music remained consistent from the 1980s through 2023.

After his graduation, Simon’s first job was with Touche Ross & Co (now Deloitte Touche) through 1997. He was granted Fellowship of the ICAEW in 1999. In 1997, he began working for PepsiCo International in Somers, New York, and after some transatlantic back-and-forth, settled at the PepsiCo office in Purchase, New York for the majority of his 25 years with the company. His career ranged from Finance, to IT, to Strategic HR; Simon found great purpose as a listener, mentor, and considerate leader. He took immense pride in being awarded the Global Harvey C Russel Inclusion Award in 2005, and treasured his colleagues at PepsiCo. He retired in December 2022.

While working at PepsiCo, Simon volunteered with the PepsiCo Credit Union and served as Chairman after the merge with USAlliance Credit Union. He proudly continued to serve on the board into his retirement, having a strong belief in the importance of credit unions and economic stability to marginalized communities.

A wild wanderer at heart, Simon loved exploring with his family. From Vermont to San Diego, Simon had an appreciation for nature, new cultures, and learning about different parts of the country. The annual trips to Maine were one of his favorite traditions (despite avoiding any water deeper than his knees). The annual St Patrick’s Day weekend, arranged by a group of dear friends, were a highlight of his year, even when the destination was the crew traveling to keep him company at home. His local book group travelled through their literary selections, and he loved the intellectual discussion and companionship they brought to his life.

Simon met his wife, Frances, in London in 1985, and introduced her to the city. 33 years, 2 continents, 6 homes, 3 children, and an indescribable number of days filled with laughter and joy later, they had explored much of the world and treasured their time together. Simon was a phenomenal father to his three children, fostering their passions in any way possible. From years coaching soccer and traveling to tournaments, to hours of driving lessons, to building ballet barres and ship’s wheels, to passing down his love of reading, food, and music, Simon’s dedication to uplifting and encouraging his children was unparalleled. His legacy as a generous, thoughtful, patient, and loving father radiates through his loved one’s lives.

Simon had a wit that was warm and mischievous. He brought out the best in people and his intellectual curiosity made him an engaging companion on any adventure. With a bookshelf in every room of the house, Simon was a lifelong learner; he loved music, the arts, and upheld his beliefs in equity and fairness in all that he did. It is impossible to summarize all that Simon was and what he meant to the people in his life. He will be sorely missed.

A private Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on September 2nd; please email simonwaltonmemorial@gmail.com for further details.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, to consider donating to the Ridgefield Library or the Arbor Day Foundation.

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