Mountaineers curling assistant coach Simon Ouellet passes at the age of 64

HAMILTON, Ont. – The Mohawk Mountaineers community is saddened to learn of the passing of Simon Ouellet at the age of 64 after a brief illness.

Simon was long-time assistant coach with the Mountaineers curling program. His infectious personality and passion for the sport of curling created lasting bonds with the student-athletes and the Mohawk Athletics Department.

Simon's leadership and guidance over the last few years helped the men's curling team to three consecutive OCAA championships, a CCAA silver medal and a CCAA bronze medal, and the mixed doubles team achieved two OCAA bronze medals.

Born in Shawinigan, Quebec, Simon played curling at a competitive level before sharing his dedication of the sport through coaching, mentorship and advocacy. In 2011 he was honoured as a National Finalist and Ontario Winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, issued by the Canadian Curling Association.

The Mountaineers send their deepest condolences to Simon's soul-mate and best friend, Betty Calic, his two stepdaughters Andrea and Carly, and to all of his family and friends.

A celebration of life for Simon will be held on June 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Scottish Rite Club.

As a way to honour Simon's legacy, the Mountaineers have launched a donation page in his name. At the request of Simon's loved ones, all proceeds will go directly into the Mohawk curling program. Please consider donating through the following link: https://mohawkcollegefoundation.akaraisin.com/ui/SimonOuellet.

Quotes remembering Simon Ouellet:

Jacob Jones | Mohawk Men's Curling

"I had the pleasure of knowing and being coached by Simon for the last several years. To say he had a positive impact on myself as a player and a person would be an understatement. His outgoing personality and enjoyment of life was admirable and his passion for curling was like no one else's I have ever seen. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and pushed me to see I was capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit for. I wouldn't be the person or player I am today if it wasn't for Simon or Betty. With all the positive messages about Simon I've seen online, he clearly made an extremely positive impact while he was alive and that's something I will always admire about him. He will truly be missed by myself and many others."

Eric Just | Mohawk Men's Curling

"Simon has been a coach for me in both curling and life since I met him five years ago. Always having incredible insight and advice on and off the ice, Simon quickly became much more than just a coach to me, he became a great friend too. With my parents living in Illinois, both Simon and Betty have always been there for me in a way I could not be more thankful for. Simon, you changed the way I thought about curling. You lit a fire under me when I felt like I had no more to give. You always had the passion and energy of a true Mountaineer, and you will be missed greatly by many. Thank you for always encouraging us to give it our all, and for many memorable team bonding moments."

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Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just: Second; 6' 0"; Senior

#54 Jacob Jones: Skip; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just
: 6' 0"; Senior
: Second

#54 Jacob Jones
: 5' 5"; Senior
: Skip

Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just

#54 Jacob Jones

Players Mentioned

#41 Eric Just

#54 Jacob Jones