Simon Dunkerley passed away February 2011, aged 50 - R.I.P.

gregbear61 · Post by **gregbear61** » 21 Feb 2009 17:37

He will be greatly missed, very sad to hear of his passing.

Slayer · Post by **Slayer** » 21 Feb 2009 18:39

A very sad loss to philatley his knowledge was something I appreciated and in turn learnt from- my thoughts go out to his family

Simon

petercollects0 · Post by **petercollects0** » 21 Feb 2009 19:49

What a shock! I never met Simon but have been reading his great articles and more recently his posts for many years.

My sincere condolences to the Dunkerley family.

prof2000 · Post by **prof2000** » 21 Feb 2009 21:52

My thoughts and prayers are with Simon's family at this terrible time.

A great loss.

stampderro · Post by **stampderro** » 21 Feb 2009 23:57

I never had met Simon personally but have read a great deal of his and him.

A great loss to philatelists and philately.

Condolences to Simon's family.

"Many stockbooks left unopened and many an article left unwritten."

R.I.P. Simon.

Owen P.

Eric Casagrande · Post by **Eric Casagrande** » 22 Feb 2009 01:29

It is without a doubt, a great loss to both his family, and the philatelic community.

heldo1 · Post by **heldo1** » 22 Feb 2009 03:27

What a sad day has passed with the news of Simon passing away. The world will be poorer with his passing. His dedicated approach and contribution to the Philatelic world over the last 30 plus years is held in high esteem worldwide and I need not add any more than this. His absence will be greatly felt for many years.

My condolences and symphathy is extended to his family and his large circle of close friends.

I knew Simon as a fellow philatelist and collector for more than 20 years and he was instrumental in helping me with all the 'little things' when I was starting my collection of KGV.

He was still helping me with certificates just before Xmas so this has come as quite a shock.

He will be sadly missed by all in this world esp. those that knew him well.

R.I.P Simon

Pod · Post by **Pod** » 22 Feb 2009 12:30

A complete shock - I hadn't realised Simon was still in his 'youth' - his knowledge of stamps certainly exceeded that impression.

Matt

Post by **admin** » 22 Feb 2009 12:58

Pod wrote:A complete shock - I hadn't realised Simon was still in his 'youth' - his knowledge of stamps certainly exceeded that impression.

Matt

Yes Simon Dunkerley was a lot younger than many imagined - see photo below. He'd been active in stamps and clubs since age 12, so he got a very early start. He was in charge of a suburban stamp shop for a week at age 12.

They changed the 'age' rules at the Brighton Philatelic Society so that he could join at 12, and get approval books - the age HAD been 18 until then:

https://www.glenstephens.com/dunkerly.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a photo below I took of Simon (left) at the Stage Door Deli in Manhattan in 2007, the evening of the last day of the $A7.15 million Arthur Gray Kangaroo sale by Shreves.

https://www.glenstephens.com/arthur-gray-kangaroos.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It was about 2am, and we'd been at an Irish pub for many hours before this.

Simon Dunkerley is at left, and Shreves operations Manager Jeff Mayfield is centre, and Arthur Gray is at right.

Simon ordered his first ever Pastrami sandwich here, at the legendary Stage Door Deli.

Arthur Gray was the first one to phone me this week to advise Simon had passed away, and they had been great friends for decades.

Such a tragic loss of a great stamp intellect, and a really great bloke, and good friend of 30 years.

Glen Stephens

Didge · Post by **Didge** » 22 Feb 2009 13:27

Folks,

What a great loss. I dealt with Simon many times over the years and you could always trust and respect what he had to say. A great bloke in the stamp trade.

Tim

pertinax · Post by **pertinax** » 22 Feb 2009 21:46

May I also pass my condolences to Simon's family and to those here who were long standing friends of his.

So sad, and on top of recent events too.

Scott

tazy · Post by **tazy** » 22 Feb 2009 23:12

Such a sad loss - yes, a true gentleman who will be missed from the Ausralian stamp scene.

My sincere condolances to his family.

Roos · Post by **Roos** » 23 Feb 2009 00:19

My sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

I like many others will miss his knowledge and contributions in both the Stampboards website and Stamp News.

woodblocks · Post by **woodblocks** » 23 Feb 2009 08:14

dm57 wrote:Very sad news .....sincere condolences to his family .

I had the utmost respect for a man I never met,who several times exchanged very lengthy,detailed and informative emails regarding different matters relating to stamps........For an important person with his knowledge, to be prepared to spare his time and share his wisdom with a nobody was truly remarkable....and no doubt I was just one of many.

This year has certainly not started the right way for stampboarders.

Dieter

I´m just shocked by this very sad news.
I've read several articles and all were of special interest.
Some nice contacts I´d the honour to share with him as a great philatelist of really special knowledge.

My condolences to the family of Simon Dunkerley.

tapstamp · Post by **tapstamp** » 23 Feb 2009 09:21

I am saddened by Simon's passing.

I have known Simon for the past 30 years and was Secretary of the Royal's Expert Committee during the time of his membership of that committee.

His guidance and opinions on "patients" during that time will never be lost.

Rest in Peace Simon.

Tom Carter

Philatelics (Australia) · Post by **Philatelics (Australia)** » 23 Feb 2009 12:30

Our deepest condolences to Simon Dunkerley's family.

I have known Simon for over 20 years and met on quite a number of occasions at stamp fairs and when Simon has viewed our Auction lots, as well having many phone conversations over the years.

Simon was authoritive on many aspects in Australian Philately and with regard to the number extent of rarities, auction realisation history and provenence of rarities, missing colours and printing variations, in my opinion the recognised authority. Unlike some philatelists however, Simon was always willing to freely share this information.

Over the years in Philately when buying collections, we have seen items purchased from dealers that may have an unmentioned thin, been regummed or other issues. Never ever with Simon, he had Philatelic ethics to be envied.

Simon and his multitude of contributions will be missed in the trade and it is unlikely there is someone with the enthusiasum to take his place.

Steve Meharry and Steve Waterman

Philatelics (Australia) Pty Ltd

ebay_dealer · Post by **ebay_dealer** » 23 Feb 2009 13:05

Such sad news.

This bloke just totally knew his stuff a real genuine expert.

I never had any direct dealings with him but do remember seeing him at Prestige auctions,often with Juzzy, and also being the auctioneer for Stanley Gibbons in Melbourne about 3 or 4 years ago.

Just who is going to step up to the plate like this in the future

My deepest sympathy to his family.

kindest regards to all his close frieneds

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 23 Feb 2009 13:46

Dreadful to hear the loss of a good friend who we got to know personally over the last 2 or so years.

We knew you werent well but could have never imagined this.

I will never forget all those dinners at my place, the eternal search for the perfect hot chocolate (we came close I reckon) , and of course all those wonderful roos.

Absolutely irreplacable in this field and thankfully we collected so many unmounted roos as I'm sure the re-gummers out there can breathe again

.

At peace now, never forgotten.. Go Saints

Martin and Christine Doughty

chambo · Post by **chambo** » 23 Feb 2009 14:56

Such sad news. The stamp world, even board lurkers like myself, will genuinely miss his learned and always positive contributions.

Such a shockingly young age too. My commiserations to his family and friends.

78lam · Post by **78lam** » 23 Feb 2009 16:30

I am shocked & saddened to learn of Simon's death. This highly respected man will be missed by all in the philatelic world. My sincere condolances to his family. Lesley Mansfield

Ken · Post by **Ken** » 23 Feb 2009 17:23

Simon's knowledge, and his willingness to personally share it, are lost forever with this sad sad news. My sincere condolences to all who were close to Simon; friends, family and colleagues. Even those of us who got to know him only through his writings and prompt responses to our emails are sharing in this loss with you.

RIP

stampmanalan · Post by **stampmanalan** » 24 Feb 2009 14:28

To Simon's family I wish to convey my sincerest condolences.

In my many dealings with dealer's in Australia and around the world I would have to say he was one of the most helpful, ethical and honest dealers I have ever had the pleasure to correspond with.

He definitely put everyone's needs ahead of everything else, way ahead of ego and the mighty buck which sadly, nowadays, in some cases there are very few in philately that would ever come remotely come close to Simon's integrity.

He will be very sadly missed.

Rest in peace-knowledgeable and kind friend.

Alan Lee

byker1 · Post by **byker1** » 25 Feb 2009 02:27

What a tragic loss for one so young

My sincerest condolences to Simon's family

Regards Byker1

Post by **admin** » 25 Feb 2009 16:20

I have just heard from Arthur Gray that a Funeral Service will be held for Simon Dunkerley at the Crossway Baptist Church, 2 Vision Drive, Burwood, Victoria, this coming Friday 27th February, at 1pm.

Sadly I will be on a plane to Chicago at that time, or otherwise would have attended, but if any members were planning to attend, those are the details.

A large section of the stamp trade will be overseas at that time, due to Stampex and Philatex etc in London.

RIP Simon .................... and condolences again to his family.

Glen

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 25 Feb 2009 16:47

Thanks Glen, there was nothing in the papers here so there was no way of knowing.

I will manage to get there but I imagine a lot will be missing.

Kev · Post by **Kev** » 25 Feb 2009 17:17

pandadog28 wrote:Thanks Glen, there was nothing in the papers here so there was no way of knowing.
I will manage to get there but i imagine a lot will be missing.

.

The Funeral notice is in today's Herald Sun.

Kev.

Post by **gavin-h** » 25 Feb 2009 20:16

admin wrote:A large section of the stamp trade will be overseas at that time, due to Stampex and Philatex etc in London.

As one of those members of the Stampboards community who are meeting in London on Friday night, I know we will pause for a moment to remember Simon, and to raise a glass to "absent friends".

My condolences once again to Simon's family, many friends, and colleagues.

whobyavalanche · Post by **whobyavalanche** » 26 Feb 2009 21:26

Kevin & I planned on attending Simon's funeral tomorrow however the extreme weather conditions predicted have caused schools in the Dandenongs to be closed down and we are faced with once again getting the children and pets (and valuable Stamp News archives!) to a safer environment after watching from our kitchen window on Monday as a fire burnt out 350 hectares of Birdsland & environs which was where we normally walked our dog.

This fire is still being monitored by the CFA, and this evening there have been two small outbreaks in it's vicinity.

Kevin has also cancelled his planned attendance at the Perth ANDA Show this weekend due to the increased fire risk.

Condolences to Angela Dunkerley, and family.

Mairin

Mairin Holmes
Assitant Editor
Stamp News Australasia

Faust · Post by **Faust** » 26 Feb 2009 21:56

I just read the very sad news in stampboard. A huge loss to philately in Australia, I aways appreciated his comments and his advice on my questions.

My deep condolences to all his family.

Faust (Frederik)

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 27 Feb 2009 17:27

I attended Simons funeral today and it was a lovely service, very well attended.

Something i noticed on the pamphlet for Simon was that it stated his birthdate as 07/02/59
which means that he actually did reach the magic 50 although nowhere near enough after that.

R.I.P mate.

Ycrem · Post by **Ycrem** » 01 Mar 2009 01:23

Memories Keep those we love,
Close to us forever....

My heart felt sympathies to all who love and miss this wonderful person!

..................

Post by **gavin-h** » 01 Mar 2009 07:59

At the Stampboards Third London meeting last night, a moment was taken to remember Simon and the victims of the bushfires.

Glasses were raised in a toast to Absent Friends:

herblg · Post by **herblg** » 02 Mar 2009 21:33

My condolences to family and friends.

spud2911 · Post by **spud2911** » 03 Mar 2009 01:22

Simon clearly had an impact on many people based on the numerous and thoughtful comments written on this board. I knew him only through his writing. From all I have read, he clearly was an expert in his field and seemed like a great bloke.

He achieved an incredible amount in relatively short time and will be missed. His writing and memory will remain. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Regards,
Phil in Japan

Maisy · Post by **Maisy** » 06 Mar 2009 21:37

My sincere condolences to Simon's family.

It is a sad loss and he will be greatly missed by his dear friends and also by the philatelic community.

Maisy

DCP23 · Post by **DCP23** » 30 Apr 2009 23:41

Never knew the guy personally, but having just recently read through his articles here and also his comments on this board in the philatelic expertisation thread -- and it just dawned on me how profoundly knowledgeable a philatelist he was, and of what extraordinary integrity.

To pass away so young is always very sad of course but with Simon I can now attest it really was an irreparable loss to Australian philately and even to philately worldwide. Truly.

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 18 Feb 2010 16:10

A year tomorrow since a great friend and philatelic genius left us.

I know of so many people who are missing your friendship and stamp knowledge every day.

I can only hope you are resting in peace and that there is something better on the flip side.

R.I.P Simon.

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 18 Feb 2010 16:27

Yes a year has gone fast. RIP Simon.

With the kind permission of 'Stamp News' where his articles all appeared, my webmaster has nearly completed the enormous job of replicating all his 100s of hours of original research articles complete with photos.

I will fund the hosting of it all here or on glenstephens.com soon - as a permanent tribute to the vast amount of knowledge Simon had that has gone forever now his website has expired.

He'd have liked the thought that data and written research can live forever, and educate the current and next generation of collectors.

Glen Stephens

Lakatoi 4 · Post by **Lakatoi 4** » 18 Feb 2010 16:36

How time passes so quickly

Simon has been mentioned in many philatelic reference books and publications as a contributor (from memory he is in the list at the front of one of the SG specialised catalogues).

That kind of knowledge learned and hard earned over a lifetime shouldn't be lost, so good move to collate as much as possible in the one location.

Ormond · Post by **Ormond** » 18 Feb 2010 17:02

Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth and British Stamps 1840-1970 19th edition 2010, p. iii

Hugh Jefferies, Catalogue Editor -

I would also like to pay tribute to the late Simon Dunkerley, who provided constant and reliable advice and assistance on the stamps of Australia and its States and Territories over many years. His early death at the age of just 49, in early 2009 was a sad blow to Australian philately and to his many friends around the world. He will be greatly missed.

Night Watchman · Post by **Night Watchman** » 18 Feb 2010 17:20

Global Administrator wrote: He'd have liked the thought that data and written research can live forever, and educate the current and next generation of collectors.

Glen Stephens

Well said, Glen.

RIP, Simon Dunkerley.

rajeev varma · Post by **rajeev varma** » 18 Feb 2010 23:56

When you become a member of a group here stampboard the members become family sharing good moments bad moments.

When you lose a family member it is like losing a part of you.

Me and my family express deep and heartfelt condolence to the family members of Mr.Simon Dunkerley.

If anybody in Australia is going to talk or see his immediate family members pls convey.

rajeev varma

Johnny B. Good · Post by **Johnny B. Good** » 19 Feb 2010 02:42

Hi;I never had met Simon but have read many thing from him and I know
he are highly respected man by all in the philatelic world

**Sincerly condolences to his family and anny friends & members
**From Lucie & Johnny my dauther & son.
From: Province of New Brunswick
*Canada*

PeterS · Post by **PeterS** » 19 Feb 2010 09:31

February 2009 was a truly awful month here in Victoria.

Didge · Post by **Didge** » 20 Feb 2010 07:23

Folks,

Yes a year goes quickly. Great work Glen with the articles. Like most in the stamp community I brought stamps from Simon. He was always knowledgable and a gentleman to deal with.

I always have a tinge of regret when I see the inteview the person below you thread. The member below me is Simon. He was member number 38 and I am member number 39. Sadly I will never get the opportunity to interview him.

Tim

davpot · Post by **davpot** » 21 Feb 2010 03:26

Yes, I too remember Simon kindly. He was a steady voice of reason and understanding in a sometimes too hectic world.

He was also a voice of encouragement.

Thanks to Glen for saving Simon's trove of knowledge and counsel.

Dave
Oregon

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 21 Feb 2011 19:37

Another year goes by mate and i still cant believe how often your name comes up, a true expert never dies.

Ill have a hot choccy for you tonight.

Post by **GlenStephens** » 21 Feb 2011 19:52

Global Administrator wrote:Yes a year has gone fast. RIP Simon.

With the kind permission of 'Stamp News' where his articles all appeared, my webmaster has nearly completed the enormous job of replicating all his 100s of hours of original research articles complete with photos.

I will fund the hosting of it all here or on glenstephens.com soon - as a permanent tribute to the vast amount of knowledge Simon had that has gone forever now his website has expired.

He'd have liked the thought that data and written research can live forever, and educate the current and next generation of collectors.

Glen Stephens

Well after a lot of work my webmaster now has assembled every research article Simon had up on his website, prior to his passing.

Every scan and every word he had written, is captured below - in perpetuity.

I'll host them forever on this page -

http://www.glenstephens.com/simondunkerleytribute.html

A sad loss of a very good friend and colleague.

For newer members here - the 2 page 'Stamp News' VALE I wrote is below -

http://www.glenstephens.com/simondunkerley.html

pandadog28 · Post by **pandadog28** » 21 Feb 2011 19:55

A sincere thanks Glen.

Night Watchman · Post by **Night Watchman** » 21 Feb 2011 20:13

Thank you, Glen.

R.I.P. Simon.