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A gentle warrior fought his last battle on January 8, 2001. Simon Goldman died peacefully after a long and valiant fight against a myriad of illness that never managed to fell his indomitable spirit and his love for his devoted family. He was surrounded by family members and friends, and to the very end he exhibited the selfless courage and resilient spirit he had shown every single day of his 88 years of life. He was a role model to everyone as he lived a truly moral life, always giving his very best and bringing out the best in each person with whom he came into contact. His never-ending optimism and positive, enriching perspective on life was legendary. Si, the youngest of seven children, was born in Russia in 1912 and came to the USA in 1920 to live in Denver, Colorado. He met and married the love of his life, Becky, and moved to Albuquerque in 1940 and established Simon's Western Wear and Uniform Store, an institution that manifested his warm, open and constantly giving nature. It was much more than a successful department store: Simon's was a community gathering place where customers came not just to purchase goods, but came because Si Goldman, himself, was there. Everyone who knew Simon-family, friends and even strangers- came away enriched by his compassion, kindness and glowing respect for humanity. A great athlete himself, he loved sponsoring teams and youth groups throughout his life. There was immense strength in his gentleness and kindness. His spirit moved and touched everyone. Si, known affectionately as "Zeda" by all his family, was a man who gave his love unconditionally. He was the epitome of a"mensch," a humble man with an ever-present sense of humor. He gave fully of himself to the Jewish community as well as to the community at large. He and Becky were among the founding families of Congregation B'nai Israel where he served as President and Chairman of various committees. He was given numerous awards for his philanthropy and caring. Among his many accolades were being honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, his appointment to serve on the Albuquerque Fair Housing Commission and being honored by the State of Israel Bonds Committee. He was also President of the AKAC Tennis Club whose members will sorely miss him. But Zeda was not your ordinary philanthropist as his style of giving was always quiet and done with extraordinary attention to preserving the self-respect and dignity of those to whom he gave. His life expressed the values of his faith and his generosity of spirit knew no bounds. Simon will always be revered by his family. He is survived by and will always be cherished by his wife of 61 years, Rebecca Goldman, and his children: Joan and Sam Ginsburg, Barbara Goldman, Margaret and Martin Goldman and Steve Goldman. His always treasured grandchildren are Adam Ginsburg, Karen Ginsburg, Sarony Young and Uri Gross, Cody Young, Michael and Susan Goldman, Danielle Goldman and Lisa Goldman, and his great grandbaby, Edenne Young Gross. Farewell, sweet and humble Zeda. Your entire life beautifully expressed the deep values of your faith. There will never be another you and your legacy will live forever. Services, officiated by Rabbi Isaac Celnik and Cantor Josh Perlman, will be held at Congregation B'nai Israel on Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at the family home on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Congregation B'nai Israel, 4401 Indian School NE, 87110. Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE, is in charge of his arrangements.
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