UPDATE: A private family ceremony will be held with a public gathering to be advertised at a later date. Messages to the Simonsen family C/- Broadway Funeral Home, 10 Short St , Matamata 3400.

We are devastated to learn of the passing of Matamata Swifts’ Life Member, and total club legend, Barry Simonsen.

Simmo, who was 85, had an almost life-long association with Matamata Swifts and the sport of football in Matamata. He was a player, coach, administrator, sponsor, bus driver and, without doubt, the club’s number 1 fan.

We all remember Simmo’s big smile, infectious sense of humour and positive support from the sidelines. Thousands of Swifts – young and old – will mourn our community’s loss.