Obituary of Simon De’ Hernandez

Simon De’ Hernandez was born the second of three sons on August 18, 1935, to Simon T. Hernandez and Luise Lucille Hernandez in Portland, Oregon.  Simon (Si) died February 19, 2023, in Bellevue, WA.

Si graduated from Benson Polytechnical School where he lettered in track and cross-country.  He joined the army serving in the Korean War receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. He graduated from the Northwest Technical Institute of Oregon, Inc. in 1957.  He married Arlene (Marks) and became father to Simon G. and Sirece (Smith) Hernandez.

Simon led an active and adventuresome life.  He became the Fencing Master of Portland after creating a fencing club and developing and coaching an elite cadre of fencers.  The fencing club thrived for many years.  He moved to Seattle to work with the renowned fencer Frenchman Leon Auriol becoming a NW fencing champion.  Simon married cadre member, Marilyn Jarrell. After he lost some fingers from his right hand in an accident, it was challenging to regain his expertise as a fencer so Si took up other sports.  He was an avid snow skier, skater, biker, dancer, hiker, sailor, kayaker, and tennis player.  He loved the activities and cherished the friendships he made along the way. 

In 1981 Simon married Marlene (Marya) Mosher and over 35 years they shared numerous sailing trips, hikes and other adventures, many including stepsons Chris and Travis Mosher.  Si was heart broken when Marya passed away in 2021.

Simon is predeceased by his father and mother, brother Leroy and his wife Mayra.  He is survived by former wives Arlene Marks and Marilyn Jarrell, his brother John (Tony), children Simon G. Hernandez (Nannette), Sirece Smith (Allan), Travis and Chris Mosher and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 August 18, 2023 at the top of Mt. Erie Park on Fidalgo Island followed by a luncheon in Anacortes.  Please email Steve and Barbara Barnes bjb723@outlook.com for more information and to RSVP.   It will be a great time of sharing memories and tales of SI-ventures with each other. Please join us.