OLD TUDORIAN (’44)
Simon Heath, who passed away in September at the age of 93, was a proud Old Tudor House boy and a man of quiet distinction with a remarkable breadth of experience and character.
Born in Sydney on 22 June 1931, Simon was the youngest son of Noel Heath of Melbourne and Leslie “Sue” Reading of Sydney. He began his schooling at Edgecliff Preparatory before joining his older brother Peter (OT 1937–1941) at Tudor House in 1941. A boarder from the age of ten, Simon quickly became known for his quiet determination and natural leadership. By his final year in 1944, he was Dux of the School, School Captain, Colour Captain and Scout Patrol Leader.
He continued his education at The King’s School from 1945 to 1948 and later trained in accounting before building a distinguished career in stockbroking and merchant banking. His early roles with Rowe & Pitman, Lazards and Morgan Stanley took him to London and New York. On his return to Australia, he became a partner at Hordern Utz and Bode and played a leading role in establishing Rothschilds’ merchant banking operations in Australia through International Pacific Corporation, a venture with Anglo American.
In the 1970s Simon’s career took on a new direction. From exporting sheep to Iran with Aust-Iran to backing some of Australia’s earliest shale oil projects in Queensland, he brought vision and boldness to every venture. Southern Pacific Petroleum and Central Pacific Minerals captured attention on the Australian Stock Exchange and were among the more ambitious undertakings of the time.
Simon was a longstanding member of the Australian Club and at the time of his passing held the honour of being its second longest serving member. He was remembered there, as in every corner of his life, for his humour, warmth and enduring sense of fun. Simon shared a long and rich life with his beloved wife Diana, now 90, whose companionship spanned decades and brought deep joy to their homes in Bellevue Hill, Darling Point and Woollahra. He leaves behind three children, Hugo, Emma and Giles, who each carry forward his spirit of excellence, integrity and curiosity. His sons, like their father and uncle before them, attended The King’s School and continued a cherished family tradition. Simon Heath will be remembered as a man of spirit and intellect, gentle in nature and generous in heart.
His life touched many and left an enduring impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.