Birth: 1953 Death: 2024 Craig Scott Simon OBITUARY Craig Scott Simon, 71, passed away on August 10, 2024. He died the same way he lived fighting the good fight. His final days were full of strength and fortitude after a sudden onset illness.
Craig’s larger-than-life spirit, humor, and generosity are impossible to capture on the page. He was a born entertainer and master storyteller with a penchant for riotous jokes and impersonations. His youthful vigor was unparalleled: he listened to loud rap music, drove fast, and pulled all-nighters.
His motto was “work hard, play hard,” but Craig admittedly spent more time working than playing. Craig was an alumnus of the University of California, Los Angeles and Loyola Law School. He served as Managing Partner of Berger Kahn and was a litigator and attorney for over five decades.
He had a Herculean work ethic and was regarded by industry experts as one of the top subrogation attorneys in the country. In 2021, Craig was awarded the prestigious California Lawyer of the Year Award for his work on the Woolsey Fire $2.2 billion settlement.
In addition, the Daily Journal named Craig among the Top 100 Attorneys in California.Craig was born to Harriet and Henry Simon on April 23, 1953. His mother, one of the first female real estate agents in Los Angeles, instilled in Craig a fierce devotion to family and an abundance mindset.
Craig was deeply altruistic, spreading his wealth with an open heart and no expectation of anything in return. He worshiped his wife, Joan, took pride in his three children, and was always up for playing with his grandkids.Craig was a thrill seeker (skiing, rafting, scuba diving, helicopter rides), loved parties, relished a good steak, and enjoyed playing poker with his buddies.
He loved the beauty of Laguna Beach, where he watched the sunset from his balcony and made friends with every passing beachgoer. A close colleague said of Craig that his passing is not just an absence, but a void. All who knew him would agree.
His legacy will be enduring.He is survived by his wife, Joan; their children and spouses Rebecca & Jarrett, Hannah & Jeff, David & Anna; and three grandchildren. He leaves two brothers and their spouses: Steven & Esperanza, Daniel & Annie; sister-in-law and spouse Elaine & Jean-Loup, and his beloved mother-in-law Shirley (who, at 101 years old, is outliving us all).
Memorial services will be Monday, August 19, 1 pm, at Mount Sinai Memorial Parks & Mortuaries, Hollywood Hills, Tanach Chapel. For those who can’t attend, there will be a livestream and another celebration of life in a few weeks. Contact the family for details.
No gifts or flowers, please. If you’re compelled, a donation can be made to a charity you love in Craig’s honor. Honor with Flowers In memory of Craig Scott Plant a Living Memorial In memory of Craig Scott.
