Any Shepparton local or frequent visitor knew the man who sat by Kmart and sang to passers-by.
Whether you shared a smile, said hello or placed coins in his guitar case, it’s hard to find someone who hadn’t shared a moment with him.
His name was Simon Jones, and on March 21, he died peacefully in his sleep.
He was born on January 27, 1964, the third of five children.
Raised in Benalla, he moved to Mooroopna 25 years ago.
His niece Lisa Morris said he became Shepparton’s most beloved busker because “music ran in his veins”.
“We are a very musical family and it just came natural for him,” Lisa said.
“It was a bit of a release for him as well, whenever he was going through things in life, and it fulfilled him immensely, being able to interact with others.”
His love of performance was also motivated by his love of community, she said.
“He was just a selfless person and wanted to breathe love and music into the world,” Lisa said.
“He wanted to have that effect, and if hearing him play put a smile on your face, that’s really all he wanted.”
He was a selfless man who was full of energy, Lisa said.
“He was an absolute character, so funny and always saw the positive in things,” she said.
“A quiet man but always willing to help, and all he wanted was for people to love each other.
“I could say a million things about him and it still wouldn’t be enough.”
An announcement about Simon’s death was made on a Shepparton community Facebook page.
The comments section was flooded with hundreds of messages of love and sadness about his passing.
The News asked the page’s members to share their tributes to Simon.
Some wrote of specific memories and moments that people would never forget.
“My four-year-old son absolutely loved him; every time we went to Kmart he would change his song to one Dylan likes. Always made his day, and I still haven’t broken the news to him about Guitar Man’s passing,” Cassandra Rose said.
“My son loved to go to Kmart and would give him money and be called ‘little champ’. It made his day,” Ranai Mulloy said.
Others spoke of Simon as a person and as a talented local musician.
“Simon you were a gentle soul and such a gentleman that loved to share your music to our community. You will be sadly missed,” Kerriann Mcquade said.
“Such an inspiration to so many of us, young and old. Simon sang so many songs that brought a lot of memories, songs that touched the heart. He was a beautiful soul and an amazing entertainer and will most certainly be missed,” Darlene Nicholls said.
“He was a very gifted gentleman who put a smile on many faces who will be missed. RIP Simon,” Leonie Adams said.
Commenters also called for something to be placed where he sang; a mural or a plaque just two of the ideas shared.
“He was always a lovely, polite, appreciative and caring man, who will be missed. A talented musician, too. It would be good to give him a permanent memorial such as a plaque or seat or mural in his ‘spot’,” Jo Whyte said.
One commenter, Aleesha Du Bois, had a long friendship with Simon and reached out to The News to share some words about him.
She talked about how his busking journey began.
“He was a drummer that taught himself to play guitar. I’d watch TV with him and he would do guitar lead breaks in the ad breaks,” she said.
“He got good enough that he went out to busk and he absolutely loved to do it, it was never about the money.”
She also talked about his other passions and hobbies.
“He had about three black cats over the years and called them all Heidi, like Killing Heidi, the band,” Aleesha said.
“He was a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, such a humble, easy-going guy who had a huge heart and yet was a complete lone wolf who enjoyed his own company.
“He loved to watch The Simpsons and his favourite movie, Jackie Brown — on VCR, mind you.
“He would do anything for anyone, and he absolutely enjoyed every single minute busking.”
She said being the humble man he was, the love shown by the community would have been a pleasant surprise.
“He would be completely gobsmacked at the amount of love everyone in the community has been showing him,” she said.
“I can’t tell you how much it would mean to him, everyone’s love and support and kind words and tributes.”
After news of Simon’s death became known to the community, a photo of him was placed above his usual busking spot, and within hours, several bouquets were left underneath.
Simon leaves behind his four siblings, 15 nieces and nephews and 22 great nieces and nephews.
A community-led memorial will be held on Saturday, March 30, from 10am to 2pm outside Kmart on Vaughan St, Shepparton.
The service will feature local buskers, who will pay tribute to Simon.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service.
A GoFundMe has been created to assist financially with Simon’s funeral.
To make a contribution, head to gofund.me/58ffab71