Simonn of Amber Isle

Photo
Photo by Phocas of Bordermarch, taken 2006
Information
Registered Name: Simonn of Amber Isle Resides: Bordermarch Status: Fallen Star Joined SCA: 1976
Order of Precedence
Simonn of Amber Isle
Heraldry
Quarterly gules and argent, in bend sinister a hawk's head erased proper between two towers sable. [Spitzaetus ornatus]

His Excellency, Count Sir Simonn of Amber Isle, OP, OL, MOD, Defender of the Dream

Previously Known As: Simonn of Amber
Nickname(s):
Pronouns:

Offices:

• Local Offices Held
  • Founding Baron, Bordermarch (1977 - 1989)
  • Knight Marshal, Bordermarch (held several times)

• Regional Offices Held
  • Authorizing Marshal, Coastal Region
  • Authorizing Marshal, Southern Region
  • Marshal, Seige Engines
  • Marshal, Youth Boffer

• Kingdom Offices Held
  • 1st Knight Marshal, Principality of Ansteorra (1997 - serving under Prince Sean & Princess Katerina)
  • 2nd Knight Marshal, Principality of Ansteorra (1998 - serving under Prince Randall & Princess Constance)
  • 3rd Prince of the Principality of Ansteorra
  • 9th King of Ansteorra

Interests:

• Participating with Family
• Service to my Liege Crown and local Barony
• Campfire Bardic tales & poems
• Serving as Event Steward
• Constructing & Maintaining "BorderKeep" - the site for Bordermarch Autumn Melees: This site has gone through three seperate stages and locations, from landscape timbers at Clairbourne West Park, then railroad ties at Colmesneil, then a mortar cinderblock structure. Of particular note is that the first Gulf War fort construction was inspired by the BorderKeep blueprints; then the Pennsic fort was based on that same plan, expanded upon; and the castle at Bryn Gwlad’s Castleton was also based on our BorderKeep blueprints.

Timeline of Activity:

Prior Groups:

• Region of Ansteora, Kingdom of Atenveldt
• Principality of Ansteorra

Populace Provided Information:

Robin of Gilwell

Simonn of Amber Isle passed away this morning, surrounded by his family.

Last Saturday, during the annular eclipse, I saw the sun slowly dim, and provide less light. This feels like that, except that the Black Star is permanently diminished.

In the 1970s, I started to take part in the Principality of Ansteorra on a very limited level. But I wasn’t really committed to it. Soon, Simonn became the Prince. He was a living symbol of chivalric valor, courtliness, and quiet wisdom.
In that reign, he and Princess Tessa started a Principality Order of the Cavalier. It was an order for top fencers (“swashbucklers”, then) – the first one anywhere in the SCA. And its symbol was a white scarf.

If they had not done that, I would probably not have ever become really active, and would likely have dropped out. Nothing I’ve done in the SCA would have occurred.

In 1983, he became our ninth King, and he and Queen Tessa ruled together again, with justice and wisdom.

I knew he couldn’t attend Gulf War in 2015. He was in the hospital too recently. (In fact, I thought he was still there.) Then I saw him walking off the chivalric field. He fought all week, on both fields.

The ravine battles at Gulf War are “resurrection battles”. Once you are killed, you go back to your base and start over. In the rapier ravine battle in 2015, near the end, I was trudging back for resurrection, and thought, “I think we’ve already won this battle. I’m 59 years old. I’ll let the younger fighters finish it out.”

Then I looked down and saw Simonn (in his 70s) on the front line. So I dove back into the battle again. And I’m not the only White Scarf who was inspired to go back on the field by Simonn’s presence.

He was inspiring Ansteorrans on the fighting field for 40 years. (And off it for even longer.)

Knight, Laurel, Pelican, White Collar, Viscount, Count. That’s all four bestowed peerage orders, and royal peerage as well. Very few people in the entire SCA have achieved that. He was the first Baron of Bordermarch. And he’s a Lion of Ansteorra.

Quiet in his demeanor, focused on the field, courtly at a feast, adamant in his honor.

And on his last night on this earth, he wore his regalia, and swore his fealty to the Queen.

"He lived by his oath till he died."

A legend has passed.

Ivarr runamagi

Simonn is a legend. He was a friend like no other. He and Tessa had beautiful words to say when my wife, H.E. Catriona was given her Court Barony, which thrilled her to tears. Simonn was my friend and a brother in so many ways. None can replace him, but we should all strive to be the good person that he showed us how to be. He has helped me to be the best that I can be, just by sharing his life with us.

Kein MacEwan

In the past, I have been heard to say, "I want to be Simonn when I grow up."

I still aspire to his level of courtesy and convivial good nature. I also hope to face the difficult times and situations with as much indomitable will as he always did. Sir Simonn is gone and the world is smaller.

Iago Cabrera de Cadiz

I do not believe Simon was the first member of the Chivalry to wear the WS. However, he was the only knight of his era of White Scarves I ever got to fight with. I fought with him enough to learn from him and, according to him, for him to learn from me. The rapier community, Ansteorra, the SCA, and the world are lesser for his passing.

Robin of Gilwell adds: Sigmund was the first knight to become a White Scarf.  Dinar and Simonn were the next two, made on the same day. Simonn was certainly the only one still fighting thirty years later.

Morgana of the Mists

Today, a man loved and admired by all that knew him has left us. He inspired and lived his life as a true knight. Not only in the SCA, but EVERYDAY.

Ben Lee or as hundreds know him as Sir Simonn, I will miss you and your counsel. Most of all, I mourn for those that never had the true honor of knowing him. Ansteorra is dark today, and Gleann Abhann has lost a friend. I have lost my friend, the epitome of true chivalry. Rest now in peace, your work here is done. Love you Simonn and his Lady wife, Tessa.

Elrique DeNetterville

Since he’s on my mind this morning, I thought I’d tell a story that goes years beyond my time in this society. Some of you may know that in another distant life I ran with some folks who may have been identified in certain circles as an unsavory sort. Rough, tough, and all around the types of men you want on your side if you ever need a lot of muscle. An old man we rode with told a story one evening about these crazy folks they’d run in to at Port Neches park in you guessed it, Port Neches, TX. A bunch of weirdos dressed in funny clothes and armor were on the hill hitting each other with sticks and it was apparently pretty funny to watch so some of them moved closer. Now these are men who aren’t accustomed to being welcomed when they walk up on a group, but this one I’m told was a little different. The man telling me this story said he was greeted by a few. Among them, a man dressed all in black with a helm on his head. Now of course everyone around here is looking for the angle now. Those sticks looked pretty substantial. A conversation ensued, questions about pain and insanity may have been brought up a few times, and out of the blue the guy in black armor hands him one of his sticks and says “Hit me”.

A tap on the shoulder follows. He says louder. “No. HIT me”.

A rap to the helm. Followed by the taunt “Is that the best you can do, I said HIT ME”.

Years of street and bar brawls breaking pool cues over rival gang members heads on his resume’ said we need to teach this guy a lesson, so he wound up and hammered home with everything he had. The guy in black smiles and says “That’s better. Again”.

Another solid rap to the helm, followed by the taunt “That’s better but still pretty light”.

A few more rounds of this and the biker telling me the story says he was getting pretty winded. The story ends with him telling me he had no idea who that guy was but he sure hoped he was never on the $h!t end of him going ape $h!t in a dark alley.

Fast forward to about 1998. I heard that story told from the perspective of the guy in black armor. From the guy in black armor.

Simonn of Amber Isle was a giant of a man in my eyes. Sure, he was made a Knight in only nine months. Sure, he was the founding Baron of Barony Bordermarch. Sure, he was the Prince of the Principality of Ansteorra twice, and King of the Kingdom of Ansteorra once again. Sure, he was a member of the Orders of the Pelican, Laurel, White Scarf, Masters of Defense, Chivalry and so much more.

One of my greatest honors in life was him being elevated to the Order of the Masters of Defense in our premier court the day I was made the sixth Baron of Ravens Fort.

But to me he was a mentor.

A councilor.

A snapshot into what each of those orders should look like to someone just starting out in a society like ours.

He was my first look into what Regal looked like. He taught me what it is to be an Ansteorran.

Most of all he helped me focus on just being a better me.

My words when describing this legend fall short in every way imaginable, but for this Word Fame Wednesday, I pray you guys let me slide.

For it is in joyful service I remain,
Elrique

Gabrielle de Lacy

My word fame is Simonn and Tessa.

I don’t remember ever meeting them, they have just always been there.
My father was Simonn’s cadet and in being so our families were united.
Simonn and Tessa have been with me growing up, they’ve guided me, told me stories, laughed with me, and cried with me.
They were there helping me with homework, at my graduation, at my wedding, at funerals, at baby showers, and all major and minor events in my life.
Simonn loved all of us so dearly.

Forest Evergreen

My heart is saddened today. At my first event, a gentleman I had never met took the time to talk with Marshall and I at length about fighting. He spent about half an hour telling us about fighting styles just before the ravine battle. We were warming up for our first ravine battle ever at GW when Simonn walked up and said "Do you guys mind if an old timer shows you a couple things about two stick fighting?"

He was warm, kind, and full of good humor. I had no idea the status he held or the contributions he had made. Much later in that event when people kept mentioning his name I said "This Simonn guy seem really popular. Didn't we meet a guy with that name earlier?"

From then on it was always a joy to see him at events. For about a year I would walk up to him and say "I'm not sure if you remember me.." And with a smile he'd say "Of course I do, Forest."

Our Star, our game, and our hearts are a little less today. But I can only hope that we will shine brighter tomorrow by being more like him and making this game, and our world, a better place.

All my love to Tessa Gardens and her family.

Zubeydah

For about a decade, I had a scraggly, stained, torn little post it note in my purse. It said, "In case of Peerage." It had a list of names of those who have been inspirations to me on my path. On that list was Tessa and Simonn. While I had only been in his presence twice in all my years, he was a towering figure. As someone who loves group history, I had eagerly drank in stories of his and Tessa's reign. I had read all of their missives in the Black Star during their Reign, I had interacted with Tessa on social media. It felt like I knew them - which was purest hubris.

When Their Majesties Jason and Marguerita told me that I was to be put on Vigil for the Order of the Pelican, Mistress Myfanwy sat me down to talk about my ceremony to be held that night. She asked, "Who would you like to speak for you as a Master of Defense?" I blurted out, "If I could have anyone here, it would be Simonn of Amber." She grinned and said, "Well, I can ask him."

That night, he chose to speak as a Lion instead. He said, "Majesties, we've heard a great deal of her background, her talents. I would say it simply: The best is yet to come."

After the day was over, I realized something: I had put him in a terrible position. I wasn't someone he knew well. We did not have a deep relationship. To be honest, we didn't have one at all - he was a hero to me, and I knew -of- him a great deal, but that knowledge was all one sided. I was absolutely embarrassed.

I made gifts for those that I asked to speak for me. (Ok, I'm still working on some of them, two years later) I asked Tessa what he might like. She said, "Make him some of those pretty lampwork beads in Ansteorra gold." I got an idea.

I believe that the Chivalry is a fragile thing. It isn't made of steel or iron. It isn't a single link that can take the blame for being weak. The Chivalry (or any peerage) holds the damage caused by or taken by all of its members, always. Every crack. Every chip. Every break. Peerage should be given to those who will treat it with gentle and protective care - the Chivalry most especially. Simonn was such a man. So: I made a 'chain' of golden glass.

I sent it to him with an explanation and a heartfelt, abject apology for putting him in so awkward a position at my elevation. He sent back the most generous and kind a reply. I'm bawling remembering how gentle and courteous it was.

I weep for Tessa. For Zane. For Ansteorra. For all who knew him.

"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot,
for one, brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot."

Notable Contributions or Accomplishments:

• 1979: Created Don Tivar Moondragon as the first Don in the Known World, in what became the Order of the White Scarf
• 1979: With Tessa of the Gardens, completed the paperwork to transition Ansteorra from Principality to Kingdom status, as commanded by King Theo of Atenvelt.
• 1982: Kingdom Warlord
• 1984: Queen's Champion to Willow II
• 2007: Named a Lion of Ansteorra by Aaron II & Britta II
• 2013: Named a Knight of the Sable Garland

Affiliations:

Artwork by William Blackfox

• Married to Tessa of the Gardens
• Parent of Zain Ambergate ap Simon
• Parent of Aarion Krykwood of Mountain-Gate (deceased)
• Member, House Mountain-Gate PILA
• Proteges:
  • Maili Donnel MacGregor
  • Ricciardo da Nicolosi
• Cadets:
  • Zane Ambergate (Shared with Don Ansgaar)
  • Ricciardo da Nicolosi
• Squires:
  • Uther Blackthorne
  • Aron Whitewolf
  • Adolph the Bear
  • Amalric
  • Sven
• Apprentices:
  • Rhineholdt

Mundane Information:

Bearer of the Sable Shield of Ansteorra

Simonn of Amber Isle is a Sable Shield holder; US Navy. He did not go forward for many years because he felt the Sable Shield was more for the current generation; and lo, and behold, the day he went forward, so did Duke Patrick Michael, and Sir Asad u'Din - a frequent visitor to Ansteorra, from the Outlands.